ROUTE 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SPAIN
http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/eu_members/spain/index_en. htm
1. What kind of government does Spain have? 2. How many autonomous communities does Spain have? 3.Are there any official languages besides Spanish? Which ones? 4. How many inhabitants does Spain have? 5. When did Spain join the EU? GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CATALONIA AND BARCELONA A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalonia
1. How many regions has Catalonia got? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona
2. How many inhabitants has Barcelona got? 3. Where does the name “ Barcelona” come from? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona#History
4. When was Barcelona founded by the Romans? How did they name it? 5. Who invaded the city after the Romans in the early 5th century? ? And in the 8th century? POPULATION
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona#Demographics 1. How many inhabitants does Barcelona have? And the metropolitan area? ECONOMY Barcelona has a long-standing mercantile tradition. The traditional importance in textiles is reflected in Barcelona's repeated attempts to become a major fashion center http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona#Economy 1. What are the leading industries today?
TOURIST SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS ROUTE 1 starts at the bottom of Plaça Catalunya, then Portal de l’Angel,which takes you into the medieval city.
BARRI GÒTIC (MEDIEVAL BARCELONA) http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_city_guide/references_marks/architecture/m iddle_age 1. In the XIIth century, Barcelona acquire certain supremacy over the rest of Catalan countries. Barric Gòtic was born out of this power. Can you name some of the most important building you will find in Barri Gòtic?
THE CATHEDRAL
This gothic cathedral also has a Romanesque chapel called Capella de Santa Llúcia and a beautiful cloister. It was begun in 1298 , on the foundation of a Roman temple and a Moorish mosque. It was not finished until 1903. http://www.bcninternet.com/touristinfo.php?contentid=1094 1. One of the most beautiful places in the Cathedral is THE CLOISTER. When was the cloister built? 2.Why is the cloister famous? How long have these animals been associated with the Cathedral? To the left of the Cathedral , Carrer dels Comtes leads down beside the complex of the former royal palace of the count-kings of Barcelona-Aragón- On the left, you can find a 13th century bishop palace, today Museu Frederic Marés
Beyond the museum, you will find Palau del Lloctinent, which is part of the former Royal Palace, embellished in the Catalan Gothic style. Adjacent is the Plaça del Rei, the heart of the old royal city. In this beautiful square , you’ll find the Palau Reial Major and Saló del Tinell, the great hall and throne room built in the 14th century. Saló del Tinell was the place where Christopher Columbus is said to have been received by the King Ferdinand and Isabella.
In this royal complex you can also find Capella Reial de Santa Agata ( 1312). Besides, in this beautiful place you can find the excellent Museu d’História de la Ciutat. http://www.museuhistoria.bcn.cat/indexeng.htm http://www.barcelonaconnectada.cat/ca/
PALAU DE LA GENERALITAT and AJUNTAMENT (TOWN HALL) The Town Hall ( ajuntament) was built in the 14th century . It faces Palau de la Generalitat. Inside the Town Hall you can find the famous SALÓ DE CENT, which is a 14th century chamber built for the city’s first 100 councillors in the middle ages.
Saló de Cent
Palau de la Generalitat
Palau de la Generalitat has been the seat of the Catalan Government since 1403. In its Renaissance façade you can find a symbol for Catalonia. Among the fine interiors of the Palace are the Gothic chapel of Sant Jordi, the Orange Tree Patio, the cloister http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_George's_Day#St._George.27s_Day_in_Catalonia 1. What can you find in the façade of Palau de la Generalitat? What’s the relationship between this sculpture and Catalonia? 2. How do Catalans celebrate this important festivity?. ( Jewish quarter (EL CALL) , The synagogue, Santa Maria del Pi are other interesting places you can visit before heading to Las Ramblas)
THE RAMBLAS
This pedestrian avenue was once a river running beside the old city wall to the sea. Today you will find a promenade of colorful stalls selling all kinds of items… flowers, birds,.. there are musicians, mime artists, and all kinds of entertainers . http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welcome.htm 1.This avenue is divided into 5 sections. What are the different names. 2. What’s the name of the famous Opera House you can find along the Ramblas? 3. What’s the name of the famous 19th century market you can find along the Ramblas? Walking down the Ramblas to the waterfront, you’ll arrive at Monument a Colom http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/monuments/monument_of_christo pher_columbus
1.When was the statue put up? Why? 2. Where is the statue pointing at? Just south of the statue is the seafront and PORT VELL, where the Rambla turns into the RAMBLA de MAR, a walkway over to the marina.