Barcelona and Beyond

If you ask 10 people whet her they prefer Barcelona to Madrid you'll likely have a split decision. It can be likened to New York City versus Los Angeles, Cape Town versus Johannesburg or even Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro.

Barcelona is the laidback of the two with a natural, but modernist twist and a history that dates back 2000 years. And, of course, the city is romantic and teeming with things to do - the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and of course, Gaudi. That's Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect extraordinaire born in Barcelona whose works dots the city's neighborhoods and the minds of the people who have admired him for years.

Gothic Quarter

Begin in the Gothic Quarter for a real taste of history. Make sure your first stop is the cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries with marks of the different styles prominent. There are three Gothic-style naves and a nineteenth-century fa?ade also housing the Romanesque chapel of Santa Llucia and the crypt of Santa Eulalia.

Other stops in the quarter before moving on should be a quick look at the medieval building of Pia Almoina, the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat, City Hall and the Plaza de Sant Jaume. As you walk through the Gothic Quarter you will also be surprised to find flea markets, musicians playing in the streets and sometimes a festival, Spain does indeed seem to celebrate many holidays.

Gaudi

No visitor to Barcelona can leave without getting a bit of a Gaudi fix. Considered by many people to be the intellect behind the modernism movement, his architecture is at the same time both introverted and mystical. His work in Barcelona includes Casa Vicens in the Gracia District, the pair of pavilions at Finca Guell, Palau Guellon on Calle Nou de la Rambla, the Church of Colonia Guell, Guell Park, Casa Batllo on the street known as the 'block of discord" and the Basilica of the Holy Family. The Basilica is Gaudi's most important work, which he devoted 40 long years of his life before dying unexpectedly in 1923 with it still unfinished.

Before heading out into the nearby countryside or the much visited city of Tarragona stop in at the Poble Espanyol, built for the World's Fair in 1929 and which is, by definition, a recreation of the various types of Spanish Villages throughout the country. The variety of architectural styles, music, foods and handicrafts of every Spanish region are represented here and you can get an ideal of the entire country of Spain in this man-made village.

Daytrips

Of the trips outside of Barcelona there are some amazing Catalonian finds. Tarragona is a must on anyone's list as it was founded in 216 B.C. Roman ruins are incorporated into the city's infrastructure offering a glimpse of daily city life and a UNESCO World Heritage destination in one.

Spend at least one or two days in Tarragona discovering the history beginning with the Paseo Arqueologico built around the Roman walls, the Roman aqueduct called Pont del Diable and the old quarter of the city inside the Roman walls.

For churches there's the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which is the main medieval building in Tarragona and the medieval arcades in Calle Merceria and, for even more medieval, there is the Calle de Cavallers, which is the main street from that period.

Tarragona is also on the water, with an area called El Serrallo or the Fisherman's Quarter. Of course, the best seafood in Spain can be found here so don't hesitate to find a good spot for both lunch and dinner during your stay.

Whether it be history or just driving around one of Europe's sexiest countries, Spain's Catalonia region has the mark of many cultures and the friendly people to entice you to visit again.

Getting There: Spain's international airline is Iberia, flying in to many cities in the country, a good way to begin to the trip.

Where to Stay: Tarragona - Hotel Ciutat de Tarragona. Barcelona - NH Constanza