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12km
south-west
of the
city is
Barcelona
International
Airport,
El Prat de
Llobregat.
Capital of
the region
of
Catalonia
and 2nd
largest
city in
Spain,
located at
the edge
of the
Mediterranean
Sea on the
Costa
Dorada.
A truly
cosmopolitan
city.
Barcelona
is Spain's
major
commercial
and
industrial
centre and
one of the
most
important
European
ports.
Over the
centuries
Barcelona
has grown
and is now
made up of
five
towns, not
including
the
original
city. You
do not
have to
look far
in
Barcelona
to see a
monument
or an
attractive
structure.
They are
everywhere.
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Monument
to Columbus |
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One of the
cheapest
ways to
see
Barcelona
is to stay
in one of
the many
small
hostels.
You are
advised
though, to
book in
advance. |
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Despite
having a
population
of over 3
million,
Barcelona
is a
surprisingly
easy place
to find
your way
round.
Most
places of
historic
interest
are to be
found in
the
confines
of the old
town,
which is a
maze of
narrow
streets,
easy to
navigate
by foot. |
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The
old
town
spreads
northwest
from
the
harbour
and at
its
heart
is the
Barri
Gotic,
the
medieval
nucleus
of the
city
where
you
will
find
the
Cathedral
and
several
of the
major
museums.
At the
western
edge
you
will
find
the
Ramblas,
a
series
of
five,
short,
lively
streets
that
combine
to
make a
broad
avenue.
You
are
likely
to
arrive
here
from
the
airport
or the
train.
The
Ramblas
is a
highlight
to any
trip
to
Barcelona
and is
lined
with
cafes,
shops
and
restaurants
as
well
as
being
the
location
for
several
important
buildings
and
monuments.
Above
all,
it is
the
street
atmosphere
that
attracts
visitors. |
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At the
southern
end of
the
Ramblas
lies
the
harbour.
West
of the
Ramblas
lies
the
Barrio
Chino
(China
Town)
with
its
warren
of
winding
streets.
The
medieval
streets
continue
on
either
side
of the
Ramblas,
reaching
northeast
through
the
Barri
Gotic,
past
the
Museo
Picasso
and
southwest
to the
fortress-topped
hill
of
Montjuic
where
the
city's
best
museums
and
the
Olympic
stadium
are
located.
A
cable
car
runs
from
here
to the
waterfront
area
east
of the
harbour,
an
area
where
some
of the
best
seafood
restaurants
can be
found.
The
old
town
still
consists
of a
group
of
neighbourhoods
that
were
at one
time,
separate
parishes.
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Each
has its own distinct characteristics. Among the things to watch
for in the old town is the Placa
de Catalunya,
a
large
square
with
gardens,
fountains
and
seats.
Most
of the
buses
and
trains
converge
here
and it
is
here
you
will
find
most
of the
main
banks
and
stores.
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The
street that leads off to the west is home to the Museu
de l'Erotica, which houses a large private collection
of erotic art and artefacts. Placa del Angels
is the home to the Museum
of Contemporary Art. The Palau Moja dates from the 18th century
and is sometimes open for visits. Another palace that commands
a visit is the Palau de la Virreina
an 18th
century building that has been well restored. Inside, the
rooms display wonderful examples of period decorative art
as well as a collection of coins and other temporary displays.
Just beyond this palace is the Rambla Sant Josep where you will find a profusion of flower stalls and the
large indoor market hall. Barcelona's celebrated opera house
the Gran Teatre del Liceu
is also located
here. |
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The theatre burned down for the third time in 1994 when workmen
set fire to scenery during last minute preparations for a show.
Barcelona also has a
zoo,
an aquarium and a nearby theme park. Pictured above is the
singing dog, just one of many street entertainers on La Ramblas. |
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The
harbour and Port Vell
In recent years the harbour area has undergone dramatic
reformations and the area now combines high-class restaurants
with trendy clubs and bars. Along the promenade you will
find a monument to Columbus and several beautiful buildings
including the Port Office (pic left). West of this
you will find the cable-car station and the port from which
the ferries sail to the Balearics. A swing bridge and a
series of walkways lead from here, across the harbour to
the new development of Port Vell (Old Port). Here you will
find fast food, a leisure complex, cinemas and ample bars
as well as the aquarium. |
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Antoni
Gaudi and his works
Much of his early career was spent constructing elaborate
follies for wealthy people. One of the most important was
Don Eusebio Guell, an industrialist and ship owner. In 1885
he commissioned the Palau Guell. This was
the first modern building to be declared a world heritage
site by UNESCO. The palace is now a museum and worthy of
a visit. Visit Park
Guell (pic left) to see
more of Gaudi's works. Gaudi however will be best remembered
for the part he played in the construction of La
Sagrada Familia, which has now become a symbol
of the city. |
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The
beach
Besides its historic and cultural attraction, Barcelona
boasts a beach that over recent years has undergone vast
improvement. The beach is now furnished with walkways, bars,
cafes and showers. It can become packed in July and August.
Pictured right is the marina.
More
information sites on Barcelona
Guide
to Barcelona including discount hotels, attractions, travel
tips and more |
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