Spain is the second most popular tourist destination in the world when it comes to countries and Barcelona is one of the best cities in the country.

Barcelona functions as a host city for a number of intra-located smaller "cities." Barcelona sits sandwiched between the Llobregat and Besos Rivers along the Mediterranean coast. It is the second largest city in Spain and the capital city of Catalonia. Catalonia is one of Spain's fifty autonomous communities. As a result of Barcelona's affiliation with Catalonia, there are two languages spoken in the region, they are Catalan and Castillian Spanish. Barcelona plays host to the Government of Catalonia, popularly known around Spain as Genaralitat de Catalonia This faction of government consists of Parliament, the Executive Council, and the President. The Supreme Court of Catalonia is also housed in Barcelona.

Barcelona sports a number of vital industries. Textiles, chemistry, pharmaceutical, motors, electronics, and printing. Barcelona began it's journey toward becoming an industrialized nation during the second half of the nineteenth century. One of the most interesting facts about Barcelona industries is the fact it floats within the waters of the city's port. The Port of Barcelona is that most important on the continent for cargo and containers.

Barcelona has also undergone a revolution in the fashion and design industry. Catalonia's capital has secured a place as an international award-winner in the field of industrial design. La Fira is Barcelona's annual fair. La Fira is responsible for the organization of various fair and shows. Some of La Fira's work has been toted as some of the best on the European continent. Barcelona was the host of 1888's World's Fair. Many congressional halls, functioning as hosts for national and international events, are also located in Barcelona. In the Summer of 2006, Barcelona became the host of the annual Bread and Butter Fashion Fair, a star-studded event in the world of fashion. Finally, it hosted the Summer Olympics in 1992.

It's role as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Europe is really undpsiputed. A signature Mediterranean climate, marked by dry conditions and mild temperatures encourage Barcelona's mass appeal in the tourism industry. The city is accented by approximately four and a half kilometers of sandy surf and beaches. Barcelona's traditional Gothic structure is still standing and provides a number of interesting facts about Barcelona main attractions:

1. Accessible by Metro's Three Line, Park Guinardo bares the resemblance of a forest.

2. Las Ramblas is a five block stretch of boulevard filled with jewelry merchants, statues, and sales reps. The neighborhood house Barcelona's noted opera house, Gran Teatre del Liceu-it was built in the nineteenth century.

3. Barcelona's trademark Gothic buildings are a mainstay of the Barri Gotic community. Barri Gotic is located just a few blocks north of Las Ramblas. The neighborhood is reminiscent of vintage old Barcelona. Barri Gotic's got a collection of dark streets, a multitude of bars and cafes, and some of the cheapest excursions in the city. Most of the buildings in the Gotic date back to the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries.

4. The Museo Picasso is the most visited museum in Barcelona. The museum is a shrine to famed artist Pablo Picasso in the form of three stone mansions featuring a massive collection of the artist's work.

This region of Catalonia boasts some of Spain's most appetizing beaches. Barceloneta is the oldest beach in the city. The beach is characteristically long and features elaborate wood decking along the boardwalk. Barceloneta is boarded by San Sebastian, a heavily traveled neighborhood amongst locals. Nova Icaria is the closet each to Barcelona's attractive Olympic Marina. Nova Icaria is composed of three beaches. Two popular restaurants, Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho, provide Nova Icaria beach goers with the foods customary of the boardwalk.

Whatever your reason for heading to Barcelona, you will find a wildly vibrant city. From relaxing on the beach to taking in the Spanish vibe, it is a trip worth taking.

Richard Monk
www.FactsMonk.com