Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city who´s urban layout includes Roman remains, medieval neighbourhoods and some of the finest examples of 20th Century modernism and avant-garde design.

Barcelona offers visitors the chance to walk on foot from the Roman ruins and medieval city to the neighbourhoods of Catalan modernism, with its characteristic buildings, tree-lined streets and broad avenues. UNESCO has declared the emblematic buildings of the Catalan architects Antoni Gaudi and Lluís Domènech and Montaner as World Heritage sites.

Its Roman origins, long history and economic dynamism have given Barcelona an impressive cultural heritage, evident in the preservation of its rich historical and artistic heritage and the promotion of the latest artistic trends. An extensive cultural agenda will lead visitors to museums, exhibitions, outdoor sculptures ... and a large and varied programme of music, theatre and dance.

The city has more than fifty museums, with permanent collections of artists such as Picasso, Joan Miró and Antoni Tápies. At the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) you can marvel at one of the most important collections of Romanesque art in the world. There are also impressive collections of contemporary art in museums such as the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and Caixa Forum. Almost all museums also organise temporary exhibitions.

As for the theatre, the city has much to offer. One of the most important cultural events is the \"Grec\" Summer Festival, which offers a spectacular programme of theatre, music and dance.

Barcelona is also noted for its varied musical offering, that accommodates all genres and consist of three major venues: The Gran Teatre del Liceu dedicated to opera, the Palau de la Música, a modernist marvel and l'Auditori de Rafael Moneo.

Tradition and modernism has also provided Barcelona with an innovative and imaginative gastronomical offering, based on the city´s own products, fresh fish, sausages and olive oil. Speciality pastries and sparkling wines complete Barcelona´s culinary culture.

The city has some extraordinary buildings where seminars, symposiums and international competitions are held. Its exceptional communication networks, Mediterranean climate and a multitude of attractions make Barcelona an important business destination.

In addition to all this, there are also many areas where you can practice outdoor sports and the city and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of leisure activities. Barcelona is full of surprises that will keep you entertained from morning until night.