Barcelona Catalonia

Map of Barcelona Catalonia } Map of Spain

Barcelona, Catalonia - Palau de la musica

Barcelona, Catalonia - the National Palace

Barcelona, Catalonia - las Ramblas

Barcelona, Catalonia - Shops on Paseo de Gracia

Barcelona, Catalonia - Cafe on Paseo de Gracia

Barcelona, Catalonia - Cuitadella

Barcelona, Catalonia - Gaudi´s Sagrada Familia

Girona, Catalonia - Onyar River

Girona, Catalonia - old quarter

Tarragona, Catalonia - During Fiestas

Tarragona, Catalonia - Roman aqueduct

Tarragona, Catalonia - Roman ampitheatre

Lleida, Catalonia - the old cathedral

Figueres, Catalonia - Salvador Dali Theatre Museum

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Monumental Cities and Towns
History and Geography
Cuisine
Festivals
Itineraries that feature this region
Accommodation in this region
Others

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Catalonia - According to a legend widely accepted by the Catalonian people, in the 9th century while in battle, blood from the wounds of Wilfredo I was smeared onto his shield, forming four vertical lines: the four red stripes featured on the senyera, or flag of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. Thus was born the symbol of identity of Catalonia, an outward-looking, Mediterranean region with its own culture and language (Catalan). Of friendly nature, Catalonians are extroverted yet discreet.

A land of contrasts, the Catalonian community is of a varied relief which endows it with differentiated landscapes: deep valleys, remote mountain villages, large capital cities, snow-capped peaks, spacious beaches and even tiny coves that may be reached only from the sea. As a result, the visitor finds himself in the enviable position of being able to enjoy highly different scenes within easy distance of one another.

Barcelona, Spain is without doubt one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Barcelona is a place of extraordinary architectural dazzle, achieved by what has been called both Catalan Art Nouveau and Modernisme, by architects Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner and Puig Cadafalch. Monumental sculptures by local masters like Joan Miró adorn public spaces and museums house extraordinary treasures ranging from works of the ancient Romans to those of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Barcelona city is further enhanced by brightly coloured outdoor markets, a magnificent Mediterranean port where yachts sway peacefully, and a plentiful array of stylish restaurants. Needless to say, the nightlife is splendid.

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Monumental Cities and Towns

BARCELONA: numerous attractions such as the Sagrada Familia (Gaudi), the Gothic Cathedral, the lively Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, Monjuic & the Olympic Village, La Barceloneta (Old Port), Park Güell, Teatro Liceum, and much more.
Sagrada Familia - the best known of Gaudí's creations throughout the world, the church of Sagrada Família, conceived as a "cathedral for the twentieth century", in which his genius takes on a complex religious symbology. From 1883 until his death in 1926, Gaudí worked exclusively on the Sagrada Família.
Gothic Cathedral - the Cathedral comprises several highly interesting constructions from different periods, although it is mainly from the 13th century. Inside are numerous features of artistic value.
Güell Park -declared by UNESCO a World Heritage site. Originally planned as a garden city, it was never completed. However, the buildings by the entrance still stand, together with a staircase which leads up to a great hall (intended as a market) with 86 Doric columns supporting a mosaic ceiling. Above it is a great round esplanade offering a magnificent panorama over the city.
Palau de la Musica Catalana - (1908) is one of Barcelona's most deservedly famous Modernist buildings. This architectural masterpiece by Domenech i Montaner is lavishly adorned with sculptures and ceramics and has been declared a "World Heritage" site by UNESCO.
Casa Mila - also called “La Pedrera” is in the centre of the Eixample district and was built at a time when Barcelona society was flourishing. Together with other buildings of the Eixample district, they constitute one of the most interesting examples in Europe of the modernism style of architecture.
GIRONA: remains of the old city and City Walls, Archeological Walkway and Jardines de la Muralla (Walled Gardens). Other interesting sights are the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and Church of Sant Nicolau (Romanesque).
TARRAGONA: former regional capital under Roman domination it preserves many vestiges: Roman walls, Archeological Walkway, the Amphitheatre and the remarkable 12th century Cathedral of Santa Maria.
LLEIDA: of particular interest is the old Cathedral; La Seu Vella (Romanesque and Gothic), and the new Cathedral; la Seu Nova. See also the Hospital de Santa Maria and the Casino Principal.
FIGUERES: the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum is the main attraction, but also enjoyable is the Toy Museum (Museu de Jougets).

History and Geography

In ancient times, the Catalonia territory received an initial influx of Indo-European peoples from Central Europe, followed by the Celts. Later would arrive the Romans and their domination lasted 200 years, until the territory succumbed to the Moors. Catalonia then formed a dynastic union with Aragón which then expanded to Valencia and Majorca. In the 19th century the Commonwealth of Catalonia was created, completing the establishment of the Catalonian Government during the Second Republic. After Franco’s dictatorship came the approval of the Autonomy Statute and the restoration of what is now the Generalitat de Cataluña (Catalonian Government).

With a population of over six million, Catalonia has a surface area of 31,930 sq. km. Being situated in the north east corner of Spain; bordering France, Andorra and the Mediterranean, it enjoys a privileged location. Outdoors lovers can enjoy a wide range of activities such as skiing, hiking, mountains biking and sunbathing, thanks to a varied relief which endows Catalonia with a clearly differentiated landscapes. Temperatures depend on the area, severe on the interior and milder on the coast.

Barcelona’s history goes back in time 2,500 years, when the Romans founded the city in the area between the Rivers Llobregat and Besos, with the disintegration of the Roman Empire the Visigoths conquered the city, as well as the Moors, centuries later. Barcelona has undoubtedly been one of the most important Mediterranean ports ever since its foundation. Today a universal, cosmopolitan city, Barcelona is a city of contrasts where the ancestral past lives on side-by-side with the most contemporary of architectures in a state of perfect harmony.

Barcelona has almost 4 million inhabitants, being the biggest concentration of population in the Mediterranean coast. Temperatures are mild all over the year, rising a bit during summer. No less than approximately 10ºC in winter and about 30ºC in summer.

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Cuisine

In Catalonia good eating is a matter of priority for most. Catalonian cuisine, which has been subject to so many influences, is sophisticated, flavoursome and varied.. Fish and seafood are always fresh, and sausages and meats are of the best quality. This cuisine features delectable cold dishes like exqueixada (desalted cod salad), escalivada (roast aubergines, onions and red peppers) and xató (curly endive lettuce, cod and anchovies). Most popular dishes in Catalan gastronomy are butifarra (Catalan sausage with beans), longaniza (local spiced sausage) and fuet (a delicious type of salami). In addition, Catalonia is one of Spain’s great wine-growing regions and where its most popular beverage is the champagne-like cava (sparkling wine).

Festivals

February: Carnival in Sitges (Barcelona) and Tarragona.
April: International Festival of Dixieland (Tarragona)
April: 23rd Saint Jordi´s Day - patron saint of Catalonia.
June: St. John’s day bonfires in Barcelona and Tarragona.
July: 1st week July International Fireworks Competition Tarragona
September: Fiestas de la Mercé in Barcelona and also Catalonia´s National Fiesta:la Diada. Enjoy activities such as castellers (the human tower) and sardana (traditional Catalan dance).
September: 23rd Santa Tecla fiesta Tarragona

Others

Marinas: there are numerous marinas along the Catalan coast in Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona.
Theme Parks: approximately 90 minutes south of Barcelona is the Universal Studios Port Aventura theme park.

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Accommodation

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