Barcelona is the capital of the region of Catalonia and the second- largest city in Spain. Located on the Mediterranean coast in the north of the country its mild, dry winters and warm, humid summers attract large numbers of tourists to a place that blends economic energy with ancient history and adventurous architecture while maintaining a warm welcome.
Ask most people what they instantly connect with Barcelona and most will say "Gaudí" - referring to the man who broke the mould with his innovative and extraordinary architectural genius. Born in 1852, Antoni Gaudí's unique application of geometry and his conception of space and constructive procedures led to some describing him as a great artist and to others calling him a brilliant technician. His unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family Church) began construction in 1882 and, at the age of 31, Gaudí took over as lead architect the following year but, instead of sticking with the original plans, the neo-gothic style gave way to Gaudí's trademark modernism based on forms found in nature. When he died only one facade, one tower, the apse and the crypt were completed and the few designs and models he left behind him were mostly destroyed during Spain's Civil War in 1936. However the work continues unabated and, when finished, the church will accommodate 13,000 people in one of the most spectacular buildings imaginable. It is currently estimated that construction will be completed by 2041 - but nobody is putting a definite deadline on that.
Despite its unfinished state, the Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most important landmarks and is a "must-see" stopping-off point, but beware of the visit to the towers. The lift and long walk will take you to the top from where you will have a magnificent view of Barcelona but the climb is not recommended for those without a head for heights or anyone who suffers from claustrophobia - you don't want to find yourself being returned to your friends in a state of total hysteria!
This 2,000 year old city, which underwent an extensive facelift prior to the 1992 Olympic Games, has retained much of its old-world charm and no visit would be complete without a stroll down Las Ramblas - a boulevard about two kilometres in length that lies between Plaza de Catalunya and the port. A bustling world of outdoor markets, colourful flower stalls, street theatre, big galleries, little cafes and terraces as well as some of the great theatres of the city lie alongside the Academia de Sciencias (Academy of Science) with its giant watch from 1868, the gothic-baroque church de Betlem and the Palacio de Moya with its beautiful halls and extraordinary wall- paintings.
The Mercado de la Boqueria is the most popular market in Barcelona while the Pla de la Boqueria was the old town-centre. Art exhibitions take place regularly in the Palacia de la Virreina which is today's seat of the regional government and having passed the Casa Bruno Cuadros with its dragon you will arrive at Place Reial, a beautiful square with arcades, palms, fountains and luxurious shops. Once the home of the bourgeoisie it is today the heart of the artistic district.
The Gothic quarter with its cathedral and the medieval palaces of Casa dels Cannonges, Pia Almoina an Ardiaca is one of the oldest parts of the city. The square of Sant Jaume was the Forum in Roman times, and remains of old fortifications are still to be seen here. Down by the port at the end of Las Ramblas is the tower of Colon from where again you can view the city with ease.
Spain is a country formed by several regions and Catalan national identity emerged as Barcelona became an important centre for Christian forces in the Iberian Peninsula. It developed into a regional power as Christians entrenched themselves in the area during the Carolingian period (yes, we are strangely back to Charlemagne's time once again - 780-900AD) but Catalonia's considerably more sophisticated modern residents would probably prefer to distance themselves from connection with one particular ruler who bore the unfortunate title of William the Hairy!
The vast majority of Catalans live in Spain where they number about 6.5million out of the Spanish population of 45million but at least 100,000 Catalan speakers live in France while over 31,000 live in the tiny state of Andorra and 20,000 in Italy, mainly Sardinia. Some emigrated to the Americas but the little landlocked principality of Andorra which lies in the eastern Pyrenean Mountains bordering both France and Spain is the only place where Catalan is the official language. However it is still widely used and understood in Barcelona and elsewhere today.
When the summer Olympic Games came to Barcelona 15 years ago the Real Club Polo was the show jumping venue and this Sunday the main arena there will, once again, play host to many of the best riders in the world as the final of the 2007 Samsung Super League with FEI is played out. A team from the non-Super League host country will join the eight elite nations in the battle for supremacy and it won't bother them whether their home supporters are cheering them on in Spanish, Catalan or any other language - the motto for this series which, in its fifth season, has once again visited cities all over Europe rings true no matter where it goes. "National Pride, International Passion"
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