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BarcelonaBarcelona is the capital and most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona is the subject of two different legends; the first attributes the founding of the city to Hercules 400 years before Rome which was rebuilt by Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca-father of Hannibal who named the city Barcino after his family. The second legend attributes the foundation to Hamilcar Barca. The La Sagrada Família was originally designed by Antoni Gaudi. The Church of the Holy Family remains unfinished. Gaudi worked on the bizarre church from 1882 until his death in 1926 and considered as a masterpiece. Montjuic is a hill overlooking the city centre of Barcelona. |
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The main attraction is the site of the 1992 Olympics; the Poble Espanyol-a replica of a Spanish village displaying art and architecture; the Joan Miro museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. The magical fountains of Montjuic are popular and attract visitors with displays of light, colour and music by evening. It is accessible by cable car in Montjuic-the Barcelona port district is below the hill. Barcelona's second landmark hill is Tibidabo and is four miles northwest in a wooded range that forms a backdrop to the city. Tibidabo is home to the Parc d'Atraccions-an amusement park with thrill rides and the famous house of horrors. Tibidabo also has the soaring Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower that offers visitors a ride in a glass lift up to an observation platform which is 377 feet high. There is an attractive church called the Temple Del Sagrat Cor surmounted by a giant Christ statue that offers a rooftop viewing platform. |
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ShoppingBarcelona offers more than 35,000 shops starting from the famous Las Ramblas and ending at Barcelona’s harbour. International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found around Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and along Avenida Diagonal. The most famous shop is the El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya which is a part of a national chain. The La Boqueria marke officially Mercat de Sant Josep off Rambla Sant Josep should not be missed. The Antiques market is held on Plaça Nova every Thursday. You can buy Catalan black pottery, hand-woven baskets or Barcelona lace. There are a number of local chic fashion stores in the city centre that can be explored. |
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RestaurantsThe Barcelona cuisines form a part of Mediterranean gastronomy based on natural products like local meats, fish and vegetables. They are cooked over a low flame with a touch of garlic, almonds, thyme, tomato and a splash of lemon juice. There are International dishes that one can try in the cities many restaurants. You will also find Asian, African, Mexican, Argentinian, Mediterranean, American, French, Italian, and European Restaurants. |
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AttractionsThe most famous street in Europe is known as La Ramblas which is a long pedestrian avenue that changes names as it cuts through Barcelona’s ‘old city’, the Barri Gotic, the Placa Catalunya to the city’s port and is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. Carrer Montcada is well-known for its elegant medieval structures. Two palaces dating from the 15th century have been converted into the Picasso Museum. Pablo Picasso spent his early years in Barcelona between 1901 and 1906. The museum is now the city’s top attraction. Guell Park was a park made by Antonio Gaudi sited on Camel Hill that offers wonderful views of the city. It was originally planned to be a garden city but only two houses were completed before it was turned into a public recreational park. The gardens have a flight of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. The pink fairytale house at the entrance was once home to Gaudi and his niece but is now a museum that showcases Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits of the architect. Casa Mila is also known as La Pedrera was the last civil work that Gaudi undertook before he dedicated himself to the assembly of La Sagrada Família. The building has elaborate designs, globular shapes, assorted sculptures, colourful tiles and intricate details which is a typical signature style of Gaudi. Visitors to La Pedrera can witness a stunning panoramic view from the rooftop and some eccentric signature style chimneys. The Barri Gòtic is also known as the Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's oldest district and a former Roman settlement. It has narrow streets with stunning Gothic buildings and cathedrals that must be seen especially the Gothic Cathedral La Seu, with its splendid façade and serene cloister. FC Barcelona is Europe's most loved football teams. |
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