Barcelona is one of Europe’s most dynamic and vibrant cities, and will serve as the port of disembarkation for our October 2005 Mediterranean cruise conference. The city is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, and was host of the 1992 Summer Olympics.

One of the nicest things about Barcelona is that, no matter what your destination is in the city, you are bound to be equally fascinated by the journey getting there. The city’s architecture is a study in contrasts, and offers some of the best examples of 19th century Art Nouveau, often right next to inspiring Gothic spires and spikes.

The Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) demands a visit, and is best seen on foot. It features examples of architecture dating back to the 13th century, and provides a wonderful atmosphere for strolling along narrow, winding streets strewn with boutiques and artisan galleries. Here you will also find cathedrals that are sure to take your breath away, including Barcelona Cathedral (parts of which date back to the late 1200’s, but which was not completed until the 1800’s) and the relatively simple but elegant Santa Maria del Mar. The Barri Gotic also houses works of Pablo Picasso in the Museu Picasso and has many other interesting attractions.

Throughout Barcelona you’ll of course become well acquainted with the incomparable works of Antonio Gaudi. Some examples of his work worth making a trip for include: the “Pedrera” or Casa Mila, with its curved stone façade and remarkable rooftop-park, also offers a nice night-time view of the city; the remarkable (and still unfinished!) La Sagrada Familia church, which has a great view from the top of its towers and also serves as Gaudi’s final resting place; and Park Guell, a park overlooking Barcelona with meandering paths and interesting sculptures and mosaics, and probably one of Barcelona’s most beautiful destinations.

Barcelona is also home to Las Ramblas, a 1.2 km promenade leading to Placa de Catalunya, the centre of old Barcelona. Las Ramblas features all sorts of stalls, shops, street performers, cafes, and restaurants, including the Boqueria food market, and also the Liceu Opera House (one of the important buildings not designed by Gaudi!). As you explore the city, you’ll find the marks of other Spanish greats as well, including Miro and Dali.

Barcelona will provide an enticing port of call on our October cruise conference. The ship sets in to port the night before we disembark, so you would get a full night to see the city (and nightlife!). Still, if you do come, you might want to consider staying in the city an extra couple of days beyond that, so you can experience Barcelona the way it is truly meant to be explored…walking around with comfortable shoes, but sometimes putting them up to enjoy the occasional tapas and sangria.