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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
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