Barcelona is the second largest Spanish city, with a population of 2.8 million people, and is a hub of history and activity dating back to the 3rd century.

The city?s culture is fashioned from its multi-layered history of coming under the control of various groups including the Visigoths and the Moors before being captured by Charlemagne, King of the Franks, in the 9th century. Under his rule the city became the self-governing county of Catalonia, or Barcelona.

The Catalan influence is now most prominent and the source of the city?s and surrounding region?s unique traditions and culture.

This is especially evident when the city comes alive with traditional and religious festivals such as La Merce Festival. Held around September 24, the day of the city?s Patron Saint, the correfoc, or fire-breathing dragons, come from all over Catalonia to descend upon the city.

Another famous festival event are the castells, in which teams of successively smaller members stand on one another to create towers as high as nine people tall. Participants create a solid base of strong individuals over which others clamber to create a living pyramid.

Catalan and Spanish are the predominant languages in the city, although English is not widely spoken outside of the tourist districts.

The favourable climate provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, diving, sailing, golfing on one of the world-class courses in the surrounding region or trekking about the countryside in search of ancient ruins and historical sites.

Barcelona?s architecture is spectacular, with its famous spires of Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, a huge and elaborate cathedral that dominates the city skyline.

The cathedral, a masterpiece of Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí y Cornet, was never completed.

Other prominent landmarks include the Church of San Pablo del Campo (914ad), the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and a monument to Christopher Columbus.

Barcelona is a devout Catholic city, with 90 percent of residents claiming to practice the faith. Throughout the region this influence is apparent, with several churches, holidays and festivals devoted to worship.

The city itself offers a wealth of hidden treasures and opportunities for urban exploration. Barcelona is a wonderful city to become lost in inviting but winding and narrow streets.

Driving can be quite hectic because of this, but the city has an efficient and convenient public transportation network, with a joint system of buses and subways that operate from early morning to late night.

Taxis are ever-present and easy to find with their distinguishable black and yellow color. Bicycles and motorized scooters are another popular method of getting around. The relatively flat bike trails through major thoroughfares make travel rather easy.

The Els Encants Vells flea market is open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and many other markets selling everything from fine foods, jewelry, clothing to antiquities are available throughout the week.

Shopping can be enjoyed at many of the small specialty shops or through the large department store El Corte Ingles, which has four locations in the city and provides all needed household items and a supermarket.

A two-bedroom apartment in the city will range from 75,000 to 100,000 pesetas per month. Do not be surprised if you are required to pay a real estate agent as much as one month?s rent in commission.

Eligibility requirements for foreigners to buy property in Spain are quite favourable due to the country?s retirement-friendly residency visa, which welcomes foreign nationals to buy a residence in the country.

Barcelona is a big city with a cosmopolitan pace and endless activities, yet its traditions and cultural values permit one to slow down and appreciate fine food, fine company and a measured pursuit of a fine life.