The second largest city in Spain is Barcelona. It is located along the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of two rivers. The Old town is the heart of the city. It is made up of many small neighbourhoods, full of old world character, linked by narrow, winding streets. The old town has recently enjoyed an economic revival after many years of decline. Students, foreigners and artists have moved into the area, attracted by its sense of history and cosmopolitan feel, along with its trendy bars, concert halls and good restaurants. Attractions include The Cateral, Rambles, Port Olimpic, Casa Mila and Laquarium. The Cateral can be trace to a small 1st century chapel. In 1298 the construction of the present Gothic temple was initiated and the last detail, the central needle, was incorporated in 1913. The crucifix of the Christ of Lepanto in the 16th century, the crypt of Santa Eulalia the patron saint of Barcelona, and the neighbourhood Claustro are all pieces of art. The Rambles are a series of streets, joined together one after the other, that lead from Pla Catalunya to the sea. The word rambla comes from the Arabic term, ramla, which means a riverbed, and these streets actually used to be a riverbed that channelled the water coming down from Collserola hill. In the 13th century, convents and churches were built on both sides of the Ramblas and the streets were named after these religious buildings. During the course of the 18th century the medieval walls that separated the Barri Gotic from Raval district were pulled down and in 1830 the convents and monasteries were closed. Port Olimpic is an entertainment and leisure zone. Most people come here to enjoy the nightlife on offer in the bars, restaurants and dance clubs. During the day its busy with shoppers as well. You will find underneath it the impressive twin skyscrapers. The Casa Mila had built for them anti classical ideas about design. It was declared a World Heritage Site. It is sometimes referred to as the largest abstract sculpture in the world. The cities aquarium and has become a major tourist attraction on the waterfront. The tanks hold the widest possible variety of marine life from all the worlds seas, but the big draws are the sharks. There is a childrens play room and a souvenir shop too. The ticket office closes one hour before the aquarium. In Barcelona the weather is of Mediterranean climate. It has mild dry winters and warm humid summers. January and February are the coldest months. Snowfalls are so rare that they are remembered as special events by people. July and August are the hottest months. The city has 4.5 km of beaches, divided in seven beaches. Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta are both 1100 m in length and are the largest and the historical beaches of Barcelona. They are separated by the Olympic port from the other five beaches. Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar were opened as a result of the city restructuring to host the 1992 Olympics,when a great number of industrial buildings were demolished. The Universal Forum of Culture 2004 left the city a sand less bathing zone. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, due to its good climate and its cultural offerings. In Barcelona there are 45 renowned museums and is famous for its unique contemporary architecture and the famous works of architect Antoni Gaudi. There has been a steady increase of the number of hotels in resent years.
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