|
To
book a Spanish Course in Barcelona
Nestled on the coast, in the north-eastern corner of Spain, Barcelona
is the capital of Catalunya. The city has developed a unique cultural
identity and dynamism, illustrated through its depth in gothic, art noveau
and modern arcitecture. Take a stroll through the medieval town centre,
lie on the pristine beaches or simply relax in the many bars and cafes.
Whatever your wish Barcelona has something for everyone.
Five
day weather forecast
History
Barcelona has a history distinctly different to that of the rest of Spain.
Founded by the Carthaginians in about 230BC. Under Roman rule the city
was overshadowed by Tarraco (Tarragona) south west of present day Barcelona.
Under the rule of the Visigoths and then the Muslims Barcelona remained
a relatively small settlement.
As the Frankish armies pushed the Muslims back past the Pyrenees, they
took Barcelona under their influence. For many years Cataluña had
closer relations with France rather than the Iberian Peninsula. Today
this can be seen in the Catalan language, which has more in common with
the traditional language of Southern France, langue d'oc, than modern
day Spanish. Since the Frankish rule, Barcelona has been conquered and
ruled by many different powers from the Castilian domination, which began
in the 15th century to the Franco era in the 20th century. The result
today is that Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and a people proud
of their city and independence.
City Sights
Downtown
La Rambla & Plaça de Catalunya
Undoubtedly the most famous street in Spain, this 1.25 km boulevard runs
northwest from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya and is the focal
point of the whole city. The tree-lined strip is the best place to soak
up the atmosphere of Barcelona and is crowded every day until midnight
or later. La Rambla is dotted with cafés, restaurants, buskers
and pavement artists.
The Waterfront
This area was rejuvenated following the Olympics in 1992 and today is
a wonderful place to take a stroll. From Port Vell, with its modern Aquarium
and two Marinas the area spreads northeast up to the old sailors' quarter
and onwards to the city's beaches. At the north end the Port Olimpic is
a lively area with a number of lively bars and restaurants.
Gothic Cathedral
Possibly Barcelona's most photographed icon the magnificent building is
best viewed from Pla de la Seu. The cathedral is surrounded by a labyrinth
of narrow alleyways, is traffic free, and dotted with interesting shops
and entertainers.
Picasso Museum
Barcelona's most visited museum occupies three of the many fine medieval
mansions on the Carrer de Montcada. The museum houses a large number of
the artist's works from his Barcelona periods. The museum is open daily
from Tuesday to Saturday.
Day Trips
Tibidabo
This hill forms the backdrop to Barcelona. The 542-metre peak is a great
place to stretch your legs, get out of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona
and take in some breathtaking views of Barcelona. It is also a good place
to escape the summer heat, as it is often a few degrees cooler than the
surrounding lowlands.
Parc Guell
North of Gracia the park is where Gaudí turned his hand to landscape
gardening. The parks man made creations are as impressive as its natural
ones. It originated in 1900 when count Eusebi Guell bought a tree-covered
hillside and hired Gaudí to create a miniature garden city of houses
for the city's wealthy classes.
Montjuïc
The hill overlooking the city from the southwest is home to some of Barcelona's
most popular museums and leisure attractions, a number of beautiful parks
and the main Olympic sites. The area is definitely worth a visit.
Special Events
Dia de Sant Jordi
This is the day of Cataluna's patron Saint, and is on the 24th of April.
Traditionally men give woman a flower and women give the men a book. The
whole of La Rambla and Placa de Sant Jaume are filed with book and flower
stalls.
Verbena de Sant Joan
This is the midsummer celebration held on the 23rd of June. Locals hold
huge bonfires and firework displays.
Grec arts Festival
Held in late June to August, there is music, dance and theatre performances
held at various locations.
Festes de la Mercé
This is Barcelona's major festival. Held on 24th September the inhabitants
of Barcelona party for several days with many concerts, dances and castellers
(human castle building). On the Sunday the festival ends with a parade
of firework-spitting dragons and devils from all over Cataluna.
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The main tourist office (tel:301 74 43) at Gran vis de les Corts Catalanes
658 has information on the rest of Catulunya and Spain as well as Barcelona.
It is open weekdays from 9am to 7pm and Saturday mornings. Alternatively
you could go to the Turisme de Barcelona (tel:412 91 71). It is open from
8am - 8pm weekdays.
Post and Communications
The main post office is at Placa d'Antoni Lopez opposite the northeast
end of Port Vell. The telephone number is 318 3831. It is open from 8am
to 9pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 9am until 2pm.
Foreign consulate
The UK consulate is at Avinguda Diagonal 447 (tel:419 90 44), and is open
weekdays from 9am until 1pm.
Banks
The banks offer the best exchange rate. There are banks everywhere. There
are several around Placa de Catalunya and La Rambla. Bank hours are usually
Monday to Friday 8am - 2pm. There are a number of exchange offices around
town, they are generally open later but offer worse exchange rates.
Medical and Emergency Services
The Hospital Creu Roja (tel:235 93 00) on Carrer del Dos de Maig 301 and
the Hospital de Sant Pau (tel:347 31 33) on Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria
Claret 167 both have emergency services. For an ambulance call 061.
Internet @ccess
The El Café de Internet near the main tourist office at Gran via
de les Corts Catalanes 656 has an internet facility for customers.
Airport Transfers
The airport is 14km south west of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat.
There are shuttle buses that run into town or catch a lift with one of
the many eager taxi drivers.
To
book a Spanish Course in Barcelona
|