Search: Cities Spain • all objects
Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon. It is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Barcelona has many quarters, but the most important and interesting for visitors are: Ciutat Vella - Barcelona's old town; Eixample - modernist quarter, noted for its art nouveau buildings; Gràcia - historically a working class neighborhood, and very lively Barceloneta is historically a fisherman's quarter. Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor unfamiliar with its history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout of the Eixample, the urban planning "Enlargement" project of the end of the 19th century.
Some important Roman ruins are exposed under the Plaça del Rei, entrance by the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat, and in the historical centre, the Barri Gòtic ("Gothic Quarter"). The cathedral, also known as basilica La Seu is said to have been founded in 343. The city was conquered by the Visigoths in the early fifth century, and reconquered from the emir in 801 by Charlemagne's son Louis who made Barcelona the seat of Carolingian "Spanish Marches". Barcelona was still a Christian frontier territory when it was sacked by Al-Mansur in 985.The Counts of Barcelona became independent and expanded their territory to include all of Catalonia, later the Crown of Aragon which conquered many overseas possessions, ruling the western Mediterranean Sea with outlying territories in Naples and Sicily and as far as Athens in the thirteenth century. The forging of a dynastic link between the Crowns of Aragon and Castile marked the beginning of Barcelona's decline.
The number of people who visit Barcelona's fifty or so public and private museums each year is currently running at 7 million. Of particular note in terms of number of visits are the Museo Picasso (with its important collection of the painter's work, in addition to temporary exhibitions), and the Fundación Joan Miró. By night Barcelona provides exciting cultural activities, entertainment and leisure for all tastes. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, generally spoken in all of Catalonia, and Castillian Spanish.
SpainThe country is the home of the prospering capital Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona and the city where flamenco was born, Sevilla. |
|
|
|
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary ArtBarcelona Museum’s of Contemporary Art collection embraces the period from 1920-s and till nowadays. There are mostly Spanish artists represented. |
|
|
|
Casa MilàCasa Milà, the famous building bereft of straight lines and right angles, is the last work by Gaudi, a Modernism masterpiece and a most full realisation of concept of faithfulness to Nature |
|
Cathedral of Santa EulaliaThe XIII-XIX Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is especially notable for its roof with admirable stone gargoyles |
|
Holiday in BarcelonaThe day of traditional holiday La Mercè is September, 24.But in fact citizens and guests of Barcelona celebrate it from September, 22 to 26. |
|
La BoqueriaThe Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria |
|
|
|
Old city, BarcelonaThe Old city of Barcelona or “Cuitat Vella” includes El Raval, the Gothic Quarter “Barri Gotic”, El Born, and the Jewish Quarter “El Call” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plaça del Portal de la PauIn the center of Plaça del Portal de la Pau (which means "the Gates of the World") stands 80-meter column with statue of Columbus - one of the most famous symbols of Barselona |
|
Placa d`EspanyaEnsemble of Placa d`Espanya, symbol of unity of Spanish nation, was built for World Fair of 1929. Serves as a main entrance to Montjuic, crowned with majestic National Palace |
|
Placa ReialPlaca Reial, a most beautiful ensemble in neoclassicism style, is favourite place of local Bohemians and the guests of the city. Graceful fountain in the center, famous lanterns by Gaudi |
|
Plaza de CatalunyaThe huge Plaza de Catalunya connects medieval and modern Barselona. Round square with green lawns, fountains and numerous sculptures in the ring of dense traffic streams |
|
Plaсa del ReiPlaсa del Rei is the very heart of Gothic quarter. Former courtyard of Big Royal palace (now used as Historical Museum of city), a true miracle of Gothic architecture |
|
Port VellThe dock district Port Vell is one of the busiest city districts. The World Trade Center, the largest in Europe oceanarium, popular modern yacht port, picturesque quay |
|
Sagrada FamiliaOriginally designed by Antoni Gaudí it is a massive Roman Catholic Church under construction in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. |
|
Santa María del PíBlessed Lady of the Pine Tree |
|
Singing fountains"Singing fountains" is a striking light and music show on Placa Espanya, a fascinating dance of thousands water jets, shining and sparkling with all colours of the rainbow |
|
Triumphal arch (Arc de Trionf)The Triumphal arch (Arc de Trionf), built for the 1888 World's Fair as its main access gate by architect Josep Vilaseca, is an interesting example of neo-Moresque style |
Spain • 2013-03-22
World Committee on Tourism Ethics praises growing private sector commitment ...
Spain • 2013-03-22
ICAO and UNWTO Affirm Cooperation on Joint Aviation and Tourism Goals ...
Spain • 2013-02-06
Tourism Forum promotes business between Africa and Spain
...
Spain • 2013-01-29
International tourism to continue robust growth in 2013
...
Spain • 2013-01-15
UNWTO activities at FITUR 2013
...