Barcelona Cruises

Written by Beth Garrett

Barcelona, Spain is a port city located on the Mediterranean Sea between the Llobregat and Besos rivers. In 1992, the world turned their attention to Spain's second largest city when Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics. Today, they are still basking in the success that the games brought them. Through Barcelona's newfound popularity, the city has slid gracefully into the 21st century. Although the Olympic Games did a great deal to boost tourism, Barcelona has always been a city that has fascinated and beckoned world travelers for hundred of years. Yearly festivals, exceptional museums and beautiful architecture pay tribute to Barcelona's rich history.

History of Barcelona

When the city of Barcelona was established as far back as 230BC, it was only a Church of the Holy Family in Barcelona

small colony. Named Barcino, the region became part of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century BC. Throughout hundred of years this small colony passed through many hands and grew in size. Everyone from the Moors to Charlemagne wanted to rule this seaside city. Finally in 1833, Barcelona Province was established and the city of Barcelona became the capital. Although the province was established, violence did not end. Due to political strife and the Spanish Civil War that began in 1936 and ended in 1939, Barcelona was once again the epicenter of unrest. Along with being chosen as the host country for the Olympics came a tremendous redevelopment plan.

Home to Pablo Picasso

Barcelona is bursting with cultural energy and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations throughout Europe. Vacationers could spend days wandering around the city, admiring Barcelona's unique architecture. The Santa Maria del Mar is an ideal example and must see for anyone visiting Barcelona. This church is one of the best Downtown Barcelona

illustrations throughout the city of the Catalonia Gothic style. The Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia is an unfinished cathedral designed by Antonio Gaudi y Cornet that dominates the city's skyline. Another definite stop should be the Museo Picasso. This museum pays tribute to Barcelona's most famous artist, Pablo Picasso. The museum possesses a collection of over 2,500 pieces of the famous and oftentimes-eccentric artist's works, all donated by Picasso himself. The gothic Quarter of Barcelona is a neighborhood that dates back to medieval times. Although the area is now one of the most populated throughout the city, the neighborhood residents are proud of the history that their area represents.

A Modern-Day City

Not only is there an abundant amount of history to be seen in Barcelona, but the city is as modern and as hip as any other throughout the world. The city is a shopper's paradise with everything from art to hand-crafted pottery for sale. There are also a large number of restaurants that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. This is a city that never sleeps, the nightclubs don't even get pumping until well after midnight. Because of the 1992 Summer Games, outdoor recreation is an integral part of the city. Tourists should take advantage of the opportunity to swim at the Piscina Bernardo Picornell, the sight of where athletes from all over the world competed for the Bullfighting at the Coliseum in Barcelona

Bullfighting at the Coliseum in Barcelona

coveted Gold Medal. Throughout the year, Barcelona pays tribute to its rich history and culture in the form of fiestas. The New Year is celebrated with a street Carnival party and all of the participants hidden behind masks. On January 5th, the "Three Magi" deliver presents to all of the good boys and girls of Barcelona. June Brings Corpus Christi and is celebrated with processions led by celebrants wearing traditional masks.

European Vacation Cruises

This picturesque Mediterranean city is a huge port for many cruise lines. Daily, ships carrying vacationers can be seen entering and leaving the harbor. Barcelona acts as a departure city and a stopping point for ships before continuing on to other intriguing European cities such as Rome, Cannes and Venice.