Catalonia is not exactly Spain. Cities of Catalonia - the heart and soul of the province of Catalonia coast map in Russian

Among the regions of Spain, Catalonia, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, stands out in particular. This is a special region of the country with its own traditions, sights, gastronomic preferences, its own language and history.

In addition, Catalonia is considered the resort capital of the country, an oasis of cultural and beach recreation, which is facilitated by a striking combination of favorable natural, historical and climatic factors. Delicious food, friendly atmosphere, the largest amusement park in Spain, a well-developed road network, transport accessibility - all this only increases the interest of travelers and lovers of cultural recreation.

Map of Costa Brava airport in Girona

You can move around the region by bus and car. For this, 12 thousand km of paid and free roads were built. One of the transportation options is rail transport. Moreover, you can both travel around the region and get to the capital of Spain and other provinces on it.

Barcelona

The region is made up of several provinces:

1. Tarragona.
2. Lleida.
3. Girona.
4. Barcelona.

Location of the provinces of Catalonia on the map

The list of cities is headed by the capital of Catalonia and at the same time the largest city of one of the provinces of the same name - Barcelona. Of the 7.5 million people living in Catalonia, almost a third live in the region's capital and its environs.

Barcelona ranks second in terms of population in Spain, and first in terms of originality and beauty. On an area of ​​100 square kilometers there are many interesting sights that attract tourists from all over the world.

In addition to the majestic buildings of Antonio Gaudi, here at every step you can see Catalan temples and museums, fountains and monuments, statues and parks and many other types of historical and cultural significant objects. Among them is the Gothic Quarter, which contains many historically important buildings. Here, the land itself still remembers how the sandals of the Romans touched it, how the motley crowds rustled in the Middle Ages, how, after a long siege, the soldiers of Philip V triumphantly passed here, who managed to take the city.

Watch the video: tour of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.

The majestic temple is the central element of the quarter. This is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. It was erected at the end of the 13th century according to the project of J. Fabre. The building is so high (93m) that it is impossible to take a picture against its background so that it completely hits the lens. An elegant and at the same time massive building is made in the Gothic Catalan style, as evidenced by multi-level arches and openwork ornaments on the walls.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, located in the center of the Gothic Quarter

Where the main roads of the Gothic quarter intersect, there is a central square. It is decorated with two old buildings. This:

It is impossible not to mention the hallmark of the Gothic Quarter - the Bridge of Sighs, located near the Cathedral. Although the bridge was built only 100 years ago to connect the Government Palace and the building where the President of Catalonia is located, the building is popular among young people as a place of meetings and partings.

What to see in Barcelona on a weekend trip? Tips from an experienced traveler.

The list of attractions of the quarter includes several ancient temples and museums, the Royal Square, the Jewish Quarter, the remains of the Roman wall. Cozy restaurants, night clubs, expensive shops, diluting the picture, make the stay here pleasant and useful for city guests.

It looks like the Royal Square, located in the Gothic Quarter

But most importantly, due to the fact that Barcelona is the largest Mediterranean port, has its own airport and excellent road links, visiting it is not difficult for anyone.

And there are always a lot of them: according to statistics, more than two million tourists visit the city every year.

Tarragona

No less interesting for tourists is the city of Tarragona. Among its significant attractions is the Roman amphitheater, built more than eighteen centuries ago. In ancient times, gladiator fights were held on its territory, over 15 thousand spectators could watch them. Currently, in a small museum exhibition, you can learn the history of the building and the events that took place in its arena.

The Roman amphitheater is located on the coast of the Balearic Sea in Tarragona

No less interesting is the two-level aqueduct, built around the same time as the amphitheater. Until now, experienced architects cannot understand how the ancient builders managed to build a structure without using a connecting mortar, and how they delivered huge blocks of stone to the place of work.

Among the important and most significant objects of Tarragona are the monasteries built from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The oldest of them is Poblet Abbey. Its construction began in the early 1150s. Although the monastery is currently active, tourists are allowed to enter its territory, where they can admire the beauty of the buildings and learn their interesting history.

View of the Monastery of Poblet, located at the foot of the Prades Mountains in the Spanish city of Tarragona

Girona

This city is located on the Onyar River. Medieval architecture, the fortified Old Quarter, from the walls and watchtowers of which offers a delightful view of part of the city, the remains of a Roman fortress - these are just some of what can be seen in Girona. One of the main attractions of the city is the Cathedral, built on the site of a Romanesque tomb.

The Cathedral is located on the main square in Girona

The beginning of its construction dates back to 1312. Construction work continued for almost three centuries. The cathedral was built in several architectural styles - from Romanesque to Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic.

The most unique and distinctive part of the temple is the nave. This is the name of the part of the cathedral, elongated in length. The width of the nave is 23 meters, and the height is 34. This is only 2 meters less than the size of the nave of the Roman Cathedral - the largest similar structure in the world. A weather vane was installed on the bell tower of the Girona Cathedral. This is an angel made of bronze. It is considered a symbol of Girona and a sign of fortune.

Watch the tour video inside the Cathedral of St. Mary.

. The capital of Catalonia is the city of Barcelona. The favorable geographical position contributed to the development of active trade and cultural relations of Catalonia with other states of the Mediterranean and continental Europe.
Currently, more than 7.5 million people live in Catalonia. At the same time, 2/3 of the population is concentrated in the capital of autonomy and the nearest suburbs of Barcelona (area metropolitana de Barcelona). This zone is characterized by a high level of industrialization. The industrial revolution in Catalonia began in the middle of the 19th century. Therefore, it is not surprising that Catalonia is currently the largest contributor to Spain's GDP (18.8%). However, in terms of GDP per capita, Catalonia is only the fourth region of Spain. The first three places are occupied by the Basque Country, Madrid and Navarre.
Catalonia gave the world an artist Salvador Dali; architect Antonio Gaudi. A young man lived in Barcelona Pablo Picasso. Famous musicians and composers were Catalans: Casals, Albeniz, Granados. One of the best football teams in the world is Barcelona.
Thanks to the amazing combination of climatic and natural factors, Catalonia is the undisputed tourist leader in Spain. In summer, people rush to the sea and the sun, in winter they go to the mountains, where ski centers operate. If we add to this geography the famous Catalan Art Nouveau, the symbols of which are the architect Gaudi and his world famous Sagrada Familia(Sagrada Familia) in Barcelona; monuments of ancient civilizations of Greece (Empuries) and Rome (Tarragona); one National and 11 natural parks of regional significance; friendly atmosphere and delicious food; the largest in Spain and the second in Europe Amusement Park; transport accessibility and a well-developed road network, it will turn out to be a paradise for tourists.

GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE

Relief of Catalonia very heterogeneous, which is especially noticeable given its relatively small size. The Pyrenean axis, located in the north, as you move south, turns into a lowland of the Ebro River. Thus, the diversity of the natural landscapes of Catalonia is determined by:
a) the Pyrenees- located in the north of Catalonia, the mountain system is the natural border between Spain and the rest of Europe.
The Catalan part of the Pyrenees stretches for almost 200 km, which is about half of the total length of this mountain system in Spain. According to tradition, the Pyrenean axis itself and the pre-Pyrenees are distinguished, which are a mountain range located parallel to the main mountain range, but of lower height, steepness and other geology. Both systems are wider in the western part, to the east they narrow. The main peaks are also located in the western part, closer to the border with Aragon. First among equals: Pica d'Estats(Pica d'Estats) or Peak of the States - 3143 m. It is located in the north of the Pallars Sobirà region. He is being followed Puij Pedros(Puig Pedros) - 2.914 m and Puyzhmal(Puigmal) - 2.910 m - on the border with France. In the pre-Pyrenees system, several massifs and peaks stand out, such as the Cadi massif (sierra del Cadí) with the peak of Vulturó (Vulturó) - 2648 m and Pedraforca (Pedraforca), which means "fork". One of its teeth - the peak Pollegó Superior (Pollegó Superior) has a height of 2497 m
b) Catalan Mediterranean System(Sistema Mediterraneo Catalan) or Catalan Coastal Cordillera(Cordilleras Costero Catalanas) - an array consisting of two mountain ranges (Cordillera pre-Litoral and Cordillera Litoral), which lie along the Mediterranean coast and represent a series of mountains and flat areas.
Cordillera Litoral runs directly along the coastline. It is less long and high (Turó Gros/, Sierra del Montnegre/Sierra del Montnegre/, 773m) than lying directly behind it Cordillera Pre Litoral(Turo de l'Ome/Turó de l'Home/, 1.706m). Inside both chains there are flat areas, the largest of them: Depresion Litoral and Depresion pre-Littoral. The depression pre-Littoral forms the lowlands of Valles and Penedes (del Vallés and el Penedés). The Catalan system also includes Cordillera Transversal(Cordillera Transversal) - a later mountain formation located north of the Cordillera pre-Littoral. The Cordillera Transversal merges directly with the system of the Pyrenees. The main feature of this mountain range is the presence of an inactive volcanic zone Garrocha (Garrotxa).
c) Central lowland(Depresión Central), sandwiched between the chains of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean System of Catalonia. The main river of Catalonia, the Ebro, flows through it.
The central lowland is sandwiched between the pre-Pyrinean zone and the Cordillera pre-Littoral. This territory is occupied by the southern regions (comarca) of the province of Lleida and the central regions of the province of Barcelona. The average height above sea level varies from 200 to 600 m, although higher areas are also found. The flat terrain and sufficient water flowing into the lowlands from the Pyrenees made this area suitable for intensive farming.

CLIMATE of Catalonia- Mediterranean, but there is a significant temperature difference between the coastal zone and inland areas. In the coastal zone, the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. In the interior, winters are cold and summers are hot. In the Iberian zone, the climate is high-mountainous, so in winter the temperatures in this area drop below zero and precipitation in the form of snow falls. Summer is not too hot. Due to the heterogeneity of the relief, the spread of average annual temperatures is very high: from 0 °C in the Pyrenees to 17 °C in the southern regions of the coast. The range of maximum temperatures is also impressive: from 43 °C (summer maximum in the Garrigas region) to -30 °C in winter in the Pyrenees.
Catalonia is divided into two zones based on rainfall.. In the so-called "Wet Catalonia" (Pyrenees and pre-Pyrenees and limited areas of the cordillera pre-Littoral), the annual rainfall exceeds 700 mm. Another part of the historical region is called "Dry Catalonia". It receives less than 700 mm of precipitation per year. The amount of moisture falling from the sky is directly related to the seasons. In the coastal zone, it is rainy in spring and dry in summer. In the Pyrenees, the "wettest" months are April and May. However, precipitation also occurs in summer. The area of ​​the Aran Valley is generally exceptional - the local climate is controlled by the Atlantic.
Thus, there are three global climate domains in Catalonia:
a) alpine (Hautes-Pyrenees);
b) Atlantic (during the Garona River);
c) Mediterranean (in the rest of the territory), which in turn is subdivided into a mountain climate and an upland climate.
Since the main part of the territory of Catalonia is under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, in winter the average temperatures are positive and fluctuate around 10 ° C (on the coast) and from 3 to 7 ° C (in the interior at altitudes less than 1000 m above sea level). In summer, there is an even greater uniformity of the average temperature - 25 °C. Conclusion, if there is no intention to visit areas located above 1500 m above sea level, then in summer warm clothes and a raincoat are unnecessary.
In Catalonia, as in the rest of Europe, the wind from the west prevails. However, both to the north and to the south of Catalonia, the north wind sometimes blows. This phenomenon is characterized by suddenness and is characterized by sharp gusts (reaches speeds of over 100 km / h), as well as a rapid decrease in air temperature. In the province of Girona, this wind is called "tramuntana"(because of the mountains), and the inhabitants of the south (Tarragona) - "mistral". The phenomenon is very unpleasant, capable of causing sudden mood swings and severe headaches in weather-sensitive people.
The number of hours of sunshine per year in different areas of Catalonia varies from 2000 to 2600.

COAST

The length of the coastal zone in a straight line is 500 km, but due to the fact that it is indented by a large number of capes and bays, its length reaches 754.8 km. The coast has the most intricate outlines in the Cap de Creus (Cape of Crosses) area. In this place there is a "meeting" of the Pyrenees with the Mediterranean Sea.
The coast of Catalonia is divided into 3 parts, each of which has its own name.
or "Wild Coast" - the coast of the province of Girona. It extends from the border with France (Gulf of Roses) to Blanes. This part of the coast is known for a large number of small bays and secluded coves. Main tourist centers: Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Platja d'Aro.
A new tourist brand, which translates as "Coast of Barcelona" has united the two parts of the coast of the central province of Catalonia. The first of these is located north of Barcelona and was previously known as: "Costa del Maresme". It has good transport accessibility and long sandy beaches. The most famous tourist centers of Maresme: Calella, Malgrat de Mar, Pineda del Mar, Santa Susanna. The southern part of the current "Coast of Barcelona" was previously called "Costa del Garraf". It stretches from the delta of the Llobregatt River to the border with the province of Tarragona. Here, straight, flat beaches coexist with small coves at the foot of the Garraf massif. Main tourist center - Sitges.
The coastline of the province of Tarragona is called, which in Russian translation means "Gold Coast". The name is explained simply. Local beaches are distinguished by the characteristic golden color of the sand. The most developed tourist centers: La Pineda Salou, Cambrils, El Vendrell(districts of Commaruga and Sant Salvador). Between the towns of Vila Seca and Salou is the second in Europe (after the French Disneyland) Amusement park "Port Aventura. Costa Caribe.
There are two major commercial ports on the coast of Catalonia. The port of Barcelona has a length of 9 km. Tarragona is the second largest port in Catalonia. Its moorings stretch for 5 km - up to Cape Salou.
The sand on the beaches of Catalonia is mostly fine and golden, but in the north you can often find sand and pebble beaches. It should also be borne in mind that the beaches in Barcelona are bulk.

STORY

The territory on which modern Catalonia is located was inhabited by people many thousands of years ago. In the caves located here, archaeologists find numerous traces of our ancestors. The first contacts of the local population (Iberians) with other peoples - Phoenicians and Greeks belong to VIII - VII centuries. BC. In this mutually beneficial exchange, Iberian culture developed approximately until the 3rd century BC . Then the active Romanization of the territory began. For the first time, the Romans landed near Empuries (province of Girona) in 218 BC in order to cut off the lines of logistics supply to the troops of Hannibal, and so they remained here. TO 195 BC . the resistance of the Iberians was completely suppressed and Roman rule was finally established, and city ​​of Tarraco(modern Tarragona), became the capital of the province of Tarraconesis. IN 3rd century AD the crisis that arose in the metropolis led to the strongest decline of cities in the provinces. Cities such as: Tarraco, Barcino(Barcelona) gerunda(Girona), although they managed to restore their influence later, they could no longer achieve their past greatness. After the first sack of Rome by the Visigoths V in . the Romans, in order to "appease" the barbarians, decided to give them Spain and part of Gaul (modern France). IN 475 g. King Eric of the Visigoths created the kingdom of Toulouse, which included the lands of modern Catalonia. Internecine wars for power in the kingdom led to the appearance of the Moors in Europe. Only Christian victories in the battles of Toulouse ( 721 ) and Poitiers ( 733 ), stopped the Muslim invasion. After that, on the lands from the Pyrenees to the river Llobregatt, the province of "Marca Hispanica" was formed, as part of the Carolingian empire. At the end 9th century Carolingian King Charles the Bald handed over almost all of Catalonia to the hereditary possession of Wilfred the Hairy, namely: 4 main counties - Barcelona, ​​Girona, Cerdanya and Urgell. Wilfredo is credited with the settlement of Osona, the founding of the monasteries at Ripoll and Sant Joan de las Abadessas, and the establishment of an episcopal see in Vic.

IN X century Catalonia becomes independent. Count Borel II in 987 refused to take an oath of allegiance to the first king of the new Capetian dynasty. In the same period, the Catalan lands were actively settled by immigrants from Southern France, and the Counts of Barcelona were trying in various ways to expand their possessions. Ramon Berenguer III, thanks to marriage bonds, received the county of Besalu ( 1111 ), inherited by Serdanya ( 1117 or 1118 ) and captured part of Ampuries ( between 1123 and 1131). On the other side of the Pyrenees, Provence belonged to him ( from 1112). Later, under Count Ramon Berenguer IV, there was a union with Aragon and, as a result, the emergence of the Crown of Aragon (Corona de Aragon), which later included the Kingdoms of Mallorca and Valencia. IN 1188 . The Cortes of Aragon finally established the borders of the Principality of Catalonia. The further history of Catalonia is closely connected with the history of the Crown of Aragon.
After the wedding of Their Catholic Majesties Isabella of Castile and Fernando II of Aragon, the historical destinies of Aragon and Catalonia begin to diverge gradually and, to mid 17th century. , each of the regions again goes its own way. At this time, part of the Catalan oligarchs decided to use the contradictions that existed at that time between France and Spain to make Catalonia an independent state. The so-called. the Segadors uprising, which was crushed in 1653. As a result, Catalonia and the Spanish crown lost Roussillon, Conflent, Vallespier and part of Cerdanya to France. In the War of the Spanish Succession, Catalonia, like most of Aragon, opposed the Bourbons, which led to the final subordination of Catalonia to the Crown of Castile and the dissolution of local authorities and the abolition of privileges. IN 19th century . in Catalonia, the development of industry and the formation of the local bourgeoisie were proceeding at a rapid pace. The result was the growth of national consciousness and the emergence of a broadly cultural movement called "Renashsens" - a revival.
The establishment of the II Republic in Spain made it possible to create the Generalitat (local parliament) and proclaim the autonomy of Catalonia ( 1932 ). Fascist coup in Catalonia 1936 ) was completely defeated, and the region remained the main stronghold of the Republicans until the end of the civil war. Only victory in the battle of the Ebro allowed the Francoists to completely occupy Catalonia ( 1938 and 1939 . ). Under Franco, the use of the Catalan language was banned (even in private conversations), parliament was dissolved, more than 4,000 Catalans were shot, including Luis Capmani, the first president of Catalonia.
IN 60s of the XX century. the modernization of agriculture, the development of industry and mass tourism give a powerful impetus to the growth of the local economy. After the death of General Franco ( 1975) the Generalitat was temporarily recreated ( 1977), and with 1979 . - Catalonia is an autonomous region of Spain.
IN 1992 Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games. IN 2005 ICANN officially registered the .cat domain, the first official domain for a non-state language.

LANGUAGE

The official languages ​​of Catalonia are: Catalan(catalan), Spanish(Castilian) and Occitan(occitane). Catalan is recognized as the "native" language of Catalonia, while Occitan is the "native" language of the Aran Valley. In this regard, official announcements, signs on road signs, announcements at airports and train stations are usually duplicated in two languages. All languages ​​of Catalonia belong to the Romance group. They are based on Latin.

ADMINISTRATIVE DEVICE

Catalonia is an autonomous region within Spain, endowed with a sufficient degree of independence. Issues related to education, housing legislation, the development of tourism and sports, ensuring the personal safety of citizens are within the competence of the local parliament - GENERALITAT Catalonia (La Generalidad de Cataluña). 35 deputies of the local parliament are elected for 4 years. The President of the Generalitat simultaneously acts as head of the government of Catalonia, which consists of advisers appointed by him.
General Representation of Spain(Delegación del Gobierno) provides coordination between the central government of the country and the Generalitat, and also deals with issues of state security (army, navy), transport infrastructure (ports, airports), coast guard, border control and monitors compliance with immigration laws.
The investigation of crimes against citizens, the fight against crime and traffic management is the responsibility of the local police: "Mossos de Escuadra"(Mossos d'Esquadra-Policia de la Generalitat). It is subordinate to the Generalitat.
At the 2nd level of self-government are Provincial Assemblies(diputaciones provinciales), which are responsible for the socio-economic development of the respective territories.
The main administrative-territorial units of Catalonia are COMARCHI(municipal districts). In total, there are 41 comarca in Catalonia. The comarca division was established by the 1978 Law. The boundaries of most of the "newly" created municipalities coincide with the boundaries of the historical regions of Catalonia. In the process of dividing the territory into municipal districts, the boundaries of the provinces were not taken into account, as a result, four regions: Bergueda (Berguedá), Osona (Osona), Cerdanya (Cerdaña) and Selva (Selva) - turned out to be “divided” between the two provinces. The Aran Valley (Valle de Arán / Val d'Aran) has a special status that guarantees greater autonomy to local authorities.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM

AIRPORTS
Catalonia has 4 international airports, one per province.
The first place in terms of size and passenger traffic is occupied by El Prat(el Prat) in Barcelona. It is located about 15 km from the city center. The largest number of flights from Russia to Spain is carried out precisely at El Prat Airport.
Barcelona is easily accessible by Taxi(approximately €20 - depends on the amount of luggage and time of day); by rail (every 30 min., to Sants station / Sants or Plaza Catalunya / Plaça de Catalunya); on the Airbus/Aerobus (express bus), the interval and stops are the same as for the train. In terms of price / quality ratio, Airbus is inferior to the railway. Electric trains and Airbuses finish work at 23 o'clock. The most inexpensive, but also the slowest way is a regular bus (EA - day and EN - night). The bus goes to Plaza de España (Plaça d'Espanya).
Almost all international car rental offices work at El Prat Airport.

Girona airport(Girona) - located a few kilometers from the city. The center can be reached by taxi or regular bus. In the summer of 2016, the Pobeda airline flies here twice a week.
Reus airport(Reus) in the province of Tarragona is mainly used by tour operators to organize charter flights to bring tourists to the Costa Daurada / Dorada.
Lleida airport(Lleida) - mainly charter flights for those who have bought a ticket to ski resorts in the Pyrenees.

ROADS
There are 12,000 km of roads in Catalonia. Of these, 962 km are highways (655 km are paid and 307 km are free). Basically, the road network is focused on Barcelona.
The main expressway AP-7 (Autopista de Mediterraneo) crosses all of Catalonia from north to south. AR-2 - between Barcelona and Zaragoza (Aragon). C-32, called "Autopista Pau Casals" between Barcelona and El Vendrell. From Barcelona to the north, the C-32 goes to Palafolls (the gate of the Costa Brava), but under a different name - "Autopista del Maresme". C-25 - the road from Riudellots de la Selva (Girona) to Cervera (Lleida), bypassing Barcelona, ​​is known as the Eche Transversal (transverse axis). Its length is 153 kilometers.

Railway transport.
The rail network in Catalonia hasn't changed much in the last 100 years and is heavily focused on Barcelona. On the territory of Catalonia, two companies are engaged in passenger transportation: RENFE(managed from Madrid) and FJK(subject to local government). Accordingly, each company has its own trains and routes! The commuter map and detailed information about the metro and trams of Barcelona is available on the website of the Catalan Railways (English).
In 2008 high speed trains"Ave" (bird) began to run on 3 routes: Barcelona - Madrid (via Zaragoza), Barcelona - Malaga and Barcelona - Seville.

Relatively recently, high-speed traffic between Barcelona and Paris was opened, but the gain in time, compared to a conventional train, is not too big. This route is provided by the national companies of Spain and France. You can find out the schedule and book tickets on the joint website of RENFE and SNCF.

BUS
Regular intercity buses connect Catalonia with Spanish and foreign cities. Often this is the only available mode of transport that allows you to get to small Catalan towns and villages.
The main bus station of Catalonia - "Sants" in Barcelona (Estació de Sants) - is located next to the railway station of the same name. His specialty is international flights. The second most important bus station is also located in Barcelona. It is called "Estacio del Nord"(Estació del Nord). Buses depart from here to cities in Spain (long and medium distances). "Estacio del Nord" is located near the metro station "Arc de Triomf" (Arc de Triomf, red line 1) and the railway station of the same name.
Numerous transport companies carry out transportation through the territory of Catalonia. In Barcelona, ​​local buses leave from different points. As for other cities in Catalonia, they usually have one company and only one bus station.

TRADITIONS

"Castellers"(construction of human towers) is the most famous manifestation of Catalan traditions. This custom, especially common in southern Catalonia, has been declared a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. You can see the "builders" at work at city holidays, as well as "meetings" of teams (collas), which are held with enviable regularity in different cities of Catalonia. Once every two years, the Castellers Championship is held in Tarragona, in which teams from different cities of Catalonia participate. The nearest one, with the participation of 42 groups, will take place in 2016 (25.09, 1 and 2.10).
There is no flamenco tradition in Catalonia. But there is its own folk dance - sardane, which vaguely resembles the Greek sertaki. On Saturdays, the inhabitants of Barcelona go to the square near the Cathedral, stand in a circle and dance the sardana. Spontaneous performances of "sardana" happen in other cities of the autonomy. On holidays in Catalonia, you can see: "dance with sticks", "moshinggu", and in the Ebro Delta - jota, which is very close to the Aragonese original.
As far as music is concerned, Habanera is preferred in Catalonia, especially in the coastal areas of the Costa Brava. In the summer, festivals are often held here. Also in Catalonia there is its own variety of rumba.
On the days of local holidays, other traditions of Catalonia appear, such as: Parades of Giants and Tadpoles, correphox (fire processions) with devils and firecrackers. The most famous holiday of Catalonia "Patum" in Berg(La Patum de Berga) In 2005, it received the status of "World Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
(Tió de Nadal) is another original Catalan tradition. Christmas gifts are stacked in a "humanized" log. On the eve of the holiday, the whole family gathers around this "uncle" and asks him to give gifts. The process is accompanied by cheerful poems and songs. "Uncle" does not give in to persuasion and then they begin to beat him with sticks.

GASTRONOMY

DO map in Catalonia

The culinary traditions of Catalonia have a long history. The first cookbook that has come down to our time, which contains recipes for local cuisine and describes the processes of cooking, dates back to the 15th century.
Catalan cuisine is built on the so-called. based on bread, olive oil and wine. A characteristic feature of the culinary art of Catalonia is the mixing of seafood (fish and seafood) with products of "land" origin - vegetables and meat. In this regard, the local cuisine bears the eloquent name "mar i muntanya" ("mar i muntanya" / sea and mountains).
Among fish dishes, the undisputed king is - suket(suquet). In addition, it is worth trying: escudella (la escudella), calçots (calçotada - sweet leek cooked on an open fire), chateau salad. The most common Catalan dish is − pa-amb-tomaket(Pa amb tomàquet is a baguette grated with tomato and then seasoned with olive oil and salt). Sauces are very popular. al-i-oli(al-i-oli - garlic and oil) and romesco(el romesco). Fuet (smoked sausage) Vika and butifarra are famous. Desserts: Catalan creme (crema catalana), panellets, white food (menjar blanc), etc.

Restaurant business in Catalonia, as well as throughout Spain, is one of the most prestigious occupations, and therefore, in order to stay hungry, you need to try very hard. The menu is more than varied: from the usual scrambled eggs and french fries to traditional Catalan dishes and delights of high gastronomy. World famous culinary gurus work in Catalonia: Ferran Adria(Ferran Adrià); Carme Ruscalleda(Carme Ruscalleda - restaurant "Sant Pau" in Sant Pol de Mar); Santi Santamaria(Santi Santamaria - restaurant "Can Fabes" in Sant Celoni). Restaurant "El Celler de Can Roca" in Girona in 2015 was recognized as the best restaurant in the world. In 2016, he remained in the top, but moved down one line - the second in the world.
Catalonia is famous for its wines. Red wine from Priorato, white from Alella, cava (sparkling wine) from Penedés are known far beyond the borders of Catalonia. The region, in addition to 4 zones of controlled origin of wine (D.O. Penedès, D.O. Alella, D.O. Priorat and D.O. Segre), produces wine under the brand name DO Catalonia.
Kava(el cava) - sparkling wine like champagne - produced by traditional methods in the south of Catalonia. Millions of bottles of this drink ripen in the cellars of San Sadurní de Anoia (Penedes, Tarragona province). The most famous producers are Freixenet and Codorníu, but there are others.

HOLIDAYS

The best of the best:
April 23: Saint George's Day(Sant Jordi - cat.) - the patron saint of Catalonia. Despite the fact that almost all Catalans celebrate the holiday, this day is not a day off. On St. George's Day, it is customary to give loved ones one rose and a book. On the eve and on the day of the holiday in the cities of Catalonia, street book markets appear and the flower trade revives.
June 24 : Feast of St. John(Festividad de San Juan) - a day off. In fact, it is celebrated on the night of June 23-24. According to the established tradition, no one sleeps on the shortest night of the year. Bonfires are lit throughout Catalonia, around which people dance and sing. In a number of places, the sparkle of fireworks is added to the live fire of bonfires. A festive dinner in the fresh air is accompanied by cava (Catalan champagne), and ends with the traditional St. John's pie (coca de San Juan).
11 September : National Day of Catalonia(Día Nacional de Cataluña), abbreviated as Dyad(Diada). Day off in Catalonia. In 1714, on this day, the troops of Philip V occupied Barcelona, ​​which led to the complete loss of autonomy. Having occupied Barcelona, ​​the Spanish king dissolved the local authorities and abolished all the privileges enjoyed by the inhabitants of Catalonia. The establishment of the holiday was the first act of the newly created Parliament of Catalonia (Generalitat) in 1980.
In total, there are 15 official holidays in Catalonia, 9 of which coincide with holidays in the rest of Spain, 5 are established by the local government and 1 is established by the municipalities in honor of the day of the patron (patron) of the area.
Holidays throughout Catalonia:
January 1 - New Year;
January 6 - Epiphany de los Reyes Magos (Adoration of the Magi);
May 1 - International Workers' Day;
Holy Week - Good Friday;
Holy Week - Easter Eve (Lunes de Pasqua);
June 24 - St. Joan's Day celebrations;
August 15 - Ascension of Mary;
September 11 - National Day of Catalonia;
October 12 - National Day of Spain;
November 1 - All Saints Day;
December 6 - Spanish Constitution Day;
December 8 - Immaculate Conception;
December 25 - Christmas;
December 26 - St. Esteban.

RESERVES and NATURAL PARKS

By 2006, approximately 30% of the territory of Catalonia was part of various protected areas. These zones differ in the level of protection and subordination. At the top of this complex hierarchy is Aiguestortes National Park and Estany San Maurici founded in 1955. In addition to it, under the protection of the Generalitat (government of Catalonia) there are 11 more natural parks, 3 natural attractions of national importance and 1 conservation area (Ebro Delta) and 1 marine protected area (Medes Islands).

World Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO list)

1.) Architectural heritage of Antoni Gaudí. Park and Palace Güell, Casa Mila, facade of the Nativity and the crypt of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicenç, Casa Batlló and Colonia Güell (1984 and 2005).
2.) Monastery of Poblet, where the remains of the kings of Aragon lie (1991).
3.) Archaeological finds of the Roman period on the territory of Tarragona (2000).
4.) Romanesque churches of the Boi Valley (2000).
5.) Palace of Catalan Music and Santa Pau Hospital - works of a contemporary of Gaudi, architect Luis Domench i Montaner (2007).
6.) A number of caves, where the remains of prehistoric paintings were found, are part of the object referred to as: "Prehistoric Art of the Iberian Peninsula in the Mediterranean Zone" (1998).
And finally, the holiday Patum de Berg, in 2005 was included in the list of the oral and intangible heritage of Humanity.

TOP 10 attractions Catalonia.

1. Barcelona- the capital of Catalonia and one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Its current appearance is largely determined by the buildings of the Art Nouveau era, built according to the designs of Gaudi and his no less famous contemporaries - Domenech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch.
2. Tarragona- the capital of the ancient Roman province of Spain Siterior. The city is known for numerous monuments of the era of Roman rule. Near Tarragona is the well-preserved Arc de Triomphe from the Roman period.
3. Montserrat- mountain formation, the name of which can be translated as "sawed mountain". One of the most revered places in Catalonia.
4. Poblet- a royal monastery founded by the monks of the Cister order. For a long period of time he served as the Pantheon of the Catalan-Aragonese dynasty.
5. Espot- the gateway to the wonderful world of the National Park "Aiguiestortes and Lago San Maurici".
6. Ripoll- the cradle of Catalonia. The founder of Catalonia, the legendary Gifre el Velos (Gifre the Hairy), is buried in the local cathedral.
7. Girona- the capital of the province of the same name and a city in which the past is closely intertwined with the present.

8. Cadaques and landscapes of Cape Crosses(Cap de Creus) - allow you to see the world of Salvador Dali with your own eyes.
9. Road between Tossa de Mar and Sant Fello de Guixols is an opportunity to admire the magnificent landscapes of the Costa Brava.
10. "Port Aventura and Costa Caribe"- the largest in Spain and the second in Europe Amusement Park.

Many have heard about an unusual region in Spain - Catalonia, but not everyone can show on the map where it is located. Spain is a fairly large country, there are seventeen autonomous regions, the most famous being the Basque Country, Andalusia, Galicia and, of course, Catalonia.

Almost every region has something to see, where to go, because there are more than a thousand cultural and natural monuments throughout the country. To see everything and not get confused, you need a detailed map.

Sometimes tourists from one region go to another, only to enjoy other sights. They try to visit Catalonia first of all, because there is so much beauty here that you can’t find anywhere else.

Girona, Figueres - each city here is filled with colorful streets that have a colorful atmosphere. It is this region that brings into our lives the main stereotypes and associations about the whole country.

In contact with

Where is Catalonia located?

And so, where to look for real Spanish comfort, where is this region located? Catalonia is located in the northeast. In the north there is a border with Andorra and France. It is washed by the Balearic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the length of the coast is about 580 kilometers. In the neighborhood are such regions as Aragon, Valencia.

The area of ​​the region is 32 thousand square kilometers, the region is divided into provinces - Lleida, Girona and Barcelona. Each province is full of tourists and attractions.

Take note: The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona - a city with a population of 2 million people, which is confirmed by Wikipedia. On the map of Spain, it occupies only a small part, but at the same time seven million people live in the entire region - this is the second largest region of the country.

All these people recognize three official languages ​​- Catalan, Spanish and Occitan. Moreover, the Catalans like to emphasize that they do not speak Spanish, namely the Catalan language.

The northern part is more suitable for lovers of natural attractions, because there are national parks and reserves, for example, the Pyrenees National Park.

Spain and Catalonia on the map

Finding Spain on the world map is easy! But finding Catalonia is already more difficult.

Catalonia is one of the most popular tourist regions for recreation, because there is the sea, culture, and nature, so if you are planning to come here, do not be too lazy to study the map of the region in detail. Usually everyone stops in Barcelona, ​​since from there you can easily get to neighboring cities.

Note: The tourist season in Catalonia runs all year round. Summers are dry and hot, while winters are mild with little rainfall. The favorable Mediterranean climate allows the Catalans to grow olives, almonds, grapes, and corn.

It is also believed that this is where the most delicious traditional food is. Paella and jamon can be tasted both in the restaurant and in the market.

Map of Catalonia with cities in Russian

A Russian tourist, of course, will find it more convenient to use a map of Spain and Catalonia, where all roads, rivers and cities are signed in Russian. Most locals will be able to keep up a conversation in English, although they are very pleased when people can speak at least a little Spanish.

The sights of Barcelona attract many tourists, connoisseurs of culture come here to look at the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Tibidabo. And Gaudí's architecture will never let you go again, all these lines and angles create an amazing image of the building.

Throughout the region, nature is very beautiful, greenery everywhere, flowers even in autumn, incredible mountains and lakes.
You should definitely climb Mount Montserrat, visit Poblet Monastery, see Girona Cathedral and so on.

This region is quite expensive for recreation, but if you take tickets in advance, you can leave for only six thousand round trip from Moscow or St. Petersburg. Usually, airlines arrange sales in the off-season, and in summer and spring you can easily catch a charter flight at a bargain price.

Map of Catalonia with resorts in Russian

The cleanest and warm sea is another reason to visit this particular region.
Many beaches are highly rated and are the best in all of Spain. The water temperature here is +15 even in December, although the Spaniards themselves do not swim.

The best resorts are:

There are also beaches in Barcelona itself. Here they hold parties, arrange events all year round, play sports and just meet friends.

Finding the right hotel with access to the sea or a private pool is not difficult. Catalonia is a developed region, so most of the inhabitants are employed in the service sector, which means that there will be no problems with housing. There are cheap hostels where an overnight stay starts from 15 euros. And you can pick up an affordable hotel 2-3 stars, where 1500-3000 rubles will come out per night.

For the richest, there are 5-star hotels that have the best views of the sights or the beach. It is better to book all places in advance, at least two months before the intended trip, because new tourists come to Spain every day who are looking for better places.

Conclusion

Catalonia is an amazing region of Spain. At first glance, it may seem that this is a completely different country, although the map shows that this is not the case. They speak here in their own dialect, which is called the Catalan language, considering it to be primordially correct. It even has its own flag, coat of arms, anthem, why not a real country?

In addition, the residents themselves have repeatedly spoken out about separating from Spain, every few years they even hold a referendum here, but so far the majority is against this decision. All the main stereotypes and rumors about the country as a whole are, as a rule, the traditions of Catalonia.

National food, costumes, holidays and festivals - this is where modern Spanish culture came from. The Catalans themselves often answer the question about their nationality and answer: "Catalan". The people here are friendly and welcoming, men do not skimp on compliments, so the girls will be especially pleased to be here.

Catalonia arose in the 10th century, since then this region has experienced a lot. It was attacked by the Cathaginians, Romans, Alans and Visigoths, but the land managed to resist, the people proved that they were able to defend their territory.

Interesting fact: for all the time, Catalonia has been part of France, now it is part of Spain, although in the hearts of the locals they are still confident that someday they will be able to create their own independent, strong country.

Currently, the government of Catalonia has gained independence in many matters related to the economy and politics, although they are not going to be given full freedom. One way or another, Catalonia is a valuable region of Spain that the state does not want to lose. Every year, large sums come from tourism to the treasury, so it is not profitable for the country to liberate Catalonia, although freedom has been granted to it.

Watch a video in which a specialist will help you choose excursions in Spain, learn about transport and shopping:

To get to know this part of the Iberian Peninsula better, look at the map of Catalonia. The region has clear contours against a general Spanish background: a triangle turned with its tip down will be the desired territory.

Let's get acquainted with the creation of cartographers from Google:

Convenient, functional. An excellent interactive option, which should be supplemented with several "static" counterparts, including in Russian:

These cards will come in handy when you won't be able to use the online options.

Separately, it is worth noting the physical map:

It shows how diverse Catalan nature is. Despite the relatively small area, the autonomy has the sea, mountains, and forests - almost everything that is required for recreation: active and beach. It is no coincidence that the flow of tourists is only increasing every year.

Where is Catalonia

Located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Autonomy borders on France in the north, Aragon in the west and Valencia in the south. The entire eastern part of the region is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The length of the coastline is 580 kilometers. You can evaluate its bends on this map of the coast:

The coast of Catalonia is world famous resorts. Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa de Maresme - everyone has heard these names at least once in their life. And many have learned from personal experience that rest here is characterized only by superlatives.

You will soon find out for yourself!

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