Located at the extreme north-east of the Iberian peninsula, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and also the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region and one of the most ancient communities in Spain and in Europe. Fabulous architecture, world class museums, history, culture, fine foods and wines, fashionable shopping – Barcelona has it all. About four million people live in and around the city. Catalans are known for their independent spirit, creativity, hard-working disposition, peaceful and open-minded personality, and sense of humor. 

Since its founding over two thousand years ago, Barcelona has been the traditional gateway to Spain. Three periods in particular have moulded Barcelona’s distinctive cityscape in its history: the Roman period, extensive remains of which are present beneath the medieval town center; the Gothic age, during which the medieval old town around the Cathedral was developed; and the late nineteenth century, when pioneering industrial activities resulted in economic prosperity and made possible the rapid construction of a planned new town. As Spain remained neutral in both world wars, and the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) did not result in large areas of destruction, Barcelona has survived well architecturally. The city is now the center of an important industrial zone. Metal industry, textiles, machinery and automobile manufacture are at the top of the list. The port is one of the most active ports of the Mediterranean. Commerce far outweighs industry, both wholesale and retail trading. The service sector has developed into one of enormous significance in the last decades. 

The Barcelona we enjoy today is a new Barcelona, a vibrant and captivating European capital shaped by the ’92 Olympics, Mediterranean in keeping with its traditions, with its face to the sea and its arms open to other cultures and peoples.

Language

In Barcelona, as in the rest of Catalonia, there are two official languages, Spanish and Catalan, both coming from Latin but quite different from one another. Catalan is an original Romance language with strong Provençal influence. In various dialect forms it is spoken by a total of some ten million people living, in addition to Catalonia, in nearby Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and the south of France. Road signs and other informative text may only be in Catalan. In most tourist places, you should have no trouble finding people who speak English.

Climate and Clothing

Barcelona is usually warm and humid in July. Average temperatures in July: 25º C / 78º F.  There may be occasional showers at this time of the year. It is recommended to pack light, comfortable clothing. Dress will be informal for most Congress-related occasions.

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