BARCELONA
The capital and cultural hub of Spain's Catalonia region, and famed as the port from which Columbus set sail to the Americas, Barcelona is a city rich in history, cosmopolitan flair, and world-renowned fine arts.
A MECCA OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Immerse yourself in some of the world's most celebrated art and design in a city that showcases them like no other. The Museo Picasso and the Foundation Miro boast a wealth of each artist's important early works, while the Museum of Modern Art and the palatial Museu d'Art de Catalunya contain masterpieces by El Greco, Dali and a host of other famous painters who have called Barcelona home.
A MASTERPIECE UNFINISHED
Barcelona's famous modernist architect, Antoni Gaudi, designed several local buildings in the early 20th century that are like no others in the world. Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Church is an architectural masterpiece to behold with its flamboyant spires, stained glass windows, and sculpted figures. While La Pedrera, sometimes known as Casa Mila, captivates onlookers with its unusual curving smooth stone exterior, elaborate iron balconies and other imaginative architectural details.
GRAND AND HISTORIC
Located in the city's oldest section is the Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarter. This famous historic district is filled with intimate narrow streets and landmark buildings that bring alive the city's medieval past. Most remarkable are the imposing Gothic Cathedral with its ornate twin towers, the centuries-old City Hall known as the Ajuntament, and the elegant 15th Century Palace of the Generals, or Palau de la Generalitat.
FILLED WITH DELICIOUS DIVERSIONS
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Las Ramblas, the city's popular shopping and entertainment center. Or tempt your taste buds at one of the Placa Reial's chic cafes where you can dine on authentic Catalonian delicacies such as Tapas and Habras a la Catalina, a spicy bean stew, while enjoying one of the many fine wines and sherries that the region is famous for.