Highlights
Barcelona’s rich history spans over 2000 years, beginning as an Iberian settlement named Barkeno and later becoming the Roman city of Barcino. The city flourished during the Middle Ages as the capital of the County of Barcelona and a major Mediterranean trading power. Barcelona experienced significant growth and modernization in the 19th and early 20th centuries, hosting two World Exhibitions in 1888 and 1929. The city suffered during the Spanish Civil War but rebounded in the latter half of the 20th century, with the 1992 Olympics serving as a catalyst for urban renewal and international recognition. Today, as Spain’s second-largest city, it features a captivating medieval Gothic Quarter alongside elegant boulevards and is celebrated for its cultural contributions, having produced renowned artists such as Gaudí, Miró and Picasso.
