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Friday, November 4, 2011

Barcelona - A 2000-Year-Old Societal Hotspot

By Ben Pate


Several components of Spanish culture come together in its second-biggest city, Barcelona. Fashion, science, art, and entertainment combine here to make it one of Spain's most engaging and exciting cities, and it's 2000-year history only make it all the more interesting. Barcelona has something for everyone: nightlife, beaches, culture, and more. All travel outside the US means needing to have a US passport though, but any passport service - including Expedited passport name changes Application - can be quickly done online.

You Will Need A Passport To Get There

No matter what issue you are facing with your passport, online services can help you out. For example, name changes are for those who just got married or divorced. Other services include passport renewal for expired passports, passport replacement for stolen, lost, or damaged passports, and even U.S. passport cards service, an inexpensive alternative for those looking to travel by land or sea to countries near the US.

Barri Gotic - The Gothic Quarter

If you are looking for the perfect spot to start exploring, check out Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter. This historic section of the city is packed with old buildings. Some date back to Medieval times, while others are from a time when the Romans occupied the city. Exploring on foot is the best option for exploring the Gothic Quarter, as many beautiful old churches and big squares are reachable this way, not to mention most of the roads are too thin for cars. Another good spot for a stroll is the walkway that runs along the Mediterranean Sea.

El Palau de la Musica Catalana - Palace of Catalan Music

There are quite a few official UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona, so while you're in the city, be sure to see a few. El Palau de la Musica Catalana, or the Palace of Catalan Music, is a consistent favorite. Designed by a famous local architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner, it's renowned for its gorgeous stained glass in a rainbow of colors and other stunning details. Another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Church of the Sacred Family, or El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia. This imposing (yet solemnly beautiful) Gothic-style building is just as breathtaking on the outside as it is is on the inside.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

If you are interested in visiting some museums, one of the most popular is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Featuring hundreds of pieces of art from the Medieval times to the 19th century, it is a great place to spend an afternoon. Another very interesting museum is the City History Museum (Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat), which covers much of the 2000 year history of Barcelona.

Don't Forget To Try The Food!

One of the most famous things about Barcelona is its food. In fact, it is consistently considered one of the top best places in the world to eat. Don't be afraid to ask for restaurant recommendations, because the locals will direct you towards authentic and delicious food for low prices.




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