Overview

Huddling the shore of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the result of a growing city enveloping small regional communities but allowing their sense of identity to remain intact. Traversing the city and its outlying communities means navigating not just streets and avenues but historical periods and cultures.

Keeping the Past Alive

Fortunately, the city's fathers had the foresight throughout Barcelona's history to preserve the ancient buildings and monuments. Visit the middle of the city and you will be transported back to medieval times. Continue to explore the city, however, and you will encounter one of the best examples of modernist architecture from the early 20th century to be found anywhere in the world.

Creative Spirit

Any tour to Barcelona will include pilgrimages to the sites of buildings designed by Antonio Gaudi, not only Barcelona's greatest architect but one of the most celebrated architects anywhere. His influence is felt throughout the city in the apartments houses, private residences, parks and other projects he designed.

The city boasts a number of museums honoring the rich tradition of Spain's artistic community. Two noteworthy museums are dedicated exclusively to the work of two of the 20th century's greatest artists-- Pablo Picasso and the Barcelona native Joan Miro.

Visiting

Barcelona's mild weather makes it an inviting destination year round but special times to visit include May for the Spanish Grand Prix, in June and July for the international performing arts festival called Fest de Grec-Barcelona and in October and November for the International Jazz Festival.

Native Living

Spain has 17 regional authorities. Barcelona is the capital of the Catalan region or Catalonia. Catalan is not only a language but a culture. Part of that culture includes a distinctive style of cooking-- not overtly Spanish but not completely French. Make sure you visit an authentic Catalan restaurant for a regional specialty.

Modern Barcelona

The metropolitan area of Barcelona has over four million people but less than two million actually live in the city proper. That means that traveling on mass transit is a relatively stress-free experience as long as you avoid the rush hours. It also means that you can stroll and enjoy one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities.

Barcelona has always been proud of its past but whether it was hosting the 1888 World's Fair or the 1992 Olympics, the city has shown it's also excited about the future.