Davidsbeenhere - Barcelona, Spain City Travel Guide 2013: Attractions, Restaurants, and More...

Country Intro
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Brief History
The Kingdom of Spain is located in southwestern Europe and neighbored byPortugal, Gibraltar, France, Northern Africa and Andorra. The Iberian Peninsulaencompasses an area of over 224,000 square miles (581, 400 square km) that isbordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain takes up themajority of this massive peninsula, which has been inhabited by modern humansfor over 10,000 years!
Throughout the centuries, control over Spain passed through many handsincluding those of the Celts, Romans, Seuvians and Moors. Eventually, thecountry was Christianized through the Reconquista movement. Spanning over sevencenturies beginning in the year 722, the Reconquista was a series of bloodywars during the Middle Ages fueled by the Crusades and the sovereignty of thePapacy. Christian kingdoms were formed. The Moors were eventually expelled. Andwith Columbus discovery of the New World in 1492, Spain became the worldsfirst bona fide super power.

Weather
Situated at the northeastern most corner of Spain, the Catalunyan region has aMediterranean climate. Summers are hot, but winters are relatively mildcompared to the interior regions of the country. August is the hottest monthand January is usually the coldest. Catalunyas diverse climate allows for awide range of activities like skiing, beaches, sailing, hiking and fishing.From the Pyrenees Mountains to the sizzling Mediterranean beaches of Tarragona,Catalunyas natural beauty is enchanting and exciting.

Culture
Catalunyan culture has a special connection to art. Artists Joan Mir, PabloCasals, Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaud each found inspiration for their greatworks in this vibrant region. Today, Barcelona shines as one of Europes moststriking cities. It is the crown jewel of Catalunyas thriving art scene, andevery neighborhood has a story to tell with its buildings. The unique blend ofgothic, baroque, Romanesque, modern and ancient architectural styles has wonover photographers, artists and ex-pats from all over the world.

Cuisine
Wine, cheese, olive oil, pork and sausage are the five staples in Catalunyangastronomy. The Peneds wine region, about an hour south of Barcelona, hasseveral microclimates that allow it to produce a variety of wines includingwhite, ros, cava (sparkling wine) and dessert wines.
Catalunyans love their animal protein! Sausages, stews and soups are made withtender morsels of pork meat. Fresh cod, tuna and anchovies are also availablethroughout the region. Other common foods are: allioli, a sauce made ofgarlic and olive oil; Pa amb tomquet, bread rubbed with tomato, oliveoil and salt; botifarra, pork sausage; and the famed crema Catalanacustard dessert.

Why Catalunya?
For centuries, Catalunya has endured as one of the most prosperous regions of theIberian Peninsula. With its rich historical and artistic heritage, stunninglandscapes and mouth-watering cuisine, Catalunya is a region for all ages andinterests. It is a destination like no other, and one that I urge you toexperience for yourself.