(SPAIN) Barcelone

Barcelona now has 1.7 million inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. A young city, it hosts a large number of students from around the world that renew and awaken the city at night. Its port and its economic dynamism make the main rival of the capital Madrid. Barcelona also has an artistic ferment. She has seen great masters such as Picasso, Dali and the famous architect Gaudí ... Its cosmopolitan character makes it indispensable cultural hub status.

Above all, it is the capital of the War of Succession. ! Barcelona is proud of its cultural identity. The people speak Catalan and houses the headquarters of the Generalitat, the autonomous government of the province.

History of Barcelona

Barcelona was founded there more than two thousand years ago by the Celts. Later, it is inhabited by the Carthaginians. It truly is growing after its conquest by Rome. Empire actually the capital of the small province of Layetana, they build there the temple of Augustus and surrounding walls.

Barcelona is the object of desire. She, in turn conquered by the Visigoths who make it their capital, and then by the Moors in 712. Charlemagne delivers 801.

The thirteenth to the fifteenth century, Barcelona's golden age. Economic prosperity is combined with the architectural and artistic creativity. A Catalan government is set up at this time. This autonomy is highly threatened in 1714, when Philip V seizes Barcelona during the War of Succession.

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were marked by tremendous economic growth. Barcelona is modernizing and expanding. It doubles surface to house a growing population. The Catalan city also becomes important at European level. It hosts the World Expo in 1888 and the International Exhibition in 1929.

During the 1930s, Barcelona suffer many of the civil war. Gradually, she gets up and takes his extraordinary demographic and political growth.

In 1992, Barcelona has the privilege of hosting the Summer Olympic Games. For the occasion, the city is modernizing and implementing a broad historical monuments restoration program.

Today, Barcelona is a growing city. It has preserved its traditions but is looking to the future. This duality is a strength for the capital of Catalonia. It intends to maintain its status as economic hub and its European influence.

A cinephile city:

The Catalan capital hosted the filming of many movies. Started by Cédric Klapisch Spanish Hostel which revealed Romain Duris and Cécile de France. All About My Mother by Pedro Elmodovar had moved Cannes during his presentation at the Festival. Director Tom Tykwer was reconstituted the old Barcelona for the movie Perfume.


We suggest an itinerary that will take as a guiding the works of Gaudi, with stops "défouloirs" where your children can play to their hearts content.

Start with the central artery of Barcelona, ​​La Rambla, very touristy but very nice with animations, mime, statues and men, etc.

Take the metro at Liceu to reach Parc Güell, an architectural wonder of the famous architect Gaudi.

Children will love to walk in the carved arches and sit in one of the corners of the immense bank exuberant mosaics.

The highlight of the site, the houses seem to be gingerbread, sculptures candy, and straight out of a contemporary comics. A treat!

If your brats enjoyed the visit, impress them by making them visit the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished modern cathedral. The ride is fast because the work involved the entire interior of the monument but climb the towers to enjoy the panorama of the city and watch the architectural details: you see them Easter eggs at the top of the towers?

The day was full and rich culture. Take your kids romp in El Tibidabo, a permanent funfair! Program: ghost train, roller coasters and even bungee jumping ??

The next day, take the air Montjuïc Park but plan your route as this mountain, which dominates the south of Barcelona, ​​is immense.

Take the cable car to Parallel Metro Station, which leads directly to the gardens.

Continue on foot to get to the castle (there was another cable car but it is overpriced!).

The various guns and remnants of the Franco period exposed everywhere are sure to challenge your children.
Take a look at the Olympic Stadium and the huge promontory that was used to host the Olympic flame. But Stalinist architecture is a little bit unsettling, reflecting Barcelona.

Visit the Juan Miro Foundation whose visual and colorful art is accessible even to the youngest. If you are in Barcelona in the summer, end your visit with the pool Montjuic, above the funicular.

The third day is reserved for exploring the excellent Aquarium of Barcelona. You will feel like diving into the sea through a long glass tunnel 80 meters through the middle of animal and plant species varied.

The Explora space offers children fifty activities to discover the aquatic life.

Take time to stroll through the narrow streets of Barcelona, ​​such as the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta (especially its beach in the evening). Avoid Raval neighborhood after dark, the area of ​​prostitutes and trafficking of all kinds.

One last tip: try putting your kids at Spanish time to enjoy the local life: 21h to dine, so plan hearty snacks.

source : http://www.linternaute.com/