Barcelona is the picturesque capital city of Catalonia and the second largest city
in Spain. Located on the Mediterranean Coast between the mouths of two rivers, this
bustling city enjoys a rich history and artistic heritage. Founded as a Roman city,
Barcelona became the capital of the Courts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon.
Today, Barcelona is known as a major economic and cultural center. It is also a
popular international tourist destination treating visitors to some of the world’s
most breathtaking museums, outdoor sculptures, parks, and beaches. The city hosts
the world-class Barcelona International Airport and has earned the reputation of
being a spectacular city to host seminars, symposiums and other major conferences.
No matter what brings a visitor to Barcelona, traveling on business or on vacation,
the impression made by this magnificent city will last a lifetime.
This famous boulevard will be central to your social activities. It is a long street
which joins the Columbus monument by the port to Plaza Catalunya. You will find
all kinds of buskers and mime artists in action as well as stalls selling flowers,
newspapers, birds and rabbits. The Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo
mansion, can be found on La Rambla next to the Boqueria market. The market (Mercat
de la Boqueria) is well worth a look and is also a good spot to visit for excellent
tortilla at one of the internal bars near the back. La Rambla ends at the Columbus
Monument which you can go up in a lift for spectacular views up the Ramblas and
across the harbor.
This giant temple was designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudi. This building
has been under construction since 1882, with another 30–40 years to go before it
will be finished.
The museum has arranged Picasso's paintings in chronological order from his early
days to his final works. Arranging the paintings in this way gives you a fascinating
insight into Picasso’s thinking over time and shows how he developed the distinctive
designs that he is famous for today.
