With a history dating back 2,000 years, Barcelona has become a dynamic, creative and imaginative city. Located on the Iberian Peninsula between the sea and the mountains, Barcelona is the cultural and administrative capital of Catalonia and the traditional gateway to Spain.

The city has inherited a rich cultural tradition resulting from its prime position in the Mediterranean and has a unique identity with its own language – Catalan.

"Barcelona was founded as a Roman colony at the end of the 1st century BC, when it was known as Barcino."

From the 13th to 15th centuries, the city enjoyed a period of splendour, to which the Gothic Quarter still bears witness. In the mid-19th century an industrial revolution took place and a period of cultural renewal began.

Barcelona ended the 19th century with a major urban transformation and its landmark neighbourhood – the Eixample (Expansion) – was built, which showcases some of the most characteristic modernista buildings.
For many years holidaymakers have accounted for approximatley 50% of visitors to the city, making it an ideal destination for a short break.