In a brazen act of environmental protest that has stunned Spain and the art world, Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família basilica became the latest target of climate activists. The unfinished masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí was defaced with orange spray paint by members of a German activist group, leaving the renowned basilica's stonework stained and requiring immediate cleanup.
Historic Basilica Under Attack
Early morning visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site witnessed the shocking vandalism as activists from the German organisation Letzte Generation (Last Generation) targeted the basilica's sculpted facades. The group, which has previously made headlines for similar protests across Europe, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating their action was intended to draw attention to the climate crisis.
The orange paint was sprayed across the stonework of the Passion Facade, one of the basilica's most intricate and symbolic sections depicting Christ's crucifixion. Security personnel quickly intervened, but not before significant damage was done to the protected monument.
Immediate Response and Cleanup
Emergency cleaning operations began immediately, with specialist conservators working to remove the paint without damaging the delicate stone surfaces. A spokesperson for the Sagrada Família expressed profound disappointment, noting that "this act of vandalism affects not just a building, but a symbol of Barcelona and a work of art beloved by millions."
Local police have launched a full investigation and are reviewing security footage to identify all individuals involved in the incident. Two activists were detained at the scene and face charges of damaging cultural heritage property.
Growing Pattern of Cultural Protests
This incident marks the latest in a series of high-profile attacks on cultural landmarks by climate activists across Europe. From soup-thrown masterpieces in London galleries to paint-covered monuments in Rome, environmental groups are increasingly targeting cultural heritage to amplify their message about the urgency of climate action.
However, the choice of the Sagrada Família – a building that has been under construction since 1882 and represents one of humanity's most ambitious architectural projects – has drawn particular condemnation from cultural leaders and the public alike.
As restoration work continues on Gaudí's masterpiece, the incident raises difficult questions about the boundaries of protest and the protection of our shared cultural heritage in an age of climate emergency.
