Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a Mediterranean port located in northern Spain. Barcelona occupies honorary places among other cities in Spain - the first in terms of attendance and the second in terms of population (the Palma here belongs to Madrid). Naturally, this largest commercial and industrial center has one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe.
The location of Barcelona gives the city a unique charm. From the west, the city is surrounded by the Sierra de Colserola Mountains, and from the east it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The climate of Barcelona is Mediterranean, with mild dry winters and warm, humid summers. The coldest months are January and February (average temperature about +10°C). July and August are the hottest time of the year (average temperature about +25°C).
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Barcelona is known for its historical fame and rich cultural and political influence on Spain and all neighboring states. All sorts of styles and eras are mixed in the diverse and unique architecture of this world-famous city. It is a real ensemble of monuments and a wealth of living pages of history. The Gothic Quarter has been preserved from the times of Rome, from medieval splendor - luxurious architectural monuments.
The old city can be divided into three districts: the oldest, located between La Rambla and Via Laietana; the quarter of la Ribera, which occupies a section from Via Laietana to Kumers Street and from Princess Street to the sea; and the Raval quarter. The center of ancient Barcelona is located on the site where today is St. Jauma Square - a Roman forum was located here. It is best to start a walk through Gothic Barcelona from Plaza Nova Square. Here are the remains of Roman and medieval fortress city walls, which seem to protect the facade of the Cathedral, which is the heart of the medieval city, its life and development. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace, and near the Church of Sant's North - a very beautiful work of Baroque architecture of 1698-1705.
Piazza Sant Jauma is the public, political and historical center of Barcelona of all time. The main palace of this square is the Palace of Generalita, an institution of self-government of Catalonia. Through a very low arched opening you can get to the courtyard - a masterpiece of Gothic Catalan art. The square del Rey is no less beautiful. Here is the beautiful chapel of Santa Agenda. Under the spacious arch there is a semicircular staircase leading to the Royal Palace. In the area of the old city you can see the Moisho Palace with its beautiful drawings on a black background and a spacious courtyard; the oldest fountain of Barcelona (1367); the original Palace of Countess Palamos, where the Academy of Literature is now located, the 13th century; a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic - the Temple of Santa Maria del Mar.
Barcelona is one of the European style centers along with Paris and Milan. In the squares and streets of Barcelona you can find a great variety of boutiques, modest shops and markets where you can find clothes of all possible brands: from the modest Spanish Bershka to the famous Chanel. Barcelona's nightlife is rich and diverse not only thanks to the many entertainment venues, but also at the expense of the huge number of foreigners - students and tourists taking part in it. In Barcelona, it is easy to find exactly the nightclub that suits you, no matter what kind of musical style you are.