Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second most populous city, is situated on the northeastern coast along the Mediterranean Sea. The city spans 101.4 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 1.6 million people within its limits and about 5.8 million in the metropolitan area. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona's rich cultural heritage includes architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is an important economic, cultural, and commercial hub, known for its unique blend of historic and modernist architecture, vibrant arts scene, and diverse population.