BARCELONA

Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is home to two of the most prestigious universities in Spain: the University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean are located in Barcelona. The city is known for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics as well as world-class conferences and expositions. In addition, many international sport tournaments have been played here.

According to the Köppen climate classification, Barcelona has a hot summer Mediterranean climate , with mild winters and warm to hot summers, while the rainiest seasons are autumn and spring. The rainfall pattern is characterized by a short (3 months) dry season in summer, as well as less winter rainfall than in a typical Mediterranean climate. However, both June and August are wetter than February, which is unusual for the Mediterranean climate. This subtype, labelled as "Portuguese" by the French geographer George Viers after the climate classification of Emmanuel de Martonne and found in the NW Mediterranean area , can be seen as transitional to the humid subtropical climate found in inland areas.

FOODS

1-Crema Catalana

If you only try one dessert in Barcelona, make it crema catalana (or crema cremada as it’s known in the city). A Catalan variant of creme brûlée, like the French classic crema catalana is a custard made with egg yolks, sugar, citrus zest and cinnamon before being fired with a blowtorch to give it a crispy caramelised crust.

2- Tortilla

Perhaps Spain’s most iconic recipe, the seemingly simple tortilla de patatas elevates the humble potato omelette to an art-form. Passions run high about the perfect way to make tortilla (we think it’s at its most delectable when still slightly runny) and where to sample it at its best, but there is one thing that all Spaniards can agree on: the tortilla is an obligatory part of any tapas tasting. Great locations to taste tortilla de patatas abound in Barcelona, and it’s hard to go wrong when ordering this classic of Spanish cuisine.  

3-Bombas

One of the most classic tapas options in Barcelona is the bomba, a breaded ball of mashed potato and meat served with salsa brava (a spicy paprika-based sauce) and garlicky aioli. You’ll find bombas all over Barcelona with a wide variety of fillings, but to taste them at their best head to La Cova Fumada in Barceloneta, the bar that lays claim to inventing the savoury morsel back in 1955. Wash down with a cold beer. 

PLACES FOR VISIT

1- Basílica de la Sagrada Família

On 19 March 1882, construction of Sagrada Família began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the church's crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.

The style of Sagrada Família is variously likened to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism or Art Nouveau. While the style falls within the Art Nouveau period, Nikolaus Pevsner points out that, along with Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow, Scotland, Gaudí carried the Art Nouveau style far beyond its usual application as a surface decoration.

2- La Pedrera - Casa Milà

The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon. At the time, it was controversial because of its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies, and design by Josep Maria Jujol. Several structural innovations include a self-supporting stone façade, and a free-plan floor, underground garage and the spectacular terrace on the roof.

3- Casa Batlló

The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones), as it has a visceral, skeletal organic quality. It is located on the Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, and forms part of a row of houses known as the Illa de la Discòrdia (or Mansana de la Discòrdia, the "Block of Discord"), which consists of four buildings by noted Modernista architects of Barcelona