Visit Barcelona, Spain (UNESCO sites)

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The 2nd most populous city in Spain, Barcelona trails only Madrid in size. Serving as the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a Mediterranean city without equal. Besides its geographic location, Barcelona’s identity is linked to the Mediterranean with its history, traditions and culture. Barcelona is Europe’s largest metropolitan area that fronts the Mediterranean Sea. The history of the city dates to the 2nd century BC when it was founded as a Roman colony, yet Barcelona is a modern, thriving city that is flourishing with art and culture. Visitors to Barcelona find the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) a wonderful place to view medieval architecture and some buildings that date as far back as when the Romans inhabited the city. A wonderful example of Catalan Gothic architecture is the massive centerpiece of the Barri Gotic, The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St.Eulalia. The famous Sagrada Familia is the unfinished international symbol of Barcelona. A work in progress, the church’s construction commenced in 1883 under the eye of famous Catalan Architect, Antoni Gaudi and combines Gothic styles with Modernisem. Towering over the port, on the hill known as “Montjuic” (Mount of the Jews), the fortress Palau Nacional containing the famous Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Museu d’Art Modern attracts throngs of tourists eager to view the impressive collections. The Palau de la Musica Catalana is another masterful example of Catalan Modernism architecture (on most visitors “must see” lists) and its concert halls still stage performances by some of the world’s best singers and performers. The Picasso Museum appeals to modern art lovers while displaying the best collection of the artist’s work in Spain. Barcelona is a city with a storied sporting tradition having staged the 1992 Summer Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup matches. The world famous sports club, FC Barcelona sponsors the well known football side of the same name along with professional basketball, handball and roller hockey teams. The sports club’s museum is one of the most visited in Barcelona. A stroll down the Ramblas, the grand boulevard of Barcelona will allow for examination of one of Barcelona’s best outdoor markets, La Boqueria, as an interlude to grab lunch or a coffee while touring the historic buildings and sites. A visit to Park Guell with its amazing stone structures, mosaics and carvings affords an amazing view of the city skyline, including the iconic Agbar Tower. Beach lovers will find Barcelona a paradise with its white sand offerings for rest and relaxation fronting the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona, Spain belongs on your list if your dreams include a visit to a modern Spanish city steeped in history with its architecture well preserved as a proud display of its heritage.

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