Barcelona Capital City

Of the first impressions you get of the city of Barcelona, the quality of light, enhanced by the morning sun reflecting on a calm Mediterranean sea, is amongst the most memorable.

In the bay the wake of a supertanker, attended by a shrieking gaggle of hungry seagulls, breaks the near perfection of the mirror-like surface.

Barcelona wakes in the morning, confident of its unique position in the commercial life of Spain and dazzling in the aspirations of its inhabitants.

The origins of the city are long and complex. Early settlers included the Iberian tribe known as the Layetanos. The Romans took the city from the Carthaginians, to whom some authors attribute the origin of city’s name, in the year 201 B.C.

For a long time, Barcelona, or Barcino, formed the capital of the Roman province of Laietania with the city growing around the easily defended Mount Taber.

With the nascent Christian dynasties, Barcelona gained in importance, principally due to the establishment of the city as an important port.

Both the economy and the cultural life flourished, a position that was maintained until that of Seville eclipsed Barcelona’s star during the discovery and growth in importance of trade between Europe and the Americas.

Today Barcelona is a favoured destination for tourists and an attractive region for business investment.

Special Places Worth a Visit

Montjuïc is a hill that rises above the port area of the city. This is a natural viewing platform for the city and is a stage that has been set with extensive gardens and an attraction park. The Olympic stadium is also here. The Grec Theatre is the stage for spectacular summer shows.

The Barri Gòtic is the Gothic area of the city. Located next to the cathedral, this area is filled with medieval buildings and quant cafes located in ancient squares and roman ruins. The main places are the Plaça de Sant Juame, which houses the gothic façade of the Generalidad of Barcelona the town hall and the 13th century cathedral.

{magictabs} Getting there::Barcelona is one of the focal hubs of Europe and is a stopping point for just about every major airline. Try these:

http://www.ryanair.com/
http://www.edreams.es/|||| Where to stay::A myriad of hotels and excellent hosteleries await... |||| Important dates::On April 23 it is the Fiesta de San Jorge and the day of Cervantes. Even though these two festivals fall together, the former originates from a much earlier date.

Today the festival is celebrated by prayers being said in the gothic area of the city, in the chapel of Saint George of the Generalidad of Cataluña followed by the presentation of the traditional rose and book to loved ones.|||| More information::

Barcelona's Top Ten Attractions:

http://www.iberiax.com/esblog/

More information about Barcelona:

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_city_guide

 

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