Who wouldn't want to go to Barcelona? What other city has the prefect combination of great food, refreshing drinks, art, architecture, beaches, and history? More than any other European city I have visited, Barcelona offers its visitors a little bit of everything, and is sure to please even the most reluctant traveler. Lovers of art and architecture can visit the unfinished Sagra Familia or the Picasso Art Museum, or take a stroll in Guell Park. Those who are more interested in the convivial lifestyle can flock to the beautiful beaches close to the heart of the city, or partake in Barcelona's exciting night life. Food aficionados have no shortage of restaurants serving tapas, paella, and of course, sangria. The only quintessential element of Spanish culture missing is the running of the bulls.
Despite its abundance of Spanish cultural icons, Barcelona is decidedly un-Spanish. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Catalonia (historically one of four kingdom's that comprised the country we now call Spain), Barcelona has fought hard to preserve its unique cultural and independent rights. If you follow the news closely enough, it seems that there is always a protest occurring to legally keep modern Catalonia from losing its special status. Currently, Catalonia is considered a historical nationality with a right to autonomy. The most obvious manifestation of this? The official language (and the one spoken by locals) in Barcelona is not Spanish--its Catalan. Although there are numerous similarities, Catalan is still distinct from Spanish, much as Barcelona is still culturally distinct from Spain.
This very balance has arguably made Barcelona the great city that it is today. In an effort to preserve its unique culture and defend against an influx of Spanish customs, Barcelona has a plethora of well-maintained historical districts, ranging from the Middle Ages to the time of Franco. In an effort to promote culture, it has some of the most intriguing buildings, such as the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi. But the best element of Barcelona is its unique elan. Unlike stuffy Paris, Barcelona is a city that knows how to let go, and is comfortable in its own skin. It has the confidence of a world class city, but the love for and expression of life that comes from not stressing about keeping up a facade of superiority. After all, Barcelona knows that it has it all, and isn't trying to be anything other than what it is: a sparkling Catalan jewel in a Spanish crown.
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