- Capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia.
- Spain’s second largest city.
- Population: 1,670,000 (Barcelonais and Barcelonaises)
The name Barcelona immediately brings to mind Antoni Gaudí, the architectural genius who left his mark on the city in the shape of the Park Güell, Casa Batlló and, above all, by initiating the construction of the majestic Sagrada Família, on which work will continue with the tallest of its 18 towers set to be inaugurated next June.. Sports fans have been captivated the historic successes of FC Barcelona for almost as long. The iconic football club has won the Spanish championship 28 times and been crowned European champions five times thanks to the exploits of Johann Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, who are among the many renowned players to have worn the Catalan club’s famous blaugrana (blue and red) colours. While Barça’s handball and basketball teams have also shone on the international stage, the Catalan capital’s defining sporting moment was the hosting of the 1992 Olympic Games, which helped to reshape the city’s geography. The 25th Olympic Games is remembered for Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson’s Dream Team and for French athlete Marie-José Pérec’s first Olympic title in the 400 metres, while its focal point was the Montjuïc hill, which the Tour de France riders will become very familiar with during the opening two stages in July 2026.
