The emblematic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reopens its doors for key workers

BARCELONA (Reuters) – The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reopened on Saturday, giving front-line workers the opportunity to have the landmark usually filled with tourists for them in recognition of their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

People took photos and listened to audio guides after the Archbishop of Barcelona, ​​Juan José Omella, led representatives of health workers to the church.

The basilica, designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, closed almost four months ago. But for the next two weekends it will be open to essential workers, including health care workers, police and NGOs, who will be able to explore without the usual crowds.

The goal is to recognize and pay tribute to the residents of Barcelona, ​​”especially those who have been on the front lines fighting and working to prevent Covid-19,” according to a statement on the basilica’s website.

“It is the first time that I have been and for me it represents a gift, a gift for the effort and the hours that we have dedicated during the last months, so I am grateful,” said Virginia Martínez, a hospital doctor. from the nearby city of Terrassa. “It is an acknowledgment of our work and what is better than visiting a monument like this?

A second phase of reopening will see the noble and famous unfinished church receive the residents of Barcelona for free, while a third phase will allow the visit of national and international tourists.

Started in 1882, the Sagrada Familia is the sixth most visited tourist attraction in the world, according to TripAdvisor.

The reopening occurred when Catalonia imposed a new blockade on more than 200,000 people on Saturday after several new outbreaks of coronavirus were detected.

Residents of Segria, which includes the city of Lleida, about 150 km (90 miles) away from Barcelona, ​​cannot leave the area, but will not be confined to their homes as was the case during Spain’s strict confinement. at the beginning of Barcelona. the outbreak.

Spain has registered 205,545 coronavirus cases and 28,385 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health, making it one of the most affected countries in Europe.