by Gary Marshall
Barcelona is one of the great European cities, notable for its architecture, historic monuments and art museums. This lively Mediterranean port is also capital of the Catalonia region of north-east Spain.
Running through the centre of Barcelona, from the port to the Placa de Catalunya, is the tree-lined Las Ramblas. This famous avenue is often crowded with street entertainers, tourists and shoppers. To the east of Las Ramblas is the medieval Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), home to various palaces, churches and the Cathedral la Seu which dates from the 14th century. Further inland is the Eixample district, which was laid out during the 19th century and contains several of the city's Modernista-style buildings, most notably Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. The construction of this neo-Gothic cathedral was begun in 1882 and it is not expected to be completed for at least another 20 years. Another of Gaudi's fantastical creations, the Casa Mila (La Pedrera) with its curvy lines and surrealist chimney stacks, is also situated within the Eixample.
On the southern side of Barcelona is Montjuic Hill, which literally means 'Jews Mountain'. This expanse of greenery is home to a couple of notable art museums, the Fundacion Miro and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, as well as the 1992 Olympic stadium. For those who prefer a more thrilling ascent to the summit of Montjuic, there is a cable car which leads up to the castle. From here you can enjoy the fine views of the port.
One of Barcelona's newest art museums is the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), housed within a large glass-fronted building designed by the American architect Richard Meier. The MACBA contains modern works by Spanish and Catalan artists. Pablo Picasso spent some of his formative years in Barcelona and there is a museum dedicated to his work, with pieces that include 'The Harlequin' and a series entitled 'Las Meninas'.
The redeveloped Port Vell area contains an attractive marina along with shops, restaurants, cafes, an IMAX cinema and an aquarium. To the north is the former fishing district of Barceloneta, which has also been improved in recent years. As well as some fine beaches and excellent seafood restaurants, Barceloneta is home to the Museu Maritim which traces the city's maritime history.
The Barcelona Card, available from tourist offices, may be worth buying if you want to save a few euros on your visit. The card entitles you to free travel on public transport, as well as discounts at many museums, restaurants and nightclubs. Another money-saving option is the Articket, valid for six months, which provides you with free entry to several art museums, including the Picasso Museum and the MACBA. The Articket can be purchased at the participating museums.
Barcelona's main airport, known as El Prat, is just 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the city centre. Regular train and bus services are available from the airport to Estacio Sants. There are also a couple of alternative airports at Reus and Girona, both of which are used mainly by charter and budget airlines.
