Barcelona is the capital and
largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second
most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within
city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities
within the Province of Barcelona and is home to around 4.8 million people,
making it the fifth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris,
the Ruhr area, Madrid, and Milan. It is one of the largest metropolises on the
Mediterranean Sea,
Located on the northeastern
Mediterranean coast of Spain, this city has a rich and diverse history, with
its roots dating back to Roman times. The fruitful medieval period established
Barcelona's position as the economic and political centre of the Western
Mediterranean. The city's Gothic Quarter bears witness to the splendour enjoyed
by the city from the 13th to the 15th centuries
In 1992, Barcelona gained
international recognition by hosting the Olympic games which brought about a
massive upturn in its tourism industry. For visitors, this has translated into
the very modern, yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century, where
new elements work to both preserve and celebrate both the city’s heritage and
origins.
Barcelona is plenty of outdoor
markets, restaurants, shops, museums, and churches. The city is also very walk
able, with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung
destinations.