Barcelona, Spain - A Holland America Port

With cultural roots dating back nearing 2,000 years, Barcelona is steeped in both Spanish and Catalan traditions. The bilingual city offers its visitors a view of Spain's best entertainment, nightlife, performing arts and cuisine. As one of Spain's largest ports, Barcelona is a principle port known throughout Europe.

What to See

A tourist favorite, rising above the Barcelona harbor is Hilltop Montjuic Park, which was named for the Jewish community that once lived on its slopes. It's popular for the castle, amusement park, gardens and cluster of museums that occupy the land. If you are thinking of visiting, a cable lift links the harbor to the nearby park.

Barcelona's medieval Barri Grotic is an open-air museum based in 12th- and 13th-Century architecture. When wandering in the old quarters, stop in at a nearby café to enjoy a quick bite. Many of the nearby businesses make excellent use of the area's old buildings.

The famous Picasso Museum is housed in two of the district's striking 15th-Century palaces. The museum's collection was donated in both 1963 and 1970, first by Picasso's personal secretary and then by the artist himself. The exhibit ranges from the master's childhood sketches, to large posters made shortly before he died. Of note are his unusual Blue Period works and the variations on Velazquez's " Las Meninas." Also in the old quarter is Barcelona's Seu Cathedral, which features beautifully carved choir stalls. The cathedral's houses the saint's tomb with the crucifix from Don Juan's galley in the Lepanto Chapel.

The Las Ramblas is one of Europe's most famous promenades, and a worthy visit during Barcelona's summer months. Artisans sell wares there from small booths along the connected avenues. A tall column at the foot of the promenade is dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Along the route, a fairly plain façade conceals the Gran Teatre del Liceau's elegant interior, covered with ornamental gilding and plush red velvet fittings. Built between 1845-47, the renovated theater was recently re-opened in 1998.

Barcelona is a treasure chest of museums and galleries. Though you will want to start at the Picasso Museum, make sure you don't miss out on the Catalan Art National Museum - one of the world's most expansive collections of Romanesque paintings. The Montjuic's Joan Miro Foundation contains an extensive collection of Miro's colorful modernist work, while the young at heart won't want to miss the Tibidabo Mountain - the world's only museum of automation. Also, don't forget to take time and admire at least a sample of Antoni Gaudi's architectural wonders. The buildings aren't just housed inside a museum, each one is its own museum.

Barcelona is blessed with more avant garde architecture than any other city in the world. Though Gaudi lived decades ago, the man was well ahead of his time using recycled materials for many of his creations. The United Nations World Trust protects much of the artist's work, the most visable of which is the Landmark Catedral de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Cathedral). The architect didn't intend for the building to become a church, though it did become his obsession. He worked on it the last eight years of his life, combining stone, iron and ceramics in irreverent fashion. The Josep Clara Museum of modern sculpture is also a great point of interest for travelers.

For a spectacular view of the city and harbor, ride the funicular to Collserola Tower on Vilana Hill. Designed by the English architect Norman Foster for the 1992 Olympic Games, the 1,000-foot tower is the highest in Barcelona. In clear weather, Pyrennees can even be seen from the tower.

History

Barcelona's whimsical, vibrant atmosphere makes it an inviting place for visitors and residents alike. City architecture is unique, while friendly people seem to almost dance along the wide boulevards. If you're able to visit only one Spanish city, Barcelona is an excellent choice.

The city's 3 million residents represent the very soul of the Catalunyan region, which dates back much farther than the 1978 Spanish establishment of the autonomous communities. The Catalan people feel a strong sense of cultural unity. Their history, civilization, language and character have been distinct for nearly 2,000 years. Further city treasures include more than 70 museums, three universities and 16 city parks.

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