Barcelona
Barcelona is often called the jewel of Catalonia. This city is as beautiful, magnetic, special and charismatic as any other city in the world. Barcelona is the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, and certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean.
The whole town is inspired by the eccentric and innovative genius of the architect Antonio Gaudi. Barcelona has served as the creative inspiration of Salvador Dali, Picasso, Juan Miro, Antoni Tapies. A curious fact is that Barcelona, is the headquearters of the Candy - Chupa Chubs.
Barcelona is situated on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, whose shores are bathed by the waves of the Mediterranean. With a population of about 1, 606, 000 inhabitants and is the second largest city in Spain and eleventh in the European Union.
The easiest way to get to this Spanish city's is by a direct flight there. Fare in both directions will cost around 300 euros. If you book tickets early on can make the trip for the price of 200 euros. Flights lad mainly in Girona city, located about 100 km from Barcelona and there are regular buses from the airport. A single ticket costs around 12 euros and two-way - 21 euros.
Myths about the creation of Barcelona say that was founded by Hercules and 400 years before Rome. The official version is that it was originally known as Barsino by the Romans during the reign of Augustus. It later became the centre of the powerful Catalan county and a leading force in the Mediterranean. The Moors and the Franks several times conquered the city and as a result, their influence can still be seen in some parts of the older architecture of the city.
Tours of the city are best started from Catalonia Square. From here you can take a tourist bus that goes around the seaside town on three routes. Tickets usually range from 18 to 22 euros. If you walk through the central part of town known as "Barry Gothic" or translated "Gothic Quarter, you can see parts of the original Roman walls next to Gothic architecture, Palau Real Maggiore and the former residence of the Catalan royal family.
A visit to the Historical Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of Barcelona and its different cultures. Gothic architecture and the Art Nouveau style is almost everywhere throughout the city and indeed it deserve the name of the avant-garde capital of Spain.
Las Ramblas street is the most famous street in Barcelona and here the most complete you can feel the spirit and the people who live in the city.
There are many stalls and markets, but be careful, as you can become a victim of petty fraud. To the right of Las Ramblas, between Boulevard St Layetena and Picasso, are the interesting museums of Picasso and textiles and are also teeming with shops, boutiques and various private galleries.
The National Museum of Art is in Spain Square. In it you can see beautiful sculptures, paintings by El Greco, Velazquez, Rubens etc engravings, photographs and more. Another place of interest is Park Guell, which is the work of the genius Antonio Gaudi. The park was built between 1900 and 1914 and has interesting mosaics, original anatomical benches, kiosks and is a natural museum of the city. Do not forget to stroll along the coast of Barcelona, this where you will feel the Mediterranean charm of the city.
In Barcelona there is also an Aquarium, worth a visit which and an exciting experience. In the large glass tunnel inside you can enjoy the fish, sharks and all marine animals that swim safely over your head. The beach in Barcelona is 3 km long and is full of yachts, cafes and more interesting buildings.
Undoubtedly the biggest attraction in the city is the cathedral Sagrada Familia, which is the undisputed symbol of the city and the peak in the work of the architect Gaudi and is the Redeemer Cathedral Shrine of the Holy Family and is a massive Roman Catholic cathedral. Work on it began in 1882 as of today, is not complete. Plans are optimistic that by 2032 will be erected all towers and Sagrada Familia will be finished after 250 years of construction.
