Barcelona is considered one of the coolest, quirkiest, most cosmopolitan cities in all of Europe. The Catalan capital has a creative, energetic, artistic vibe that makes it an enticing place to visit or live in. There are historic pockets to explore, Gothic marvels to gawk at and Modern architecture that gives it a distinctive identity and character. You could spend a lifetime trying to appreciate all the nuances of this Mediterranean metropolis, but if you only have sixty seconds, here are some of the highlights of Barcelona in one minute.
Here are some facts to know about Barcelona:
- Barcelona is he capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Spain
- Both Catalan and Spanish are official languages in this region
- Barcelona’s harbour is the biggest on the Mediterranean Sea, with an active cruise port
- Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect died when a streetcar ran over him
- Gaudí’s Sagrada Família cathedral has been under construction since 1882
- Over 8 million tourists visit the city each year
- The Art Nouveau movement left its legacy in Barcelona’s many whimsical buildings and sculptures
- Barcelona’s five beaches were developed for the 1992 Summer Olympics
- Portal de l’Angel is considered the busiest street in Spain, with and average of 3,500 people walking down it each hour
- If you like chocolate, don’t miss the Museu de la Xocolata in Barcelona