Barcelona – Founded as a Roman City

In the Middle Ages, founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona and after merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it continued to be an important city in the Crown of Aragon. It was besieged on many occasions during its history and has a rich cultural heritage which today is an important cultural centre as well as a major tourist country.

Its architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner have been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Barcelona is the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain and its second largest city, has a population of around 1.6 million in its administrative limits. It is a large city having many district articles with sightseeing, nightlife, restaurants accompanied with accommodation.

Gained World Recognition

Being a capital and the largest city of Catalonia and Spain, it is located directly on the north eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula facing the Mediterranean Sea on a plain which is approximately 5 km wide and limited by the mountain range of Collserola, the Llobregat River to the southwest and the Besos River to the north.

The plain has an area of 170 km out of which 101 km is occupied by the city and it is 120 km south of the Pyrenees and the Catalian border with France. It has a rich history and was under the Roman, then Frank law before gaining independence.

Towards 1992, Barcelona gained recognition internationally when they hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic Gamesas well as world classconferences and exposition together with several international sport tournaments, which brought about a massive enhancement to its tourism industry.

Old City to Modern – Preserve and Celebrate the Ancient

This led to the change in the city in ways which are seen today with neighbourhoods renovated with a focus of modern design in all aspects of life in Barcelona right from public buildings to the simple park and its surroundings. Earlier visitors can see the amazing change from the old city to modern that has taken place while simultaneously the new elements work to preserve as well as celebrate the ancient.

Besides this, the city is full of what the European cities are famous for, like outdoor markets, shops, churches, museums, restaurants and is exciting to walk together with and extensive reliable Metro system for distant destinations.

The main centre of town focused around the Ciutat Vella or the Old City is sheer enjoyment for those interested in experiencing the life of Barcelona. The beaches provide sun and a time for relaxing during the long period of warm weather.

Barcelona – World’s leading Tourist Destination

Barcelona is also the world’s leading tourist, trade fair, exhibition, economic and cultural sports centres along with its influence in commerce, education, media, fashion, entertainment, science and art, all of which have added their contribution in making it one of the world’s major global cities.

Besides this, it is also a cultural and an economic centre in south-western Europe – Iberian Peninsula. Barcelona is a transport hub having one of Europe’s main seaports, an international airport that handles over 35 million passengers every year along with extensive motorway network together with high speed rail line that links to France and the whole of Europe.

From its entertainment point of view, Barcelona hosts several annual fiestas, most of which are unique to Catalonia, offering great insight into its distinctive culture, some of which worth mentioning are Cavalcada de Reis which is a majestic float parade of the Three Wise Men, held on the evening of January 5 each year. Sonar is an annual three day music festival described officially as a festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art where music is the main aspect of the festival and runs for three days and nights, starting in the third week of June on a Thursday.

Great Architecture and Beaches

Barcelona is an amazing and accessible modern city with great architecture, good food and museum. It is known to be a perfect beach city and is both a 24 hour metropolis and a family oriented city. One can travel easily by public transport or walk around the city.

For those interested in getting a real taste of Barcelona, can join a group of English speaking local guide for free sightseeing expeditions and in addition to explore major landmarks and famous streets, the local guides are available who can provide tips, recommendations as well as stories to enrich the tourist with information since they are well versed in the life of their city and are passionate about their city offering tours which are both educational as well as full of fun.

The city is worth visiting during off season and is lovely even in winter during the months of January and February when the possibility of rain is less. It is during these months that the city is not too cold with sunny and blue skies. The temperature of 19-23 degree Centigrade is considered comfortable weather, the normal temperature during April and June and late September to November, is the best time to visit Barcelona.