WHEN visiting one of the world’s most famous landmarks, it’s only natural to want to take a photo.
But holidaymakers in Spain have been banned from snapping pictures outside the Sagrada Familia after a dangerous trend went viral online.
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The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona attracts as many as 4.7million visitors a year, and it was the first to get 100,000 online reviews on TripAdvisor in 2017.
But a new trend on TikTok has seen holidaymakers take selfies and videos outside the Spanish landmark as they exit the metro on moving escalators.
According to local media, posters banning visitors from taking videos or photos on the moving escalators have appeared around the attraction, after the photo trend went viral on TikTok.
The poster read: “Danger of entrapment: Do not take photos or videos while moving on the escalator.”
TikToker Gracie, who is known as thisgirlygracie on the social media platform, posted a video after the posters were introduced.
In the video, which has had 75,000 views on TikTok, Gracie revealed that a “man” had been telling holidaymakers off for taking a video on the escalator.
Construction work on the Sagrada Familia is set to finish in 2026 – more than 140 years after it first started in 1882.
Esteve Camps, president of the organization behind the church’s construction said: “We have the funds and materials to finish the main structure, including the central tower that will crown the Sagrada Familia as the tallest building in Barcelona.”
Even though the central tower will be complete, other construction work will continue to take place.
Work on decorative details, and a huge stairway at the main entrance, won’t be complete in 2034.
Little-known rules in Spain
A number of popular tourist resorts and provinces across Spain are introducing new rules in a bid to crack down on overtourism.
From April 10, San Sebastián will limit the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding.
The local council has warned tour guides that they face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,287) if they are found flouting the rules.
Last summer, San Sebastián also introduced new guidelines aimed at tourist guides, including:
- Use individual audio systems
- Avoid the occupation of public places of passage
- Avoid the most busy areas in summer and peak hours.
San Sebastián has already banned the construction of new hotels.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in Andalucia.
The visitors will be warned before ordering about extra costs for sitting outside – and they won’t pay £8.50 explicitly to the venue.
Instead, the hidden costs would be added to raise the price of each dish on the menu if it will be served on the terrace.
And tourists heading to Benidorm’s beaches need to be aware of the time restrictions, and check their watches twice before going.
Swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am can cost beachgoers a whopping £1,000.
Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
Outside of Barcelona, tourists can also visit the town of Comillas to see Gaudi’s El Capricho villa.
And The Sun’s Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Barcelona – here’s how to find £14 flights and secret tapas bars.
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