Barcelona

BARCELONA

Welcome to Barcelona, a city that has historically been the home of people from various cultures who have participated in building its open and multicultural identity.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second biggest city in Spain, both in its extension and its number of inhabitants. Close to 1.6 million people currently live within the city, although its area of influence as part of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (which includes the cities around it) covers 36 municipalities with a population of approximately 3.2 million inhabitants. The spoken language is Catalan, which is a distinctive feature of Catalan society with a deep regard for its institutions, its culture, and its traditions.

Barcelona, is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Llobregat and Besòs rivers and the Collserola Mountain. Thanks to its age-old maritime channels and the importance of its port, Barcelona is a Mediterranean city not only geographically speaking but also culturally and socially. It has had constant contact with other cultures along the Mediterranean shoreline, a relationship which has marked the city’s traditions and cultural celebrations.

Barcelona is indeed full of history, culture, entertainment and food that offers visitors numerous possibilities to wander its streets, using all their senses in discovering a part of its past:

Barcelona is a real open-air museum. The Roman origins, and its long history and economic dynamism have made Barcelona a cultural city, which can be seen in the historic-artistic UNESCO heritage and the promotion of the most innovative artistic trends. A wide cultural program will take visitors to museums, exhibitions, open- air sculptures.

Mediterranean flavors. Tradition and modernity can also be seen in its innovative and imaginative gastronomy, based on fresh garden produce, fresh fish, a wide variety of sausages and olive oil. Traditional handmade cakes and pastries and sparkling wines are some of the other highlights in this brief overview of Barcelona’s gastronomic culture.

Business city. The excellent communications network, the wide range of culture and entertainment, and the excellent climate make Barcelona the city of choice each year for holding innumerable trade fairs, symposiums and international conferences at the several business parks, exhibition and conference centers in the city

In the last 30 years, Barcelona has grown on all levels. The Catalan capital has made innovation, technological and scientific development, has completely transformed its infrastructures and facilities showing a dynamic and pioneering spirit to become an attractive cities in Europe, both for its people and its economic impact.