CATALONIA
Catalonia is an autonomous region in the northeast of Spain. It borders France to the north and has more than 500km of Mediterranean coastline. It's official languages are Catalan and Spanish. The largest city in Catalonia, and its capital, is Barcelona. Other main cities include Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, which are all provincial capitals of the three other regions in Catalonia besides Barcelona.
Catalonia has a rich colonial history, from the ancient Greeks who settled in the north, Cathaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Franks. It wasn't until the end of the first millenium that the Catalonian culture began to emerge, declaring it's independence from the Frankish dynasty in 989. In the 13th Century, under the Crown of Aragon, Catalonia became a great maritime power and extended its reign to Valencia, the Balearics and Sardinia and Sicily. Over the following centuries Catalonia slowly lost its independence to a more centralized Spanish rule, losing various wars. It then lead the industrial revolution in Spain from the beginning of the 19th Century and has remained one of Spain's most industrial and richest regions since then. After the Spanish dictator, Franco, died in 1975, Catalonia began recuperating its political, financial and cultural autonomy, and to this day continues its passive struggle for more independence.
Today Barcelona and Catalonia are one of Spain's most dynamic and productive regions. It is a popular tourist destination particularly for European residents from England, France and Germany. Tourists are not only attracted to the extensive coastline with its beautiful beaches and idilic weather. Catalonia is home to many World Heritage Sites, notably many works of Antonio Gaudi that can be found throughout Catalonia, particularly in Barcelona. Gaudi's most famous work, The Sagrada Familia, is a monument to his genius and still a work of art in the making. A magnificent cathedral, it towers above the skyline of Barcelona. Originally controversial in nature, it has become more so as modern day architects add their own vision to Gaudi's.
Like it or love it, it is a must-visit amoungst Barcelona's many attractions. The Ramblas is barcelona's famous thoroughfare, bristling with life, energy and a little magic, it teems with tourists all year round. Traditionally a place to buy flowers or birds it is now, more than ever, a tourist haven where bustlers and street artists vie for tourist dollars.
Other World Heritage sites in Catalonia include the Roman archeological remains in Tarragona, the Palau de la Musica en Barcelona and the Poblet monastery. The Catalan culture is truly unique and fascinating. Wonderful mediterranean-inspired food dishes including the famous "Pan con tomate" (thick slices of farm-style bread, fresh or toasted, with garlic and tomato rubbed on). A typical Catalan casserole (escudella) is a delicious thin soup that can be filled with potatoes, chickpeas, pasta, meatballs and cabbage. Catalan traditional dances (Sardanas) are like few others and an interesting watch, the music being somewhat nostalgic. The famous castellers (Human towers) are spectacular and will leave you breathless. You should not visit Barcelona and Catalonia without the pleasure of viewing a live Casteller performance! Forget the bullfighting and paella (Southern Spain customs) and stay with the "real" Catalonia of Antonio Gaudi, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Castellers, Sardanas and escudella!
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