Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of
Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of
Catalonia, as well as the second-most populous municipality of Spain. With a
population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to
numerous neighbouring municipalities within the province of Barcelona and is
home to around 5.3 million people, making it the fifth most populous urban
area of the European Union after Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid and Milan. It
is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the
coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, bounded to the
west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range. Barcelona offers a perfect
mix of history, art, beach life, and modern energy, making it one of
Europe’s top travel destinations. Whether exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces,
enjoying nightlife, or relaxing by the sea, the city has something for
everyone.
According to tradition, Barcelona was founded by either the Phoenicians or
the Carthaginians, who had trading posts along the Catalonian coast. In the
Middle Ages, Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona. After
joining with the Kingdom of Aragon to form the composite monarchy of the
Crown of Aragon, Barcelona, which continued to be the capital of the
Principality of Catalonia, became the most important city in the Crown of
Aragon and its main economic and administrative centre, only to be overtaken
by Valencia, wrested from Moorish control by the Catalans, shortly before
the dynastic union between the Crown of Castile and the Crown of Aragon in
1516. Barcelona became the centre of Catalan separatism, briefly becoming
part of France during the 17th century Reapers' War and again in 1812 until
1814 under Napoleon. Experiencing industrialization and several workers
movements during the 19th and early 20th century, it became the capital of
autonomous Catalonia in 1931 and it was the epicenter of the revolution
experienced by Catalonia during the Spanish Revolution of 1936, until its
capture by the fascists in 1939. After the Spanish transition to democracy
in the 1970s, Barcelona once again became the capital of an autonomous
Catalonia. Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important
cultural centre and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are
the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which
have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is home to two of
the most prestigious universities in Spain: the University of Barcelona and
Pompeu Fabra University. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean
are located in Barcelona. The city is known for hosting the 1992 Summer
Olympics as well as world-class conferences and expositions. In addition,
many international sport tournaments have been played here. Barcelona is a
major cultural, economic, and financial centre in southwestern Europe, as
well as the main biotech hub in Spain. As a leading world city, Barcelona's
influence in global socio-economic affairs qualifies it for global city
status (Beta +). Barcelona is a transport hub, with the Port of Barcelona
being one of Europe's principal seaports and busiest European passenger
port, an international airport, Barcelona–El Prat Airport, which handles
over 50-million passengers per year, an extensive motorway network, and a
high-speed rail line with a link to France and the rest of Europe.