City Statistics
Location: Catalunya
(Catalonia), Northeast Spain
Country dialing code: 34
Population: 1,582,738 (city); 4,618,257 (metropolitan area)
Ethnic mix: Majority Catalan Spanish, minorities include Roma and African
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, Muslim and Jewish
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October)
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard
Average January temp: 10°C (50°F)
Average July temp: 25°C (78°F)
Annual rainfall: 590mm (23.2 inches)...
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Overview
Just a few decades ago, few tourists would have considered visiting the northern Spanish city of Barcelona. However, the city underwent an immense change that culminated in the hosting of the Olympic Games in 1992, an event which completely transformed Barcelona. As well as a string of purpose-built sporting developments springing up all over the city (with the epicenter on the slopes of Montjuïc) Barcelona also benefited from major investments.
The city has since become something of a mecca for the world's top architects, who have flocked here to conjure up an array of modern structures and avant-garde designs. Many have drawn their inspiration from the seminal work of Barcelona's most famous son, the modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, whose unique style can still be savored in a number of key buildings around the city. His masterpiece is the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, but his work can be seen even in the lampposts and fountains of Plaça Reial.
Fortunately, the rush of construction has not completely dwarfed the older buildings, as the old and new architectural styles harmoniously combine. Barcelona is the kind of city where a contemporary glass and steel office block can rest happily within sight of a gothic cathedral, a city where the old port has been rejuvenated without losing any of its charm.
As the capital of Catalunya, the city is also solidifying its position as a major regional economic power, tucked strategically close to the French border and with a wide Mediterranean coastline.
The locals are very aware of the city's potential. A strong desire still remains among some to create an independent Catalan state with Barcelona at its helm, instead of the current Spanish set up, where Barcelona plays second fiddle in political terms to Madrid. Some observers believe that the desire for outright independence has waned since the death of General Franco and the granting of a greater deal of autonomy to the region.
With a balmy year-round climate (not too steamily hot in summer and with few genuinely cold days in winter) it is not surprising that Barcelona is attracting an increasing number of visitors. Indeed, with the increased availability of low cost air transportation, Barcelona has become one of Europe's most popular short break destinations.
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Tourist Information
Official guides can be hired from the Barcelona Guide Bureau, Via Laietana 54 (tel: (93) 268 2422 or 310 7778; fax: (93) 268 2211; e-mail: bgb@bgb.es; website: www.bgb.es).
Walking Tours
La Ruta Modernista is a book containing a map and details of Modernista sights around the city, linking 50 key Art Nouveau buildings, including La Sagrada Família and sites not usually open to the general public. The self-guided tour departs from outside Palau Güell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, and costs just €3. The time required to complete the walk depends on whether or not walkers chose to complete the whole walk or simply a section of it – the entire walk would take a day. The book also includes half-price entry to various sights en route, including the Palau de la Música, La Pedrera and the Sagrada Família. The Ruta Modernista pass is available from the Centre del Modernisme, inside Casa Amatller, Passeig de Gràcia 41, Monday to Saturday 1000-1900 and Sundays 1000-1400.
Bus Tours
Two companies run identical tours of the city. Julià Tours (tel: (93) 317 6454) departs from Ronda Universitat 5, while Pullmantur (tel: (93) 318 0241), sets off from Gran Viá de les Corts Catalanes 645. A morning tour concentrates on the Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc, while an afternoon tour includes visits to key examples of Barcelona’s architectural heritage and the Picasso Museum.
The Barcelona Bus Turístic, operated by TMB (tel: (93) 285 3832; website: www.tmb.net), allows visitors to hop on and off designated tourist buses, at the sites of their choice. The buses ply two routes at 30-minute intervals or every 10 minutes in peak season. The first buses for each route leave Plaça de Catalunya, daily at 0900.
Boat Tours
There are boat trips around the harbor, offered by Golondrinas (tel: (93) 442 3106; website: www.lasgolondrinas.com). These depart regularly from the Port Olímpic, Monday to Friday 1100-1400 and Saturday to Sunday 1145-1700 (November to March); Monday to Friday 1100-1800 and Saturday to Sunday 1145-1900 (April to June); daily 1145-1930 (July to September); and daily 1100-1800 (October).
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