BarcelonaThe capital and most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It is located on the Mediterranean coast (41º 23ºN, 2º11ºE), between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besos, and is limited to the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge (512m/1,680ft). Barcelona is a major economic centre, with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
|