The icons of Catalonia
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Through the icons you can construct a portrait of the personality of the Catalonians, and the customs and history of Catalonia, and fall in love with this land at the same time - if you have not already done so. You have great things to discover.
In architecture, painting, science, nature, history, sport ... Catalonia has icons that cross borders and make up the symbols of an identity that has been built over millennia. In addition, some of our traditions and popular festivals arouse the interest of visitors from all over the world.
If cultural icons help to paint the portrait of a region, UNESCO is responsible for drawing up one of its own, choosing some that it considers humanity must preserve because of its relevance. Catalonia is the region of Spain that has the greatest number of goods protected by UNESCO, and one with the most in all of Europe.
The icons will help you to take a panoramic view of Catalonia, and make sure you do not miss a thing.
In architecture, painting, science, nature, history, sport ... Catalonia has icons that cross borders and make up the symbols of an identity that has been built over millennia. In addition, some of our traditions and popular festivals arouse the interest of visitors from all over the world.
If cultural icons help to paint the portrait of a region, UNESCO is responsible for drawing up one of its own, choosing some that it considers humanity must preserve because of its relevance. Catalonia is the region of Spain that has the greatest number of goods protected by UNESCO, and one with the most in all of Europe.
The icons will help you to take a panoramic view of Catalonia, and make sure you do not miss a thing.
Grand Tour de Catalunya
Grand Tour de Catalunya
Catalonia. Experience and Discover Art and Culture.
Catalonia. Experience and Discover Art and Culture
Catalonia is the region of Spain that has the greatest number of goods protected by UNESCO, and one with the most in all of Europe.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Here are some of the assets that UNESCO has declared a cultural world heritage site.
Sagrada Familia Basilica
Antoni Gaudí accepted the job of continuing a neogothic-style church and giving it a monumental character. When the temple is finished, it will have three façades: the first representing the Birth of Christ, the second the Passion and death and the third the Glory. The four towers on each façade represent the four apostles.
Tarraco. Roman ensemble of Tarragona
In the year 2000 it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO. It is worth highlighting the spectacular amphitheatre (2nd century), where gladiator fights were held, the forum of the colony (1st century B.C.), the Roman walls and the Early Christian necropolis.
Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet
It is certainly the most representative monastery of the Cistercian Route and a historical and architectural treasure.
Church of Sant Climent de Taüll
The building has a basilican layout with three naves. Adjoined to the church is an impressive square belfry reaching a height of six floors and with different types of mullioned windows. The outside is austere, but the inside conceals a collection of important paintings, particularly the Christ Pantocrator. Some were moved to the MNAC – Catalan Museum of National Art – for conservation.
La Patum
The Patum de Berga, declared a World Heritage Site, is the grand festival of fire during which mythical and symbolic animals dance and jump to a constant rhythm, surrounded by smoke and fire, sweat and heat, music and shouting.
Arc de Barà
Camping Arc de Barà boasts an unbeatable location for enjoying the sandy beaches of the Costa Dorada and to visit one of the best preserved remains of the Roman era in Catalonia, the Arc de Barà.
Archaeology
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Follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric, Iberian, Greek and Roman men in Catalonia.
Iberian settlement of Ullastret
The oldest findings of what is considered to be an authentic city date from the 6th century B.C. Some authors in the past confirmed that it was built by the Indigete tribe and remains dating from the Upper Paleolithic have been found.
Archaeological ensemble of Empúries
It is made up of four areas: the old town or Palaeopolis, the neapolis, the Roman city and the Indigete settlement. Around the 2nd century AD the complex was progressively abandoned. The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia organises a number of activities.
Iberian Citadel of Calafell
The Iberian citadel of Alorda Park or Les Toixoneres is an archaeological site excavated using experimental archaeological methods, enabling architectural reconstruction on site. It is located on a hill by the ponds in Platja de Calafell.
Prades mountains cave paintings
The Prades mountains, at 1,201 metres above sea level, form an extensive labyrinth of mountain ranges and gorges where we can find fifteen groups of cave paintings, which have been very well preserved. For this reason, and their uniqueness, they were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998.
Archaeological site of Olèrdola
The first settlement in this strategic enclave, which was protected by a wall, dates from the beginning of the Iron Age (8th century B.C. to beginning of 1st century B.C.). Olèrdola was declared an Asset of National Cultural Interest in 1931. A burial mound has also been found on the site, close to where the entrance is today.
Abric de la serra de la Mussara. Cave paintings
A collection of cave paintings located in one of the caves in the southern part of La Mussara. It is made up of fourteen pictograms, most of them from the Bronze Age, which are World Heritage.
Architecture
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Architectural heritage tells a lot about the history of a region. Here you have some of the constructions that are essential testimonies to get to know the architecture of Catalonia.
Vall de Boí
The largest municipality in the Alta Ribagorça district is a set of valleys and mountain ranges with wonderful heritage including one of the most impressive collections of Romanesque churches in Europe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
This attraction, along with winter and adventure sports, hot spring therapies; the Caldes spa, landscapes in the Aigüestortes National Park, make this one of the most popular tourist areas in the Pyrenees.
Consequently, the tourism and service sector brings in the most revenue to the town along with the hydroelectric industry and construction.
This attraction, along with winter and adventure sports, hot spring therapies; the Caldes spa, landscapes in the Aigüestortes National Park, make this one of the most popular tourist areas in the Pyrenees.
Consequently, the tourism and service sector brings in the most revenue to the town along with the hydroelectric industry and construction.
Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Seu d'Urgell
It is a unique monument of great importance, as it is the only Romanesque cathedral in Catalonia. It originally dates from the 12th century, although its current appearance is the result of restoration work carried out in 1950. The ensemble consists of the basilica, the cloister and the diocese museum.
Church of Santa Maria del Mar. Barcelona
Work started on the building in 1329 and finished half a century later. The temple is the creation of architects Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig, and is dedicated to the Mother of God as patron saint of sailors. It is one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture.
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Here we can see a blend of different styles as, although building was completed in the 18th century, it was started in the 11th century. The central staircase, dating from the 17th century and leading to the door is highly characteristic, and is one of the most singular Baroque works in Europe.
El Micvé or Casa de Banys Rituals
El Micvé (mikvah) is the last vestige of the Jewish community in Besalú and unique in Spain, as well as being one of the only ten in Europe. It is a Romanesque-style chamber made of carved stone with a window to the east of the barrel vault and a central pool which was used to cleanse the soul.
The Jewish quarters. The Hebrew Inheritance
El Call Jueu in Barcelona and in Girona represent the greatest legacy of the Jewish community before their expulsion in 1492.
Park Güell
Eusebio Güell conceived it in 1900 as a residential garden city in the English style (hence the name park) and commissioned Antonio Gaudí to build it. Park Güell was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1983.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Work of Domènech i Montaner, this is one of the most emblematic modernist pieces, both for its spectacular appearance and for the close synthesis between architecture and applied arts. The building was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.
Museu de les Mines de Cercs
Museum dedicated to the history of mining colonies. Throughout the visit, the characteristics and uses of coal are shown, as well as everyday life in the colony. One of the high points is the visit to a gallery at a depth of 500 metres.
Parc Arqueològic Mines de Gavà
The Pre-historic Mines of Gavà, the oldest mining complex in Europe, started to be excavated approximately 6,000 years ago and were explored for more than a thousand years.
Pinell de Brai cooperative winery
Christened as one of the wine cathedrals, the cooperative winery of Pinell de Brai is a modernist work built in 1918 by the architect Cèsar Martinell, a disciple of Gaudí.
Celler Cooperatiu Gandesa
The Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa building holds great architectural value and is considered one of the "wine cathedrals" in the region. It is listed as a National Cultural Interest by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia and, in 2007, was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Catalonia.
Popular and traditional culture
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Our popular culture will help you discover the Catalan personality and enjoy new experiences.
Castells
The human towers of up to ten levels in height are one of Catalonia's most cultural and characteristic events and are held throughout the year in town and city squares all over Catalonia.
La Patum
The Patum de Berga, declared a World Heritage Site, is the grand festival of fire during which mythical and symbolic animals dance and jump to a constant rhythm, surrounded by smoke and fire, sweat and heat, music and shouting.
Falles del Pirineu
Celebration of "Fallas" in the Pyrenees.
Diada de Sant Jordi
On April 23 Saint George's Day, the patron saint of Catalonia, is celebrated as well as Book Day. Tradition dictates that the men buy a rose for the women and that the women buy a book for the men.
Diada Nacional de Catalunya
Every September 11, Catalonia celebrates its national festival and commemorates the events of the defence of Barcelona during the Spanish War of Succession in 1714. The senyera flag, the Cant dels Segadors and demonstrations are its main features.
Procesión de Verges con la Danza de la Muerte
Every Maundy Thursday, the small village of Verges holds a procession for the Passion of Christ with its own and original features which has aroused the interest of a considerable number of visitors, such as the Street of Snails or the Dance of Death.
Painting and sculpture
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Catalonia has been the home and land of inspiration for renowned artists, as well as paintings loaded with history.
Dalí
The figure of Salvador Dalí has a close relationship with L'Emporda: Figueres, the city he grew up in, which is where he designed his theatre-museum.
Picasso
Picasso, who is considered to be one of the greatest masters of all time, lived in Catalonia during the decisive years of his training.
Miró
The artwork of Joan Miró has kept its capacity to amaze its viewers intact. Its forceful symbolism, its bright colours and its enigmatic signs form...
Fundació Antoni Tàpies
The Antoni Tàpies foundation was created by the artist himself to promote modern and contemporary art. It has the most complete collection of works by this renowned artist with more than 300 pieces from all his artistic periods.
Fundació Suñol
The Fundació Suñol shows visitors the collection of art by Josep Suñol, comprised of more than 1,200 works by different artists and organises various activities to produce and publicise the most emerging art.
Museu d'Art Modern de Tarragona
Museum located in three houses from the 18th century where it is possible to view the work of esteemed artists from Tarragona, as well as award-winning pieces from the Julio Antonio and Josep Tapiró awards for sculpture and painting respectively held by the Diputació every two years.
Music
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In Catalonia, music is doubly enjoyed, first for the melody, and then due to the spaces where it is performed.
Pau Casals
Pau Casals was a great cellist and El Vendrell preserves his legacy: his birthplace, with his personal effects, and the Auditori Pau Casals, which programmes performances and concerts.
Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Gran Teatre del Liceu was built in 1847 by Miquel Garriga i Roca on La Rambla and immediately became a symbol of the emerging Catalan bourgeoisie.
L'Auditori
L'Auditori is the headquarters ofthe Barcelona Symphony and Catalonia National Orchestra (OBC). This building houses the Museu de la Música. It offers a steady schedule, with the participation of first-rate international performers.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Work of Domènech i Montaner, this is one of the most emblematic modernist pieces, both for its spectacular appearance and for the close synthesis between architecture and applied arts. The building was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.
Festival Jardins de Cap Roig
The Cap Roig botanical garden is situated on the top of a cliff with views of the Mediterranean sea, in the heart of the Costa Brava. This spot has...
Festival Castell de Peralada
Every summer, the Castell de Peralada holds a new edition of its prestigious music, theatre and dance festival. The artists and companies taking part are of very high quality, and internationally renowned figures attend each meeting.
Language and Literature
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These are some of the Catalan literary benchmarks.
Itinerario Manuel Vázquez Montalbán. Del funicular de Vallvidrera a la ermita de Santa María
Carvalho-Montalbán, Montalbán-Carvalho. ¿Dónde empieza uno y dónde termina el otro? Tanto el escritor como el personaje dejaron huella en el barrio de Vallvidrera.
Itinerario literario Mercè Rodoreda. Romanyà de la Selva
Dólmenes, bosques y masías forman parte del atrezo que caracteriza Romanyà de la Selva y su entorno, lugar donde Mercè Rodoreda pasó sus últimos años de vida.
Fundació Josep Pla
The foundation is located in the house where the writer, Josep Pla, from Empordà was born. In addition to maintaining his private library, the centre promotes knowledge of his work through guided tours, conferences, exhibitions and workshops.
Jacint Verdaguer
Jacint Verdaguer i Santaló fue un presbítero y poeta romántico catalán, gracias a la obra del cual, en el marco de la Renaixença, la lengua catalana fue reconsiderada una lengua literaria.
Ildefonso Falcones
Ildefonso Falcones, después de ejercer durante años de avogado en un bufete, publicó La catedral del mar (2006) su primera novela, que tuvo un gran éxito internacional.
Homenaje a Catalunya, George Orwell. Las Ramblas
Es una ruta literaria que permite conocer parte de la historia de la ciudad de Barcelona y parte de la vida del escritor George Orwell, que escribió el libro Homenaje a Cataluña a partir de sus vivencias en la ciudad durante la Guerra Civil.
Cinema and theatre
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Cinema and theatre play a leading role in the Catalan calendar of cultural events.
Grec Festival de Barcelona
Barcelona celebra cada verano un prestigioso y popular festival dedicado al teatro, la danza, la música y el circo. Los espectáculos se celebran en el Teatre Grec de Montjuïc y en otros espacios de la ciudad.
Sitges Catalonia International Fantastic Film Festival
More than 300 films are shown and diverse activities are organised during this outstanding film festival.
Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
El Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, en Barcelona, es un equipamiento cultural público de líneas clásicas, obra de Ricard Bofill. Cuenta con dos salas y un espacio polivalente, entre otras instalaciones.
The Girona Film Festival
In this festival dedicated to the cinema, films, short films and documentaries from more than 130 countries are projected. It is a talent gathering space in which artists discuss their works and where other additional events are organised.
Descubrir el Born de la mano de Almodóvar, Aranda y Woody Allen
Este itinerario invita a descubrir los espacios del Born más cinematográficos. Grandes producciones han utilizado el encanto del barrio más bohemio de Barcelona.
La fachada marítima de Barcelona vista por las cámaras cinematográficas
Barcelona, una ciudad abierta a la belleza del Mediterráneo, ha proporcionado al cine grandes escenarios con vistas al mar. En este itinerario que recorre el litoral se descubren algunos de ellos.
Design and fashion
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The fashion created by Catalan designers is shown off on some of the most important catwalks in the world.
La Roca Village
You don't need to travel far to enjoy the ultimate open-air shopping experience. The Village offers the extraordinary every day, with exceptional hospitality, delicious dining and year-round savings of up to 60% off the recommended retail price.
Museu del Disseny
Museum dedicated to the world of design which houses the collection of various former city museums. It is located in a modern building and its rooms contain exhibits ranging from textile design to graphic arts.
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
The Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), inaugurated in 1995, is found in the very heart of the Raval district and has different artistic flows which emerged during the second half of the 20th century. It places special emphasis on Catalan artists and on the trends which have exerted most influence on contemporary art in Catalonia.
miba Museu d'Idees i Invents de Barcelona
Founded by the renowned inventor Pep Torres, the MIBA, Museu d'Idees i Invents de Barcelona, is the first permanent exhibition focusing on the worlds of ideas, invention and creativity located in the very heart of Barcelona.
Museu d'Estampació de Premià de Mar
Centre specialising in stamping history and techniques, including both artisan methods and industrial production and the method of stamping with plates. The exhibition depicts the process from the design to the final product.
Museu Tèxtil i d'Indumentària
This museum is located in a Gothic palace from the 13th century, that of the Marquis and Marquess of Llió, where the spectacular entrance for carriages is particularly outstanding leading to a tranquil courtyard.
Food and wine
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Food and wine are two elements that have helped the name of Catalonia to reach the most distant corners of the planet. Do you want to try them?
El Celler de Can Roca
Fortunately for all gourmets, the Roca brothers followed the family tradition and opened El Cellar de Can Roca, a restaurant that must be visited and which has taken them to the very highest levels. Three Michelin stars endorse a cuisine that covers all areas. The wine list is one of the most highly awarded in Spain, for both its selection and for its presentation.
Wine route in the Priorat
Seasonal cooking with personality.
A flatbread of caramelised figs and foie gras, or dry rice with squid and scampi broth are just some of the delicacies on the Albereda menu, a tasting menu of four dishes and two desserts that varies as the products change with the seasons.
Lleida wine route
When you head towards Lleida, don’t miss the chance to do some wine tourism in its lands. The wine produced belongs to the Costers del Segre Designation of Origin.
Empordà DO wine route
The Empordà DO wine route, where you can indulge in the vine-covered landscape half way between the sea and the mountains, ranging from sea level to an altitude of 260 metres, near the Cap de Creus Natural Park.
EnoturismePenedès
The best way to explore its history.
The town of Castelló d’Empúries was the capital of the Comtat d’Empúries for over 400 years.
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W Barcelona
Barcelona / Barcelona
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The iconic W Barcelona is a luxury lifestyle hotel designed by internationally renowned architect Ricardo Bofill and part of Marriott International. Situated on the stunning coastline, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona's skyline.
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Colonia Güell by Gaudí
Santa Coloma de Cervelló / Costa Barcelona
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Discover Gaudi's most hidden treasure, the Gaudi Crypt which is located inside the Colonia Güell
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Saint John's night
Barcelona / Barcelona
Beachde la Mar Bellas/nBarcelona
Midsummer's Eve (San Juan) is celebrated throughout Catalonia and it is one of the most popular and cheerful festivities of the year. The people gather to dance around bonfires, setting off bangers and fireworks, eating coca and toasting with cava.
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Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona / Barcelona
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Except for the façade – built at the end of the 19th century in a neogothic style – the rest of the building dates from between the 12th and the 15th century and is in a Gothic style. Inside there are three naves that are worth pointing out for their sheer size and height thanks to the slim pillars that are typical of Catalan Gothic architecture.
Casa Amatller
Barcelona / Barcelona
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Work of the architect Puig i Cadafalch, it was built in 1900. We can highlight the façade, decorated with neogothic and Flemish elements and crowned by a staggered roof. In the vestibule we can see the large number of columns, the bronze lamps, the elegant staircase with its spectacular stained-glass window.
Casa Milà. La Pedrera
Barcelona / Barcelona
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Casa Milà is a modernist building by Antoni Gaudí dating from 1905-1911, which totally broke the mould. Next to the stone structure, we can highlight the wrought iron balconies. The building is the perfect example of curved lines in Gaudí’s work.
Casa Terrades or dels Punxes
Barcelona / Barcelona
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It owes its name to the four cylindrical towers that crown it. Designed by Puig i Cadafalch between 1903 and 1905, it brings together three houses in a single building with a central European neogothic style, which is reminiscent of a fairytale castle.
Casa Vicens
Barcelona / Barcelona
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This house and garden were the first relevant commission for Antoni Gaudí. It is a very imaginative building in which straight lines and right angles abound. Both inside and outside of the building, it is possible to identify Arabic influences, especially in the colours.
Colonia Güell by Gaudí
Santa Coloma de Cervelló / Costa Barcelona
StreetClaudi Güell6Santa Coloma de Cervelló08690
Discover Gaudi's most hidden treasure, the Gaudi Crypt which is located inside the Colonia Güell
Fundació Joan Miró
Barcelona / Barcelona
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The Joan Miró Foundation has a wide and varied collection of areas where private events can be held.
Futbol Club Barcelona-Camp Nou
Barcelona / Barcelona
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Apart from hosting football matches, the Camp Nou stadium is also open to visitors wanting to tour the facilities and visit the Camp Nou Museum, which houses trophies, photos, football strips and some of the contracts of football players signed to the club in the past. Guided tours of the grounds take in the dressing rooms, stands and pitch.
Gaudí crypt - Colonia Güell
Santa Coloma de Cervelló / Costa Barcelona
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This is the crypt built in the Colònia Güell by Antoni Gaudí, who initially designed a large church. It is considered one of his most important works for its complexity and because he tried out many of the ideas on it that he later incorporated in the Sagrada Família.
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Barcelona / Barcelona
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The Gran Teatre del Liceu was built in 1847 by Miquel Garriga i Roca on La Rambla and immediately became a symbol of the emerging Catalan bourgeoisie.
Muntanya de Sal de Cardona
Cardona / Paisatges Barcelona
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The Montaña de Sal or "salt mountain" in Cardona is a unique natural phenomenon in the world. The interior contains the Sistine Chapel, so-called because of its beauty and its wide variety of colours and forms...
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
Barcelona / Barcelona
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The Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), inaugurated in 1995, is found in the very heart of the Raval district and has different artistic flows which emerged during the second half of the 20th century. It places special emphasis on Catalan artists and on the trends which have exerted most influence on contemporary art in Catalonia.
Museu de la Ciència i de la Tècnica de Catalunya a Terrassa
Terrassa / Costa Barcelona
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The Museu de la Ciència i de la Tècnica de Catalunya is located in the modernist Aymerich, Amat i Jover factory building and holds permanent exhibitions such as the "La Fàbrica Tèxtil", "L'Homo Faber", "Enérgeia" and "El Transport".
Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet
Vimbodí i Poblet / Costa Daurada
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It is certainly the most representative monastery of the Cistercian Route and a historical and architectural treasure.
W Barcelona
Barcelona / Barcelona
SquareRosa dels Vents1Barcelona08039
The iconic W Barcelona is a luxury lifestyle hotel designed by internationally renowned architect Ricardo Bofill and part of Marriott International. Situated on the stunning coastline, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona's skyline.