NIK-LAS:Barcelona

BARCELONA


	Barcelona is the historical capital of Catalonia, and Spain's second largest city with a population of 1.510.000. Located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, it is the main gateway from Spain to the rest of Europe. The official languages spoken are Castilian (the official Spanish language) and Catalan; thus, all locals can speak both languages.

	Barcelona's history dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil in the second century B.C. Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of industrialization during the second half of the 19th century. The 1888 World's Fair became a symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international view projected by the city. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia.

	It's history is beautifully reflected in the famous 500-year-old Barrio Gotico, the old quarter known as the Gothic Quarter because it is a treasure house of Gothic architecture, and where you can find both historic monuments and modern institutions. Barcelona is a modern metropolis paradise and Spain's cultural Mecca for Modern art and theatre lovers. Here, you can admire the work of Picasso, Miro, and see Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia, Güell Park and La Pedrera. The Picasso Museum houses a collection of paintings, drawings and sketches from the early years of Pablo Picasso's life.


	Barcelona's location offers easy access to the beaches of the Costa Braa and skiing resorts in the Pyrenees. Nearby are Sitges, Figueras, Empuries, and Girona all of which are worth a visit. Small, attractive beaches allow sunbathers to soak up the sun or provide water sports for the more energetic.

	From the Military Museum at Montjuic one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Barcelona has a vast array of bars, cafes, clubs and discos providing music and fun for all tastes. Its international audience enjoys the lively street life, and extensive nightlife. Montjuic has become a popular nightspot well as having museums, parks and gardens. For a stroll, try the Parc de la Ciutedella - a romantic garden bordered by tree-lined paths and host to Barcelona's zoo. Barcelona was the venue for the Olympic Games in 1992; a visit to the Olympic Village is a must do.


	Shopping is also fun with its flea markets, department stores, and gift shops. Barcelona is home to the characteristic and popular Boqueria meat and fish market.

	At the end of September, the most important celebrations of the city take place: the Merce (patron saint to the city). During this time, there are many rock, pop and folk concerts, street-theatre productions and sporting activities. It is four days of non-stop music, dancing, fireworks, bullfights and parades. Barcelona is more than just a single city. It is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. To some, it might be a surprise that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout. It has style, allure and an unbelievable number of things to do, from art to music - Barcelona is an unique experience.




	School Facilities

	Gran Via Dq: occupies an entire 5-story building and is located in the heart of the center, just opposite to the 'Ritz Hotel' on the famous boulevard 'La Gran Via'. It has 65 spacious classrooms all with windows and balconies. The ground floor is dedicated to the teachers' room, multimedia classroom, central meeting and recreational area where you can watch TV, read the newspapers, have a coffee, with your fellow students or do your homework. There is also a roof terrace.

	American College Credits - Bildungsurlaub - CSN - CEELE- EAQUALS- ALTO - AEEA -FEDELE -ELITE - EAIE

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