Changing its official slogan from "VisitBarcelona" to "This is Barcelona" may seem subtle. But the shift reflects the Catalan capital's breaking point with overtourism and its desire to draw visitors to its cultural riches on its own terms. Many locals avoid the historic center because of tourist hordes. Officials are cracking down on short-term rentals in the face of a housing shortage. But Barcelona is not over, as those who branch out into neighborhoods like Gràcia, Eixample and Poblenou to seek Catalonia's authentic food and often overlooked art will see. And this year the city commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí and the completion of the tallest towers of the Sagrada Família, the church that began construction in 1882 and was his unfinished life's work, with a visit by Pope Leo XIV and a slate of special exhibitions and events.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome Bureau Chief at The New York Times. He has extensive experience covering Italy, the Vatican, and Southern Europe, while also specializing in profiles and features of American political figures. His work has been featured in numerous prominent publications including Yahoo News, The New Yorker, and Vogue, showcasing his focus on culture and society, sports, and competitive sports.
