Barcelona is, of course, singular in its architecture and art - from the intricately carved edifices of its Gothic quarter; Gaudi's moderniste structures; and, the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miro that pegged Barcelona as an important birthplace for 20th-century art. An informative narrative points out interesting facts and explains historical background, as well as tells you how best to visit each site. Special features include three-dimensional drawings (including one of the fabulous Cathedral) and guided tours (including a walk through Roman Barcelona and a drive through the Mediterranean-lapped Costa Brava), as well as in-depth sidebars that detail such topics as Barcelona's Jewish community, the city's markets, and what life as a local medieval monk was like.It starts in the Barri Gothic, location of the fabulous cathedral; followed by La Rambla and El Raval; the waterfront; the Passeig de Gracia; La Sagrada Familia to Parc Guell, where Gaudi's works reign; northern Barcelona; Montjuic; and, finally a chapter on excursions to some of the region's most incredible spots, including Tarragona and Figueres. Special features are sprinkled throughout on such helpful topics as securing tickets to a bullfight, learning to windsurf on Barcelona's beaches, the ritual of spring onion barbeques, where to take Catalan or flamenco classes, and taking a suisso. A detailed travelwise tells you how to get there and how to get around, with author-picked hotels and restaurants.