James Stone

Believed to have been founded by the Carthaginians around 1,250 years ago, Barcelona has been held by the Visigoths, the Muslims and the French, but remains staunchly and proudly Catalan, at the heart of the region's identity.

Ruling a small empire that stretched across Siciliy, Malta, the Balearics, parts of Greece and Valencia during the 14th century, the city grew in importance until its annexation by the Castilian state during the 1460s.

Catalan culture and language suffered under Spanish rule until a renaissance in the 1800s created a strong nationalist movement that still survives today, despite attempts under Franco to wipe it out.

Gaudi is Barcelona's most famous son and the architect has designed many of the most striking buildings around the city, including its iconic neo-Gothic Sagrada Familia.

If you have limited time during a trip to Barcelona then make the Sagrada Familia the first stop. The awesome, towering cathedral remains unfinished a century after it was started. Its soaring spires and impressive facade have become the symbol of Barcelona and it is possible to wander around the cavernous interior.

If the Sagrada Familia whets your appetite, also go and visit some more of Barcelona's Moderniste (Art Nouveau) buildings such as Gaudi's Palau Guell mansion, the Centre del Modernisme, Josep Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller, Josep Graner i Prat's Casa de la Papallona, and Salvador Valeri i Pupurull's Casa Comalat.

Don't miss La Rambla, one of the most famous streets in Europe and a hive of activity of all times of the day and night, with bars, shops, markets, street entertainment and other delights. Take a wander around the Gothic Quarter, with its Catedral de la Seu and Placa del Rei.

Some of the best galleries and museums include the Fundacio Joan Miro, dedicated to the work of the legendary Spanish artist, the Museu Picasso, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and the Palau Nacional on the Montjuic, the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona and the Museu Maritim.

For year's Barcelona's waterfront was criticised for being an eyesore, but an extensive redevelopment programme has transformed it into a busy area full of marinas, restaurants, leisure facilities and promenades.

Just outside the city are a number of good beaches that can be easily reached by train. The resort of Sitges just a short journey to the south is one of the best places to swim, relax and sunbathe.

Food is one of Barcelona's chief delights, with excellent fresh seafood dishes, tasty delicate tapas, vegetables, desserts, meat and game all on offer. There are numerous restaurants, bars, cafes and eateries dotted across the city to suit every taste and budget.

There are plenty of places to stay across Barcelona, though the best hotels tend to get full up very quickly and it is advisable to book well in advance for a good, central location.

With some good public transport systems in place, Barcelona is chiefly a delightful city to walk around and its architecture, sights and squares are best seen on foot.

The ideal time to visit northern Spain is during the spring and early summer when the trees and parks are in bloom and the sun is out. The height of summer can be stifling and crowded, while the autumn and winter months are colder and wetter.

Barcelona's fiestas, live music, museums, buildings, fashion and food are drawing more and more visitors each year and the city offers something for almost every type of tourist. It is a passionate, welcoming place to see and leaves most people eager to return and drink in the heady atmosphere again.