Barcelona, Spain

Current Packages

Barcelona Special   September 2 - October 31, 2004 - from $739
Barcelona Special   November 1 - December 15, 2004 - from $569
Barcelona Special   January 6 - March 17, 2005 - from $569

At a time when Madrid was still an inconsequential Moorish outpost, Barcelona was the center of a powerful commercial empire. The city was established in the time of Augustus as a Roman colony, and was alternately conquered and retaken by Carthage, Rome, and France, each of which left an indelible mark on its identity. As a result, Barcelona often seems to have more in common with Marseille or Milan than with any Spanish city. The Catalan people have clung fiercely to their unique culture and language -- a hybrid of French and Spanish with a character of its own -- which was nearly eradicated by the Dictator Franco. "The Great Enchantress," as the city is known, lures visitors with the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a flurry of Art Nouveau buildings topped by the fanciful creations of Antonio Gaudí. In addition to its architecture, the city is a cradle of art, housing seminal works by Picasso, Miró, and Dalí.

Even back in the 2nd century, this city was a paragon of ambition and modernity, quick to accept the most recent innovations. Its democratic form of government harks back to the 11th century, one of the earliest known examples of government "by the people." Its Electric lights, public gas, and telephone exchange were among the first in the world. This 2,000-year-old master of perpetual novelty is now Spain's most visited city, thanks to its personality of enterprise, quiet excitement, and good taste.

Areas Within the Destination

Old Town: Traversed by the famous pedestrian market street, Las Ramblas, this is one of the most extensive and pleasant of Europe's medieval city centers. The historic cathedral and ancient royal palace are in the Gothic Quarter adjoining La Ribera, which is full of 14th-century mansions. The Museu Picasso is housed in one of these. The beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella frames the district, and contains the Museu d'Art Modern. as well as the zoo.

Example: In 1854, the city fathers and wealthy families decided to tear down the medieval walls and expand the city (the eixample). This resulted in what Barcelona claims to be the greatest collection of Art Nouveau buildings of any European city. The style is known in Catalonia as Modernisme, and was embraced by the 19th-century elite who had a passion for all things new and gave free rein to the age's most innovative architects, led by Antoni Gaudí, who went on to create many amazing buildings.

Montjuïc: Barcelona's biggest recreation area rises 700 feet above the harbor on the south side of the city. There is much to do both day and night, so people stream in at every hour to enjoy the many museums, galleries, amusement parks, restaurants, and nightclubs. The Romans built a temple to Jupiter here, but evidence of a much older Celt-Iberian settlement has been discovered. In 1929, the arrival of the International Fair led to an energetic construction of impressive buildings, grand squares, and a spectacular fountain. Another surge of civil engineering came with the hosting of the 1992 Olympics, which left Barcelona with its world-class sports facilities in Montjuïc.

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