is barcelona really pretty?

Answer 1

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, an autonomous community in Spain. It is located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast (41°23′N 2°11′E) between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs. It is 160 km (100 mi) south of the Pyrenees mountain range. The population of the city proper is 1,593,075 (est. 2005), while the population of the metropolitan area is 4,686,701 (est. 2005). Population of the province of Barcelona is 5,226,354 (est. 2005), although this only covers 7,733 km² (3,000 mi²) around the city. The mayor of Barcelona is Joan Clos.
History of Barcelona

Legend attributes the Carthaginian foundation of Barcino to Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal. About 15 BC, Romans redrew the town as a castrum (a Roman military camp) centred on the "Mons Taber", a little hill nearby the contemporary city hall (Plaça de Sant Jaume). The Roman Colonia Julia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino was outshone by the province's capital Tarragona but some important Roman remains are exposed under the Plaça del Rei, entrance by the city museum, Museu d'Història de la Ciutat and the typically Roman grid-planning is still visible today on the map of the historical centre, the Barri Gótic ("Gothic Quarter"). Some remaining fragments of the Roman walls have been incorporated in the cathedral butted up against them [1]; the basilica La Seu is credited to have been founded in 343. The city was conquered by the Visigoths in the early 5th century, by the Moors in the early 8th century, reconquered from the emir in 801 by Charlemagne's son Louis who made Barcelona the seat of Carolingian "Spanish Marches" (Marca Hispanica), a buffer zone ruled by the Count of Barcelona. Barcelona was still a Christian frontier territory when it was sacked by Al-Mansur in 985.

Answer 2

I'm in Barcelona right now studying for half a year. It's a gorgeous city, but definitely metropolitan, so it depends on what kinda of "pretty" you are looking for.

It is very dense, and a lot like San Fransisco. It is full of narrow streets and surprising turns. There are definitely areas that I would say stand out as gorgeous.

Port Olympico is a set of beaches and sailing ports constructed along to coast. It was built, along with some newer buildings, for when Barcelona hosted the Olympic games. It is crowded, but you definitely get a taste of the Mediterranean sea and many palm trees that reminded me of Southern California.

Mont Juîc and the Park Cuitadella has amazing gardens and fountains. There are many palace/castles now mostly used as museums. Barcelona has it's own Arc di Triomf, and at the summit of Mont Juic, there is a tremendous fountain that has a light and music show on weekends where the fountain changes shape, color, and patterns to classical music. Phenomenal.

Aside from the plazas, statues, and monuments scattered throughout the city, and the giant church perched on the hill behind the city and lit up like gold at night is the ancient Barrio Gotico. There they have many tiny side street of ancient architeture and design that has always turned up something new for me each time I visit.

There are museums, exhibits for Gaudi and Miro, and mesmerizing cathedrals and theaters everywhere.

To be fair, it is also a modern city, with modern buildings and facilities throughout. There are a lot of people here, so oftentimes it isn't pristine. There is also quite a fair amount of grafitti, but one notices that it is rarely if ever on walls, usually only on the steel doors of shops that get rolled up during business hours.

I would definitely say it is a city worth visiting up there with London, Paris, Prague, Florence, and Rome.

Answer 3

Well, got back from there a month ago, went there, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, along with Andorra and France. I really enjoyed Barcelona, we found it relatively easy to find our way around in. Many museums, things to do...and we stayed out in the periphery. Don't miss La Sagrada Familia. Awesome. The best pizza was at Pizza Marzano.

Answer 4

I really enjoyed Barcelona when I visited there a few years ago. They have a beautiful harbor and a pedestrian street with colorful street vendors and street performers. It is a city rich with art & history. Try to find an insider's guide to city art museums, because there are some small ones that hold very famous pieces.

Answer 5

I went to Barcelona a few years ago, I went with one purpose in mind - that was to see the amazing architecture created by Gaudi (check him out on the net).

I was not disappointed, the city is full of beautiful buildings, rich in art and history and buzzing with life. Check out the Picasso Museum and Guey Park. There are also many little squares where there is live music to listen to whilst sipping your wine.

Answer 6

NO!!!!! If you're going to Spain, go into the more rural cities Barcelona is full of drunk British men and it isn't very much like the rest of Spain anymore...

Answer 7

i visited barcelona six months ago and i enjoyed it, it's pretty cool. but i guess that madrid is much better ( i've never been there yet) it's bigger and it's known for "movida" during the night..

Answer 8

I don't know...but Gaudi's buildings worst it.The Sagrada Familia,the Parc Guell.I would love to go,be sure..

Answer 9

Yes, you can see some pictures on our web site and read our travelogue for ideas: http://www.thetravelzine.com/Barcelona2006.htm

Answer 10

uhmmm....yeah. don't forget to visit Sagrada Familla....really beautiful