Barcelona Introduction

Located in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, the capital of Catalonia autonomous region, and also the provincial capital of Barcelona Province (affiliated to Catalonia autonomous region). It is a world-renowned tourist destination known for its Mediterranean scenery, world famous history and culture, as well as the most important trade, industrial and financial center of Spain. With a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and numerous historic sites, Barcelona is known as “the Pearl of the Iberian Peninsula,” the most famous tourist attraction in Spain.

Barcelona is the birthplace of Catalan culture and the first European city that issued newspapers; it also has Christian Universities, Catalan Medical College and other institutions of higher learning. There are more than 20 museums in total in this city, such as Catalan Art Museum, Picasso Museum, Historical Museum, and Natural History Museum. Barcelona International Music Festival held in October annually, is an important event in the music world. This city is located in the sunny Catalonia region of Spain, with towering peaks and an azure sky above the blue sea. Therefore, it is favored by tourists around the world. Here, the cultural collections of medieval Europe combine with the fashionable charm of the new era perfectly. The architecture of Gaudi glows her strong artistic aura, while the Olympic event shows off her vibrant aspect.

History and Culture

In the late 15th century, Catalonia autonomous region and Aragon autonomous region merged into the Kingdom of Castilla, which later integrated with Aragon becoming the Spanish Empire. The capital was then moved to Madrid in the center of the country. Since losing its outstanding status as the capital, Barcelona had lost some privileges on construction and development. Nevertheless, as the central city of the Catalonia region, Barcelona still had free spirit and vigorous spirit of the Catalans, and its progress didn’t slow down at all. In the early 18th century, after the War of Spanish Succession, Felipe V of Bourbon dynasty abolished the autonomy system of Catalonia autonomous region; which had been implemented for many years and established a central government. That’s when Barcelona quickly developed into the most modern city in Spain with its motivational power for business and survival. Antoni Gaudi, Joan Miró, Salvador Dali, are art leaders that represent the culture of Barcelona, but in this art city, culture and art exist in the street and lanes. It seems that every house has its own characteristics without conflicting with the city’s overall style. Ciutat Vella is the oldest and most popular area for tourist in Barcelona, and also the heart of the whole city. It is divided into Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the Coastal Area (La Ribera) and El Raval. The Gothic Quarter is the core area of the old city. It was originally a fortress village in ancient Roman times, and is named for having many ancient Gothic buildings. The Coastal Area is adjacent to Gothic Quarter, bounded by Via Laietana Street, and also a town that originated during the Middle Age. El Raval is the former red-light district, where both sides of the street were lined with artists’ galleries, clothing stores, bars and record stores.

Natural Environment

Barcelona is situated in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean. The main part of the city is built on a segment of high ground in the Collserola Mountain. Barcelona overall lies in hilly terrain, so many districts of it are named after the nearby hilltops, such as Carmel (267 meters high), Putxet (181 meters high), Rovira (281 meters high) and so on.

Climate Change

“European flower,” Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers, with mild and rainy winters. The average temperature is 11℃ in winter, 10℃ from November to January, during the coldest time of year; 24℃ in summer. The best season to go to Barcelona is during the summer when you can fully enjoy the sunshine of the Mediterranean.

Holiday Arrangement

New Year: January 1

Three Kings Day: January 6

Good Friday: March 25

Easter Monday: March 28

Labor Day: May 1

Dia de Sant Joan: June 24

Assumption Day: August 15

National Day of Catalonia: September 11

Festa de la Merc: September 24

Spanish National Day: October 12

Constitution Day: December 6

Christmas Day: December 25

Boxing Day: December 26