Barcelona

Description

Barcelona is Spain's second largest city and the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, a fiercely independent area of Spain, which has a distinct language, culture, and history. Situated on Spain's southern coast its climate is quintessentially Mediterranean, sea breezes chasing away the heat. It's the perfect location for a vacation, relaxing by strolling the pavements, shopping, sitting a pavement cafe, sampling Tapas for dinner, and visiting impressive museums.

Barcelona has lots to offer the traveler, so if you want to explore the city fully, plan at least a week there. There are several must-sees for your visit.

Many visitors begin with Las Ramblas a wide promenade connecting the sea port to Placa de Catalunya, the middle of of old Barcelona. It's crowded with cafes, shops, flower sellers, and street performers. It's very touristy, and perhaps a little lacking in Spanish flavour - be sure take a short side detour into Placa Reial, which is far more atmospheric.

The city boasts a host of the famed archictect Antonio Gaudi's masterpieces. The most amazing is La Sagrada Familia, an arrestingly designed cathedral. Work began in 1883, and the imaginative building is still unfinished. Don't miss features like the nativity theme of the frontage, the mosaic bell towers, and massive doorways showing faith, hope and charity.

The other Gaudi must-see is Parc Guell, a sumptous re-invention of the city park. The planting is adventurous and colorful, but the real attraction is Gaudi's hard landscaping - colourful concrete arbors and mosaic lizards.

Other Gaudi attractions include La Pedrera, a fantastic house with undulating, living forms made for the developer Pere Mila Camps, and Palau Guell a gorgeous mock palace.

Turning to Barcelona's gothic quarter, Barri Gotic, the architecture dates back to the thirteenth century. The cramped streets are filled with art galleries, shops, bars, eateries and pavement cafes. At the heart of the Barri Gotic sits the Museu Picasso, showcasing the artwork of Pablo Picasso. Another must see is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent building with splendid gothic architecture.

Barcelona even boasts a lovely beach, at Barceloneta. This is the area is beyond Port Vell, and was at one time a fishing village. It's a pretty neighborhood behind a wide golden sand beach.