Located in the flat area that links the mountains to the sea, between the rivers Besos and Llobrega, Barcelona has about half a million inhabitants, a figure that will be much superior than that if you add the population living around the city and in the suburbs.
Barcelona is the second most important city of Spain, as well as the capital of Catalonia. A major feature of Spain is the coexistence of two "official" languages: Spanish or Castilian and Catalan.
Perfectly integrated into Europe, Barcelona boasts an exceptional climate, great beaches and joy of life of its people, so evident by the enthusiasm with which they celebrate the holidays and keep the traditions alive.
Barcelona is an open minded city, proud of its rich heritage acquired over the centuries, reflecting the different civilizations that contributed to forge the city. From the early Roman colony, founded in the first century BC, remain, still as of today, important ruins in the area called the Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico). The Middle Ages witnessed a phase of urban development that culminated when the Crown Aragon extended its dominion to the Mediterranean, establishing new trade relations and cultural ties.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the construction project of the Eixample (Extension) was the answer to the city's expansion needs. The process of industrialization and the blooming of the arts, contributed significantly to the booming of the Liberty Movement experienced by the city at the end of the last century. Visitors today, can witness the work of great architects belonging to that current, which gave the city a unique and distinctive look.
Chosen as the site for the Olympic Games in 1992, Barcelona received a further boost, taking the opportunity to develop new modern buildings and to improve existing infrastructures, demonstrating an enormous organizational ability.
The International Airport "El Prat" is very convenient because it is only 7.5 miles from the city, which you can easily reach by train. A train leaves every thirty minutes and a bus every 15 minutes on average.
Barcelona's urban public transportation boasts an extensive and effective network that makes the city easily accessible to everyone.
Barcelona's attractions are many and for all different tastes. The city lures many visitors throughout the year, from families who want to spend an educational weekend with their children, to visitors who want to make a 'full immersion' in the heart of Spain.
The city has many interesting places to visit, with neighborhoods that fascinate visitors, either because of their history, their elegant beauty, or their vibrant downtown streets so full of life. The historic heart of Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter, which includes the magnificent Catedral de la Santa Creu, located in Pla§a de la Seu and surrounded by narrow streets perfect for a romantic walk in the oldest part of the city.
Las Ramblas (streets), a characteristic of Barcelona, is divided into five streets that are called Rambla de Santa Monica, Rambla dels Caputxins, Rambla de Sant Josep (Rambla de les Flors), Rambla dels Estudis and Rambla Canaletes (Rambla dels Ocells). These streets are beautiful to walk, bring surrounded by vendor stands, street performers, restaurants and shops. You should also visit the beautiful Plaza Catalunya, the geometric heart of the city.
The Sagrada Familia is one of the city's icons, "Gaudi's masterpiece", which unfortunately died suddenly before he could complete it. The cathedral is still being finished, but it captures immediately the emotions of visitors.
Another area to be visited is the neighborhood of Eixample, where other Gaudi's works are located.
El Born is another area worthy to be mentioned, where the museum of Barcelona, the most famous in the world, is located.
Near the port is found the beautiful monument of Christopher Columbus, a tall statue indicating the direction towards America. You definitely don't want to miss the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona which is located in the district of El Raval, just nearby the beautiful Boqueria Market.
The district of Montjuic is another elegant area, a residential area that overlooks the city made famous by the bright fountains of Gaiet Buigas. Here you will find also the elegant Olympic Stadium and the Pavello Mies Van Der Rohe, a spectacular monument characterized by water games and harmonious lines.
The coast of Catalonia offers a pleasant climate for most of the year. In the summer, the climate is generally dry and pleasantly warm. Storms may occur especially in the month of August, but generally they don't last very long.
The wettest season is autumn, often characterized by the alternation of cool and warm temperatures, as well as the winter season, featuring possible brief episodes of extreme cold and even snow, alternating with mild temperatures. Spring is perhaps the best season to visit Barcelona, with pleasant and more stable temperatures and best of all, longer days of light made magnificent by the city colors.
Published by Alex Farris - Voices.yahoo.com
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