The Majesty of Barcelona






(Premier Travel Media) (April 2017)

Barcelona has been described as a city whose identity is forged out of persecution.

While the capital city of Catalonia is a major tourism destination boasting a subtropical climate, miles of beaches and extraordinary monuments and art museums, its denizens have, throughout history, clamored for more. Striving for independence, after all, is emblematic of the Catalan spirit.
Catalonia is a community of Spain that consists of four provinces, the largest being Barcelona. The region's citizens have sought autonomy from Spain since 1922 and have faced a difficult path in their quest for freedom.
From 1939 until his death in 1975, dictator Francisco Franco ruled over Spain and viciously repressed Catalonia through forceful military tactics. During his reign, the Catalan language was banned, the flag was removed from public view and the teaching of Catalan culture was forbidden in schools.
Despite Franco's efforts, the Catalans resisted his control, maintained their identity and thrived when Spain transitioned into a Democracy in 1978. And now, 39 years later, Catalonia is poised to attain its long-sought independence as a planned referendum to secede from Spain is scheduled in September of this year.
While political tumult has defined Barcelona since the turn of last century, its residents have forged ahead, creating timeless art and architecture as a testament to human vigor.

Perhaps the finest example of this is the incredible Sagrada Familia, a church designed by renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882 that remains perpetually under construction.

The Sagrada Familia dominates the Barcelona skyline with its Gothic spires menacingly ascending toward the heavens. Closer to the ground, its facades are bedecked by striking sculptures of religious scenes featuring bedeviled characters.

As impressive as its architecture is, the Sagrada Familia is best known for the cranes surrounding its exterior. For 135 years, the church has been under construction, and while it is slated to be completed in 2026 (100 years after Gaudi's death) skepticism abounds. Some things aren't meant to be completed.

Gaudi, who earned the nickname God's Architect because of the Roman Catholic-influenced imagery reflected in his work, is one of history's most respected builders. His unmistakable creations dot the Barcelona landscape, including structures like the Casa Batllo (its facade notably resembles a dragon) and the La Pedrera (a residential building whose rolling exterior is considered one of the most uncommon in existence).

Gaudi's ubiquitous presence in Barcelona remains unmatched, save for perhaps one thing: The famed maroon and blue Football Club Barcelona jersey. Futbol (AKA soccer) is by far the most beloved sport in Barcelona and FC Barcelona faithful have been rewarded for their fervor with years of triumphant and eye-catching play.
On game day, FC Barcelona fans congregate at Camp Nou, a stadium containing a seating capacity of 99,354, making it the third largest soccer stadium in the world.

Camp Nou, which opened in 1957, is one of the most revered structures on the planet, having hosted Catalans in times of trial (FC Barcelona games were a respite from Franco's persecution) and prosperity (The team dominated national play in the past decade, captured three European titles in that span and employs arguably, the greatest player in history, Lionel Messi).

Catalans may pride themselves on their differences from Spaniards, but one thing residents of Barcelona and Madrid can agree on is this: Enjoying a free plate of ham while drinking a frosty beverage is the right way to go through life.