BARCELONA INTRODUCTION, Introduction

Hi, my name’s James, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world: Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

In Roman times, Barcelona was already a political and cultural center of considerable importance in the Mediterranean area, at least until 1300, but it was not until the last two centuries that this splendid city really began to grow, swelling from a few tens of thousands of inhabitants to a population of more than one and a half million at the close of the 20th century.

This sudden, rapid population growth has completely altered the size and appearance of Barcelona. As you stroll along the broad streets lined with shops, you can still admire a number of medieval masterworks, such as the splendid churches in the Barri Gòtic, the city’s central Old Town neighborhood, or the Royal Palace, but you’ll soon notice that the hallmark of the city are the curious buildings with the bizarre shapes and decorations typical of Modernist architecture. This style developed in parallel with the expansion of the city, and its maximum expression are the works of Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Familia, the world-famous cathedral still under construction, the private homes and the spectacular Parco Güell by the Spanish artistic genius are all unique works of art that are difficult to compare with other contemporary constructions.

These Modernist buildings are by no means the only attractions that can be admired in Barcelona, which boasts many squares, gardens, buildings and museums of major importance, such as the one exclusively dedicated to Pablo Picasso.

Barcelona attracts millions of young people during the summer, thanks to its marvelous beaches, and during the rest of the year for the bustling nightlife that can be enjoyed in particular along Las Ramblas, where young men and women from all over the world can get to know each other over a delicious plate of the city’s famous tapas, the snacks that accompany an aperitif, against the backdrop of flower markets, shops and performances of the street artists. Be warned: the cheerful atmosphere of Las Ramblas is contagious!

As you may know, Barcelona owes a great deal to sport. Its football team, Barcelona FC, has made it famous all over the world, and the 1992 Olympics was a launching pad for the city as an important tourist destination.

So get ready to visit the wonders of this splendid city.

Enjoy your stay!