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Catalonia, a destination with quality and character

Welcome to , a land at the leading edge which is eager to offer you hospitality and give you such an unforgettable stay that you will want to come again. Catalonia greets you with its beautiful scenery, its rich cultural heritage and, above all, its open-minded, enterprising people.The thriving Catalan economy has always made our country a pole of attraction, a land that looks outwards, beyond its borders, towards the horizon.

A land of progress, well-being and hospitality. Catalonia was a driving force behind the economic activity and industrialization of 19th and 20th century and nowadays it plays the same role in the new economy of the 21st century.Today, as in the past, ours is a land of encounter, a hospitable land where cultures from all over the world live side by side, a land with an open outlook, which sees tourism as a great bridge towards mutual knowledge and understanding, contact and exchange.

Catalonia, the seal of quality. Catalonia has consolidated its position as a leading tourist destination by offering one key premium: quality. Entrepreneurs and government work as a team to provide a wide range of facilities giving top-rate service. Our efforts are focused on a model that is both competitive and environmentally sustainable. Every year we train thousands of professionals to offer the finest and most attentive service to all our guests.

Catalunya, a diverse land. Besides the charms of its beaches and mountains, Catalonia offers other more up-to-date attractions: the worldwide prestige of its cuisine and wines, for instance, or , which is now one of the most popular city tourism destinations, or the successful centenary celebrations of artists such as Antoni Gaudí or Salvador Dalí.All this is clear proof that Catalonia is a diverse and modern country offering an extensive selection of top-notch products.

Catalonia, several countries in one.We invite you to see it with your own eyes.

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Contents

The strength of identity ...... 6 Catalonia, a universal heritage ...... 10 World heritage ...... 16 Catalan culture, identity and prestige ...... 18 The Catalan coast ...... 24 A land of internal contrasts ...... 28 Catalonia, a constellation of cities ...... 32 Catalonia: a spectacular setting ...... 36 A country of craftsmen and women ...... 38 A land of rejoicing ...... 40 The value of gastronomy ...... 44 Catalan ...... 48 Useful information ...... 52

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The strength of identity Catalonia is a small country in terms of size. But its personality, shaped by over a thousand years of history, and its distinct culture and language, have made it both rich and great. Catalonia's origins as a geographical, territorial and linguistic unit date back to the high .

Catalonia’s own Catalonia, Nowadays the , a European country or autonomous government, language is Catalan. is Catalonia's organ The origins of the Catalonia lies in the north-east of government. It comprises part of the Iberian peninsula. a President, an Executive, date It has over seven million and a Parliament, which is one inhabitants and occupies of the most ancient in . back to the early 2 an area of 31,980 km , Its jurisdiction is defined by Middle Ages. comparable to Belgium, a Statute of Autonomy and it the Netherlands or Switzerland. shares political power with the Over the centuries, the Catalan institutions of the Spanish state. nation has enjoyed different degrees of sovereignty under the political institutions and forms of government proper to each era.

Wine-cellar in . 7_ MUSEUMS

Museu Arqueològic de Catalunya (MAC) The MAC’s mission is to conserve, study and disseminate archaeological remains illustrating historical evolution, from prehistoric times to the medieval period. www.mac.es

Museu d’Història de Catalunya The Museum’s permanent collection is organised as a journey through Catalan history, from prehistoric times to the present day. www.mhcat.net

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) The MNAC collections take visitors through 1,000 years of Catalan, Spanish and European from the 11th to the 20th centuries. www.mnac.es The Museu d’Història de Catalunya and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (right).

Catalonia's thousands of Aragon gave rise to the The language, of years of history kingdom of Catalonia and a sign of identity Aragon, which built a medieval In the course of several maritime and commercial Catalonia's own language is millennia, Catalonia has empire in the Mediterranean. Catalan. This has been the case witnessed the arrival of many The crown of Catalonia and since the 12th century. When different peoples including Aragon retained its distinct democracy was restored in the , the Celts, political and legal identity until 1979, Catalan and Spanish were the Greeks – who founded the Philip V became king of Spain both recognized as official colonies of Rhodes (Roses) and in 1714. languages in Catalonia. The Empúries – the Romans – who Since then the Catalan people origins of the Catalan language set up one of their provincial have been engaged in a peaceful date back to the early Middle capitals at –, struggle to win back their rights Ages. Despite periods of the Visigoths and the Arabs. and freedoms. One of the most prohibition and repression, the In the 12th century, a dynastic significant episodes was the majority of still use it marriage between the counts recovery of self-government in today. of Barcelona and the kings 1979, when the Spanish parliament approved the current Statute of Autonomy, which was subsequently endorsed by the Catalan people in a referendum.

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Catalonia, a universal heritage

There are clear parallels between Catalonia's periods of splendour and the proximity of forms to those predominant elsewhere in Europe: classical art when Tarraconensis became one of the foremost provinces in the Roman empire; Romanesque art at the time of Catalonia's birth as a nation; Gothic art and the great medieval and pre- when Catalonia dominated the Western Mediterranean; and Modernism – Catalan – in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the time of Catalonia's national rebirth and the rise of its industrial bourgeoisie. Similarly, during the first three decades and the second half of the 20th century, the contributions of artists born or trained in Catalonia were decisive to the development of the European artistic avant-gardes.

Romanesque was the When Catalonia the Greek and Roman cultures, was not yet Catalonia at the Graeco-Roman site of art form which Empúries and in the Roman city coincided with Catalonia's prehistoric heritage of Tarragona, another UNESCO contains much that is of note: world heritage site. Many finds Catalonia's birth numerous Mediterranean Basin are on show in the archeological cave paintings which have been museums, first and foremost the and early development declared part of the UNESCO Museu Nacional Arqueològic in and the formation of world heritage; the deep imprint Tarragona. The less plentiful left by the ancient Iberian Visigothic legacy is concentrated the Catalan language. culture, notably the settlement in , while traces of the at ; and the vestiges of presence of Muslims are most noticeable in , the Terres de l'Ebre, and and its area of influence.

The monastery of Santes Creus. 11_ THE BONS HOMES PATH

The Cathars –who referred to themselves as Sites of interest along GR-107: the “Good Men”, bons homes in Catalan– came Queralt Sanctuary in to Catalonia in the 12th-14th centuries from Gósol Castle (Languedoc), where they were persecuted by a Crusade against them and by the Inquisition. Here, Bagà however, they were welcomed by Catalan lords and Bellver de nobles. A route signposted as GR-107 (long-distance Church of Santa Maria de Talló footpath) links the Santuari de Queralt, near Berga, to (11th century) in Bellver legendary de Montsegur in the French Ariège Church of Sant Julià in Pedra region, through the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, Chapel of Sant Serni de Coborriu following the path the Cathars took into exile.The (12th century) route, with some sections suitable for cars, others for walking, horse-riding and cycling, passes through such places as Bagà, Gósol and Bellver de Cerdanya www.camidelsbonshomes.com

Most of the great The of The splendour medieval cathedrals Romanesque art of Gothic art were the emblematic Romanesque was the art form Most of the great medieval which coincided with Catalonia's cathedrals date from the Gothic seats of the powerful birth and early development and period or slightly later. They the formation of the Catalan were the emblematic seats of bishoprics which language. It was strongly the powerful bishoprics which informed much of influenced by the Lombard style formed much of the Catalan and spread from the Pyrenean territory in the feudal age. the Catalan territory valleys over much of the The most noteworthy are those in the feudal age. country. The churches of the of Barcelona, Tarragona, and Vall de Boí, the monastery of (the single nave of , and the is the widest in cathedral of La Seu d’. European Gothic ), But the most striking and along with those of Lleida and memorable feature of our Tortosa. But the true paradigm Romanesque legacy are the of architecture, paintings and in on account of the mathematical the Museu Nacional d’Art de precision of its beautiful Catalunya (MNAC) proportions, is the splendid in Barcelona. church of Santa Maria del Mar in

12_ CISTERCIAN ROUTE

The Cistercian Order, which became route that also includes visits to the established in Catalonia in the 12th major towns nearby. century, emerged as part of a movement to renew monastic life in - Monestir de Santes Creus (1158) reaction to the wealth and refined in Aiguamúrcia. It was fortified in conditions at many medieval the14th century. monasteries.The kings of Catalonia - Monestir de Poblet (1150) in and Aragon entrusted the Cistercians Vimbodí is the largest inhabited with the task of building large Cistercian site in Europe. monasteries on lands recently - Monestir de Santa Maria conquered from the in order de Vallbona (1176) in Vallbona de to re-Christianise and cultivate them. les Monges. Monestir de Santes Creus, which faithfully reproduces Three Cistercian monasteries form a www.larutadelcister.info the Benedictine aesthetic.

Gothic was also Barcelona. The spectacular Bassa and the Serra brothers. Cistercian monasteries –Poblet, This was also the age of the the age of the great Santes Creus and Vallbona de great chroniclers (King Jaume I, chroniclers (King les Monges– are also in Gothic Muntaner and Desclot), of great style –or Gothic-Romanesque poets influenced by Petrarch Jaume I, Muntaner and transition style–, as is the (such as Ausiàs Marc from monastery of Sant Cugat del ), and of novels such as Desclot), of great poets Vallès and that of Pedralbes in Curial i Güelfa and Tirant lo (such as Ausias March Barcelona. Blanc (The White Knight). Catalan Gothic painting also Together they constitute the from Valencia), and of flourished during the late Middle Golden Age of Catalan novels such as Curial e Ages, assimilating influences literature. from Burgundy, Flanders and Güelfa and Tirant lo Italy. The most distinguished Blanch.Together they Gothic painters include Jaume Huguet, Lluís Borrassà, Ferrer constitute the Golden Age of .

13_ La Sagrada Familia and the de la Música Catalana.

The gems of Modernism other leading names include who were also Modernists, Domènech i Montaner, the sensitised the public to the Gaudí is undoubtedly the most creator of the Palau de la artistic influence of Paris, while famous architect of Catalonia's Música Catalana and the writers like Verdaguer, Modernist movement. Much of , and Puig Maragall, Guimerà, Rusiñol his work has been included in i Cadafalch, who designed some himself, and many others the UNESCO world heritage highly characteristic buildings. rebuilt Catalan literature on the and year after year it draws Though Barcelona was the basis of the everyday language millions of visitors who gaze in epicentre of Modernism, there –still very much alive– and the fascination at the bone-like are Modernist buildings in memory of the great medieval structures of Casa Batlló, the many other Catalan cities, such literature. stone waves of Casa Milà (La as Girona, Lleida, , Pedrera), the Sagrada Família, Tarragona, and rising like a vertical hymn, or . Industrial buildings were the dream-like landscapes of also built in Modernist style, Parc Güell. But Gaudí is only even in the countryside, part of the Modernist heritage: notably the cooperative wineries of Conca de Barberà, and . The painters Casas and Rusiñol,

14_ CATALAN ART NOUVEAU La Pedrera (1905-1910) Sagrada Família The visit to Casa Milà –La Pedrera– includes the roof and This is Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Outstanding attic as well as an apartment furnished in early 20th elements include the Nativity Façade, the stylised towers century style, providing a glimpse of Gaudí’s style in and the surprising spires. interior decoration. www.sagradafamilia.org www.fundaciocaixacatalunya.org Palau de la Música Catalana Casa Batlló (1904-1906) This building, conceived by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Behind the Casa Batlló’s extraordinary Catalan Art was inaugurated in 1908 and is a veritable jewel of Nouveau façade is a whole world of surprises and refined Catalan Art Nouveau, known here as . It is architectural detail. All the different features of this the seat of the Orfeó Català, the choir founded in 1891, remarkable building seem to move, as if transformed into and is one of the world’s most outstanding concert halls natural elements. and the venue for regular seasons of symphony concerts. www.casabatllo.es www.palaumusica.org

Gaudí is undoubtedly Contemporary heritage parcel of the great literary currents of recent times, the most famous At the same time as the though its development was architect of Catalonia's Noucentista movement abruptly cut short by the –a classicist, learned, pro- . Modernist movement. European current of the first Since the return of democracy, three decades of the 20th Catalonia's energy and Other leading names century–, an avant-garde creativity have been primarily include Domènech reaction in tune with European reflected in the fields of city trends got underway: Picasso planning, design, drama and i Montaner and and Cubism, Miró and Dalí and music, thanks to professionals Puig i Cadafalch. Surrealism. These artists spent of international renown and much of their lives in Catalonia venues and institutions such as and many of their works are the Museu d’Art Contemporani here. The same is true of other de Barcelona, Centre de contemporary artists, notably Cultura Contemporània de Tàpies. Barcelona, L’Auditori, and Catalan literature, which has Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. produced poets such as and Carner, narrators such as , and novelists such Mercè Rodoreda, is part and

15_ World Heritage WORLD HERITAGE SITES AND MONUMENTS IN CATALONIA

Works by Antoni Gaudí Poblet Casa Milà “La Pedrera” Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Poblet www.fundaciocaixacatalunya.org www.larutadelcister.info Casa Batlló www.casabatllo.cat Sagrada Família: Nativity Façade and Crypt Tarragona Archaeological Sites www.sagradafamilia.org Arc de Berà www.mnat.es Colònia Güell: Crypt Torre dels Escipions www.mnat.es www.rutadelmodernisme.com Vil·la romana de Centcelles Park Güell www.constanti.altanet.org/centcelles.htm www.rutadelmodernisme.com Museu Arequeològic www.mnat.es Palau Güell www.diba.es/palauguell/index.htm Museu i Necròpolis Paleocristians www.mnat.es Vil·la romana dels Munts www.mnat.es www.rutadelmodernisme.com Muralla romana. Passeig arqueològic www.museutgn.org Works by Lluís Domènech i Montaner Aqüeducte de “les Ferreres” Palau de la Música Catalana www.museutgn.org www.palaumusica.org Anfiteatre Romà Hospital de Sant Pau www.museutgn.org www.rutadelmodernisme.com Pretori (Forum provincial) www.museutgn.org Pedrera del Mèdol www.museutgn.org Fòrum de la Colònia www.museutgn.org Circ romà www.museutgn.org Temple www.museutgn.org Romanesque Churches in Cave Paintings in the Boí Valley the Mediterranean Zone Sant Climent and Santa Maria de Taüll Serra de www..org www.vallboi.com www.mac.es Sant Joan de Boí www.vallboi.com Cave Paintings in the Prades Mountains Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall www.mccb.es www.mac.es www.vallboi.com La Roca dels Moros www.mac.es Sant Feliu de Barruera www.vallboi.com Santa Maria de Cardet www.vallboi.com INTANGIBLE HERITAGE La Nativitat de la Mare de Déu de Durro and Festival of the Patum of Berga www.bergueda.com/lapatum Sant Quirze de Durro www.vallboi.com L’Assumpció del Cóll www.vallboi.com BIOSPHERE RESERVE Parc Natural del www.diba.cat/parcs/montseny.htm

Catalan culture, identity and prestige

History and tradition have endowed Catalonia with a rich and attractive cultural fabric embracing the full gamut of the performing , from drama to the cinema, via all styles of musical creation. Catalonia also excels in artistic performance and interpretation and possesses second-to-none infrastructure in which the illustriousness of the past combines with state- of-the-art technology to create an ideal setting for performances by leading international stars.

Catalonia, open to The :The phoenix Liceu one of Europe's great opera houses. all influences, is The Gran Teatre del Liceu, The Liceu's own productions currently one of the overlooking the Rambla in alternate sagaciously with Barcelona, has risen from its coproductions with other laboratories in which ashes after a devastating fire. Its European theatres, making it audience of passionate opera- possible for the great opera and the musical tastes of lovers, its cutting-edge ballet companies of our times to the new millennium equipment, and its opera and appear there alongside a wide ballet programme —a tasteful selection of top-flight singers are taking shape. blend of classical bel canto and who uphold the tradition of Italian , Wagner (a Caballé, Jaume long-standing tradition in Aragall, Josep Pons and Josep Barcelona), and 20th and 21st Carreras. century forms of musical expression which delight the younger generations— make the

Teatre Fortuny in Reus. 19_ El Palau de la Música Catalana With one hundred years of history, the Palau de la Música Catalana (1908) is one of the main focal points of Catalana musical life. www.palaumusica.org El Gran Teatre del Liceu Founded in 1847 on Barcelona's la Rambla, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is an opera house that has retained its role as a culture and arts centre throughout its history and one that represents one of the symbols of the city. www.liceubarcelona.com L’Auditori L’Auditori is the seat of the Barcelona Symphony and National Orchestra of Catalonia, the country’s first permanent ensemble of its kind, and the venue for concerts every weekend from September to May. www.auditori.org www.obc.es

Theatrical events Companies like Comediants, Els Catalonia has also Joglars, Dagoll Dagom or the The Catalan theatrical tradition innovative Fura dels Baus are played a pioneering dates back to the Middle Ages. applauded far beyond our role in experimentation Great Catalan-speaking frontiers. Every summer sees a playwrights and actors have new edition of the open-air and renovation. earned prestige for both drama festival on Montjuïc and theatrical venues all over and the Fira del Teatre al Carrer the country. Catalonia has also (street drama festival) in played a pioneering role in Tàrrega. Plays by young writers experimentation and renovation. have regained popularity, enabling new playwrights to emerge. Some, such as Sergi Belbel, have gained an international reputation.

20_ The Gran Teatre del Liceu, the central skylight of Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalan, and L'Auditori.

The musical tradition Catalonia has produced classical International festivals composers such as Enric Catalonia, with Barcelona at its Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Xavier Catalonia hosts film festivals, forefront, has an established Montsalvatge and Robert such as the Festival musical tradition. Its symbol is Gerhard and classical musicians Internacional de Cinema de the Palau de la Música Catalana, including the cellist Pau Casals , and music festivals which a UNESCO world heritage and the singer Victoria de los take place in historic buildings building designed by the great Ángeles. However, it also has a and other places of special Modernist architect Lluís strong tradition, artistic interest (examples are Domènech i Montaner and embodied first and foremost by the festival held in recently enlarged by another the bailaora Carmen Amaya Castle or Barcelona's Festival famous architect, Òscar and the singers Miguel Poveda Grec). Catalonia also opens its Tusquets. In latter years the and Ginesa Ortega, as well as a doors to fusion music, , supply of "serious" music has jazz tradition featuring such electronic music, and the so- been extended by the opening sensational performers as called world music. All this, of the Auditori, a building by pianists Tete Montoliu and along with other key musical Rafael Moneo which is the home Agustí Fernández and events such as Sònar —a festival of the Orquestra Ciutat de percussionist Jordi Rossy. of advanced music and Barcelona i Nacional de multimedia art— has made it a Catalunya and the Escola landmark on the European Superior de Música de music scene. Catalunya.

21_ INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS

Festival Internacional de Música Castell de Peralada The programme for this festival, which takes place in the castle grounds in July and August every year, includes around 25 performances: opera, ballet, concerts, recitals and chamber music.This is a truly festive festival, a veritable midsummer night’s dream, every summer night. www.festivalperalada.com

Festival Internacional de Música Torroella de Montgrí This annual festival features a programme of around 30 concerts by outstanding solo artists, choirs and orchestras performing , Classical and Romantic music.The concerts take place in Sant Genís Church and in Plaça de la Vila (the main town square), both Gothic-Renaissance sites of outstanding architectural interest. www.festivaldetorroella.org

Festival Internacional de Música Cantonigròs This festival features competitions and exhibitions of mixed, women’s and children’s choirs as well as popular dance. Choirs and dance groups from all over the world enter for the different categories at this four-day event, which takes place in July every year. www.fimc.es

Sónar Sónar is a festival celebrated in June where the public can enjoy the most current trends and most outstanding artists of the national and international electronic music scene. www.sonar.es

Music to suit the tastes Italy—, and Chao, a former member of Mano of the new millennium — one of the "divas" of Negra, the Brazilian Walter Pa, Mediterranean song. Other the American singer and But Catalonia's greatest impact significant factors are the composer Jackson Brown, the on present-day popular music vitality of the Barcelona music pianist Brad Meldhau (who was stems from phenomena such as scene in the early 21st century accompanied for many years by the Nova Cançó movement —featuring the group Ojos de the Catalan percussionist Jordi which is of great importance in Brujo (flamenco-hip-hop- Rossy), the jazz organist Lou Romance-language countries Catalan -funk), Macaco, Bennett, and the Cuban singer and Latin America, thanks Dusminguet, and others— and Lucrecia. primarily to singers such as Joan recording experiments such as Catalonia, right on the border Manuel Serrat —who is idolized the Barcelona Raval Sessions between north and south, open in the Southern Cone (2003), a splendid reflection of to all influences and capable of countries—, Lluís Llach and the city's multiracial, integrating them into a cultural —who make frequent multicultural pulse. discourse of its own, is currently appearances in and One last crucial factor is the fact one of the laboratories in which that many internationally the musical tastes of the new famous musicians have chosen millennium are taking shape. Barcelona as their long-term, or even permanent, home: Manu

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The Catalan coast, a window onto the Mediterranean

With some 580 kilometres of coastline, Catalonia is a fundamentally Mediterranean country. It has a wide variety of seascapes, ranging from the secluded coves of the in the north to the with its long beaches of fine sand in the south.There are over 200 beaches and 43 marinas.

The natural parks characteristic vegetation —reed Sant Pere de Rodes, built in the along the coast and rush beds and riverside 10th-12th centuries. Alt Empordà woods— and the wide expanses also has another natural park: the Delta de l'Ebre, , of rice paddies and market Empordà Marshes, the second of Aiguamolls de l'Empordà and gardens are home to an Catalonia's great wetlands, which Illes Medes are the main natural extraordinarily rich and varied is inhabited by numerous parks and protected areas on the fauna —notably waterfowl and marshland plant and animal Catalan seaboard. The Ebro seabirds— which has made it a species and also draws many Delta's great alluvial plain, favourite haunt for birdwatchers. birdwatchers. Farther south, covering approximately 320 km2, The Cap de Creus, in Alt opposite the coast at L'Estartit, is one of the western Empordà, is a protected area lie the . The seabed Mediterranean's largest aquatic comprising both land and surrounding them is of enormous habitats. Part of it has been seashore and unusual geological interest to diving enthusiasts. declared a natural park. The formations. One of its prime attractions is the monastery of

Costa brava. 25_ The Costa Brava stretches from the Cap de Creus to . Interior of the Teatre Museu-Dalí in . Catalonia, land of golf.

The Catalan coast, that grow right down to the sea. beaches with soft sand and from north to south Many of today's major tourist shallow waters, and other and cultural resorts, such as attractions as well: resorts such The most striking features of Cadaqués, L’Escala, de as , , the Costa Brava, which , Palamós, Begur, and , and the stretches from the Cap de Creus and , city of Tarragona, with its to Blanes, are sheer cliffs are former fishing villages. Roman remains. The coastline of plunging straight into the sea, Further south, on the Costa del the Terres de l’Ebre includes the coves nestling amid rocks and , Costa de and important Ebro Delta natural islets, and vegetation down to Costa Daurada, long, sandy, sun- park. The chief costal towns the waterline. On the Costa drenched beaches predominate. –L’Ampolla, L’Ametlla de Mar, Brava, the mountains seem to Most of the towns on the Costa Sant Carles de la Ràpita and Les tumble into the sea and it is this del Maresme, such as Mataró, Cases d’– are former that makes the coastline so and Premià, have fishing villages which have rugged. At the foot of the many marinas. and Gavà successfully incorporated rocky crags, the coves and on the Costa del Garraf have tourism and nautical sports into beaches lie hidden and long beaches of fine sand but their natural charms. protected by the pine groves beyond here, all the way to Sitges, the towering gives rise to small coves. Sitges played a pioneering role in the development of tourism and now hosts interesting film and drama festivals. The Costa Daurada also offers extensive

26_ THE DALÍ TRIANGLE Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) was a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, to which he contributed the critical- paranoiac method, and one of the first artists to turn his life and work into a marketing exercise. In Catalonia, the main repositories of works by Dalí are: The Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres. Conceived by the artist as the “biggest surreal object in the world”, the site features virtual games and such impressive set pieces as the Mae West Room.The works on show here include some of Dalí’s best known pieces, as well as a collection of jewellery he designed between 1941 and 1970. Castell de Púbol . This, the castle that Dalí gave to his wife Gala as a gift, is adorned with mural paintings, unusual furniture and many other decorative objects, as well as a collection of Gala’s haute couture dresses. Outside, the garden is filled with many sculptures. The Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí in Portlligat Bay in Cadaqués. Dalí’s home and studio near this beautiful Costa Brava town is an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the artist’s peculiar universe. www.salvador-dali.org

Many of today’s major Enjoying the sea 36 golf courses tourist and cultural The sea affords numerous Catalonia has a long golfing opportunities for enjoying tradition and is now one of the resorts are former nature thanks to the many prime European destinations for fishing villages. leisure activities –sailing, golfers, offering 36 golf links and windsurfing, diving, cruising and 33 pitch and putt courses. Most others– which are catered for at are located along the coast, or a the nautical sports resorts short distance inland, but there located on different stretches of are also some in the hinterland the coast. There are currently and even at the foot of the five such resorts in operation: . L’Estartit-Illes Medes, Palamós- Sant Antoni de , Santa Susanna, Salou-Cambrils-Mont- roig/Miami Platja and Vilanova i la Geltrú. Nautical sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the 43 marinas dotted along the Catalan seafront.

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A land of internal contrasts Because of its varied landforms, Catalonia offers a wide diversity of landscapes for a relatively small country: it is only a short trip from the high Pyrenees, with peaks rising to over 3,000 m, to other convoluted chains of hills with a strictly Mediterranean climate and vegetation, or the cornfields, vineyards, olive groves and scrub of the most arid regions.This broad range of habitats is matched by a rich and varied plant life and characteristic animal and bird species, many of which enjoy protection (the lammergeier in the photo is one example).

The enchantment immemorial. The Benedictine THE HINTERLAND of Montserrat monastery of Santa Maria was founded there in the 11th One of Catalonia's most unusual The beautiful landscapes century and remains to this day landscapes belongs to the of the hinterland a focus of spirituality and culture. mountain of Montserrat, a natural A Romanesque statue of Man's imprint is clear on park lying at the very heart of the Verge de Montserrat — the countryside of the Catalan the country. Its unique contours, Catalonia's patroness— is interior, an area boasting a rich resembling a sea of boulders, venerated there. The madonna's natural heritage and ancient spikes and fantastic shapes, were dark face and hands have earned cities with historic buildings, created by water and wind which her the nickname "La Moreneta" a rich cultural tradition, and eroded the dense, conglomerate (Little Dark Lady). long-established markets. rocks. Montserrat has been www.montserratvisita.com The sharp contrasts between a sacred mountain since time the different parts of the hinterland are reflected in the names of tourist regions such as Terres de l’Ebre, Val d’Aran,

Arbúcies in Parc Natural del Montseny. 29_ Catalonia, a land of reserves and natural parks.

Terres de Lleida and Catalunya Montseny (a Biosphere Reserve selection of complementary and Central. The scenery of the with a wide array of habitats leisure facilities. All this makes it hinterland has been shaped by ranging from strictly possible to consider Catalonia a the work of generations of Mediterranean to pre-Alpine); quality destination in the health farmers and a property structure Parc Natural del Montnegre i and beauty sector. revolving round the traditional el Corredor; Parc de la Muntanya unit of agricultural production: de Montserrat; Parc Natural de Activity tourism the , or manor farmhouse. Sant Llorenç i la Serra de l’Obac; The Mediterranean climate, with Parc Natural del Garraf; Paratge its mild winters and not-too-hot The diversity of the Natural de Poblet; Paratge summers, is especially suitable natural heritage Natural del Montsant; and the for activities like hiking The natural parks and protected rugged Parc Natural dels Ports. —a network of footpaths over areas of Catalonia's hinterland 5,000 km long— or cycle tourism are the clearest illustration of the A land of thermal —120 routes— and over 2,300 km country's extraordinary range waters of signposted itineraries. One can of landscapes. The full gamut of The tradition of thermal waters also go horse-trekking, practise Mediterranean scenery is has been a feature of Catalan adventure sports such as rafting reflected in the parks located culture since it was brought here and kayaking on white water in the coastal and pre-coastal by the Greeks, Romans and rivers, take boat trips along the ranges, the lowlands that Arabs. Present-day Catalonia Ebro, go diving to discover separate them, and along the offers a wide selection of hydros, the amazing seabed round the Ebro basin: Parc Natural del thalassotherapy centres and spas. Medes Islands, or enjoy Most of these natural, energy-rich hang-gliding, canoeing, waters are found in privileged ballooning and ultralighting. areas of the country with good transportation and an attractive

30_ NATURAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS

National Parks Parc Natural del Montnegre i el Corredor www.diba.es/parcs Parc Natural d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Parc Natural del Garraf www.diba.es/parcs

Natural Parks Natural Sites of National Interest Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de l'Albera Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de Poblet Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró Paratge Natural d'Interès Naconal del Massís del Parc Natural de Cap de Creus Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre Nature Reserves Parc Natural dels Ports Reserva Natural del Delta del Parc Natural del Montseny Parc Natural de Montserrat Marine Reserves Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç de Munt i l’Obac Àrea Protegida de les Illes Medes Parc Natural de la Serra del Montsant Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la www.parcsdecatalunya.net

Rural tourism THE PYRENEES Moixeró; Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa; Paratge Catalonia has more than 1,300 The Pyrenees dominate the Natural de l’Albera; and Parc rural tourism establishments with whole of , Natural del Cap de Creus. From a total of over 10,000 beds. This extending for more than 230 km the loftiest peaks (3,000 metres form of accommodation, which from the peaks of Val d’Aran to at the westernmost end) to offers relaxation in close contact the Cap de Creus, where they the cliff tops overlooking the with nature and life on the farm, sink into the Mediterranean. Mediterranean, they offer an has spread fast and gained For hiking and climbing buffs infinity of beautiful landscapes. widespread popularity in recent there are summits rising to years. It is usually associated with approximately 3,000 m, valleys new forms of activity tourism A land of snow carved out by mountain rivers, and provides a deeper insight Catalonia, with its 17 ski resorts, glaciers with eternal snows, into the country. has more winter sports facilities natural parks and protected than any other autonomous areas. In winter the Pyrenees community in Spain. Of these are the ideal spot for skiing. 17 resorts, 11 offer downhill skiing and 6 cross-country skiing. Catalonia's great Together they possess 129 ski natural parks lifts capable of carrying over Catalonia’s great natural parks 150,000 skiers an hour, and are located in the Pyrenees 639 kilometres of slopes. and their foothills. They include Artificial snowmaking equipment the following: Parc Nacional guarantees snow coverage d'Aigüestortes i Llac Sant between 82% and 100% on Maurici; Parc Natural de l’Alt 160 km of slopes. Pirineu; Parc Natural del Cadí-

31_

Catalonia, a constellation of cities

Catalonia's cities bustle with vitality. Barcelona, the capital, is one of the great cities of the Mediterranean.Along with its metropolitan area, it accounts for practically half the Catalan population. However, the inhabitants of Catalonia are not merely concentrated in Barcelona, but live all along the coast. Many other cities, steeped in history and with a fine architectural heritage, have experienced remarkable economic and demographic growth in recent decades.They include Girona,Tarragona, Lleida,Tortosa,, , Reus, Figueres, ,Terrassa and .

Catalonia, an active, Every year Catalonia hosts Auditori-Palau de Congressos, enterprising country over 400 trade fairs at the have recently been set up, international, domestic and local enabling this type of tourism Catalonia has a long history as level. This figure is hardly to spread to other Catalan cities, an industrially active and surprising for a country with over which are gradually earning a enterprising land. Moreover twenty venues, including the Fira reputation as venues for its experience in tourism makes de Barcelona or the new Forum medium-sized conventions. it a perfect destination for Zone Convention Centre which Catalonia's good transport business and professional can accommodate up to and communications gatherings. It has good trade fair 15,000 people. Barcelona also infrastructure has played a vital complexes and convention hosts international events such role in its economic development. centres and a wide selection as the Barcelona Fashion Week, Its modern motorway network of other tourist facilities for the Passarel·la Gaudí, Bread & the intervals of relaxation Butter, Alimentaria, Construmat between one deal and the next. and 3GSM. New facilities, such as Girona's

Girona's Auditori-Palau de Congressos. 33_ Fundació Antoni Tàpies. and a view of the city of Girona.

can move a large volume of goods of Catalonia lined with popular newspaper and passenger traffic. There are kiosks and stalls selling flowers Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, 1,600 km of railway lines which and pets. Two of Barcelona's is one of the foremost cities on link majors towns and cities and most important religious the western Mediterranean. connect the Spanish network buildings are located in Founded in Roman times, it to that of France. The largest the districts of and experienced periods of great ports are Barcelona —which La Ribera: the Cathedral, built economic and cultural brilliance handles more goods and in Gothic times, and the basilica in the Middle Ages and in the passengers than any other of Santa Maria del Mar, one of wake of the Industrial Revolution in Catalonia— and Tarragona, the most outstanding examples (19th century). It has preserved located near the petrochemical of Catalan Gothic style. an outstanding architectural zone. Besides Barcelona Barcelona is the undisputed heritage, notably in Gothic, international airport, there are capital of Modernist architecture Modernist (Gaudí) and two airports that are mainly used and one whole district avant-garde styles. by tourist charter companies and —the — was built Barcelona has a unique, bustling, low-cost airlines: Girona-Costa according to Modernist tenets. tree-lined promenade where its Brava and Reus. Passeig de Gràcia is the street citizens gather in all their with the largest concentration Barcelona, the capital diversity. It is called the Rambla of major Modernist buildings: and stretches from Plaça de Casa Batlló and La Pedrera by Catalunya to near the monument Gaudí, by Puig i to Columbus. On it stand the Cadafalch, and Casa Lleó Morera Liceu, one of Europe's most by Domènech i Montaner. prestigious opera houses, and the The hill of Montjuïc, where market of . It is also

34_ MAIN ART MUSEUMS IN BARCELONA Fundació Antoni Tàpies Established in 1984 by the artist Antoni Tàpies to promote study and understanding of modern and contemporary art. www.fundaciotapies.org Fundació Joan Miró The foundation is housed in an outstanding building designed by the architect Josep Lluís Sert. Opened in 1975, it contains the most important collection of works by Joan Miró in the world. www.bcn.fjmiro.es de Barcelona The museum occupies five Gothic palaces in noble Carrer de Montcada.The collection includes works from Picasso’s formative years and his Blue, Cubist and Classical periods, amongst others. www.museupicasso.bcn.es Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) MACBA is an essential reference point in the city’s artistic and cultural life.The centre’s collections, focusing basically on art over the last 50 years, feature works by Catalan, Spanish and international artists and give visitors an insight into various key aspects of contemporary artistic creation. www.macba.es Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) The MNAC collections take visitors through 1,000 years of Catalan, Spanish and European art from the 11th to the 20th centuries. www.mnac.es

the Olympic Ring was built in Cities with personality Igualada, Terrassa, Sabadell, 1992, is also the site of three and . There are scenic In the northeast there are Barcelona museums which are mountain areas too, including established tourist resorts a must for any visitor: the Museu Montseny, Les Guilleries and (Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Montserrat. Lleida is the capital Lloret, Roses, Begur), seafaring (MNAC), housing the world's of western Catalonia, a region towns which have long been finest collection of Romanesque of great cultural, architectural the haunt of world-famous artists paintings; the Fundació Joan and commercial importance, with (Cadaqués, Tossa, Miró, where the artist's paintings, a flourishing agriculture –notably El Port de la ), quaint sculptures and tapestries are on fruit orchards–, and a prestigious medieval villages (, show; and CaixaForum, cuisine. The Pyrenees stretch Peratallada), and cities with a Modernist-style building by along Catalonia's northern important museums and historic Puig i Cadafalch containing border. Many of the country's buildings (Girona and Figueres). a remarkable modern art finest Romanesque buildings are In southern Catalonia we find collection. Barcelona's most located here, as well as winter major tourist destinations such recent urban development sports facilities and natural parks. as Sitges, Tarragona, Reus or projects were carried out in At the far western tip of Salou, the area along the Ebro connection with the Forum 2004, the Pyrenees is the Val d’Aran, river, handsome old cities such organised by the city. a region of Occitanian language as Tortosa and Montblanc, and culture. The chief town, and venerable old monasteries Vielha, is a prominent winter like Poblet and Santes Creus. sports centre. The hinterland is dotted with still more centuries-old cities with historic buildings and long-established markets, such as Vic, Manresa, Cardona, 35_

Catalonia: a spectacular setting

With its beautiful and varied scenery, its sunlit, colourful cities, the distinctive styles of artists such as Gaudí, Dalí or Miró, and its unrivalled location –straddling the border between North and South–, Catalonia has everything it takes to develop a strong cultural identity but one that is fully immersed in our increasingly interdependent world.The taste for beauty, the love of poetry, a long tradition of cultural creativity, and the solid aesthetic and technical background of the musicians, writers and other workers of the Catalan audiovisual industry have made our country one of the most attractive and sought-after settings for 20th century artists.

Catalonia as a film set Episodes from more recent Barcelona and many other history and the Civil War are Catalan localities have become After the Second World War, portrayed in settings that much sought-after settings for Hollywood disembarked on the include in Jaime film and television productions Costa Brava in the person of Camino's Las largas vacaciones and suitable locations for a wide director Albert Lewin who del 36 (The Long Holidays of range of advertising spots. filmed Pandora and the Flying 1936 - 1976). The period when Evidence of this is provided by Dutchman (starring Ava Barcelona was known as the films such as Ken Loach's Land Gardner, James Mason and the “Rose of Fire” is evoked in films and Freedom (1995), Pedro Catalan actor and bullfighter such as La ciutat cremada (The Almodóvar's Todo sobre mi Màrius Cabré) there in 1951. In Burnt City, 1976), by Antoni madre (All About My Mother, 1959 much of Suddenly, Last Ribas, and Un hombre llamado 1999), the urban comedies of Summer, directed by Joseph L. Flor de Otoño (A Man Called Ventura Pons, or the Mankiewicz and starring Autumn Flower, 1978), by documentary En construcción Elizabeth Taylor and Pedro Olea. (2001) by José Luis Guerín. Montgomery Clift, was shot at Nowadays — notably from the Begur and Pals. 1992 Olympics onwards —

The Monastery of Santes Creus. 37_

A country of craftsmen and women Traditional and popular culture is kept alive in all its different forms in Catalonia. Certain towns and counties here are veritable centres of renown for high-quality craft production closely linked to the natural environment. These are activities that, in some cases, go back to the Middle Ages.

Pottery and ceramics Furniture-making Alabaster Catalonia is home to rich Hand-made furniture is an The alabaster quarries in Sarral traditions in clay working, with important economic activity in La date back to Roman times. The working studios in many towns: Garriga. Alabaster Museum illustrates the Breda, La Bisbal d’Empordà, In La Sénia, industrial whole process, from extraction of Quart, , Verdú, development has revolved around the stone to the finished object. Esparraguera... wood (sawyers, carpenters) since the 1960s. Lace-making Woodworking Lace made from linen and cotton Woodworking and cabinet-making Religious Imagery thread, not silk, arose in the 18th are trades with deep roots in The “sants” made in Olot are century. Also known as ret fi such places as , famed the world over. Art Cristià, català, it is characteristic and the first company devoted of Arenys de Mar and Arenys La Vall de Ges. to producing and selling religious de Munt. figures, was established in the 19th century. Artesania Catalunya www.artesania-catalunya.com

Lace work. 39_

A land of rejoicing No feature of a country tells you more about its identity than its traditional popular festivals. Catalonia's festive calendar is packed with events all year round. It also has an established tradition of civic festivities.The most famous is the feast of Sant Jordi, held on 23 April, when the streets fill up with book and flower stalls.This festival has won recognition from UNESCO, which declared it International Book Day.The other great civic festival is 11 September, the Catalan national holiday.The Patum of Berga festival was also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Humanity list in 2005.

In summer many Human towers Folklore and traditions localities celebrate Since the 19th century, teams of In summer many localities Catalans of all ages and classes celebrate their festa major, or their festa major. have gathered to build local festival. Several items spectacular human towers, or invariably appear on the agenda: Several items invariably “”. Their motto is -dancing –the sardana appear on the agenda: “strength, balance, courage and is Catalonia's most popular sense”. Today this tradition dance– or jotes –a dance proper sardana-dancing or remains very much alive. Human to the Terres de l'Ebre– ; jotes;“giants” and towers are strongly identified “giants” –figures over three with the Camp de Tarragona metres tall with a wooden dwarves. and Penedès regions, though in structure inside that enables recent years they have gained people to carry them– and widespread popularity in many dwarves; firework displays and other parts of Catalonia. all-night dancing to the sound of the latest music.

Festival of the Patum of Berga. 41_ A LAND OF REJOICING Farm and Traditional Craft Shows Traditional Festivities Carter’s Festival. Balsareny, the Sunday Carnival. Vilanova i la Geltrú. Solsona. before Carnival. St George’s Day. All over Catalonia, 23 April. Tree Festival and Ball Cornut. Cornellà de Terri, Sardana Dances. Calella, June. Easter Monday. Catalan National Day. All over Catalonia, September 11th. Wool Festival. , mid-May. Sea Week. Vilanova i la Geltrú, last week in July. Festivals of Fire Raftsmen’s Festival. La Pobla de Segur, La Patum. Berga, Corpus Christi week. UNESCO World first weekend in July. Heritatge Humanity. International Sheepdog Trials. Castellar de N’Hug, d’Isil, 23 June. last Sunday in August. Night of St John. All over Catalonia, 23 June. Pine Tree Festival. , December 30 December. Popular Theatre Passion, March and April. Fairs and Markets Mystery of the Passion. Cervera, March and April. La Candelera Fair. , late January/early Passion, March-April. February. Sacred Drama of the Passion. Ulldecona, March-April. Flower Market. Vic, Easter. Ball del Sant Crist. Salomó, May.

Food and Drink Shows Medieval Festivals Rice Festival. Sant Fruitós del , January. Medieval Week with the Legend of St George. Snail Gathering. Lleida, mid-May. Montblanc, last two weeks in April. Mushroom Picking Contest. Berga, October. Renaissance Festival. Tortosa, last week in July.

The great spring Festivals with Festivals of fire festival is Sant Jordi. On an identity Fire is probably one of Catalonia's national day, on 11 Catalonia's most ancient and this day both friends September, commemorates the important signs of identity. One and lovers give each date on which the siege of example is the eve of the feast Barcelona by the troops of of Saint John (24 June), when other gifts of books Spanish king Philip V came to a great bonfires are lit in the and roses. tragic end in 1714. This was the squares and streets of villages, last episode in the War of the towns and cities and Catalans Spanish Succession, which led celebrate the summer solstice to the loss of Catalonia's all night long to the sound of national freedoms. music, rockets and fireworks. The great spring festival is Sant Jordi, dedicated to Saint George, Catalonia's patron saint. On this day both friends and lovers give each other gifts of books and roses.

42_ Religious Festivals Cavalcade of the Three Kings. All over Catalonia, January 5th. Decennial Festival for Our Lady of the Candle. , early February. Procession and Dance of Death. Verges, Easter Thursday. Living Via Crucis. Sacalm, Good Friday. Holy Burial Procession. Tarragona, Good Friday. Les Enramades Festival in , Corpus Christi week. Corpus Christi. Sitges, Corpus Christi week. Living Nativity Scene. Sant Guim de la Plana, Christmas.

More information see schedule of Turisme de Catalunya: www.catalunyaturisme.com

Human towers (castellers). Port Aventura Park It is a unique spot in the head of the Costa Daurada. A theme park full of action-packed adventures from all corners of the globe: imperial China, the wild Far West, exotic Polynesia, Aztec México and the mellow Mediterrània. www.portaventura.co.uk

Fire is probably one of Fire and gunpowder are part of Catalans export many other Catalan festivals too merrymaking Catalonia’s most and numerous local festivals Catalonia's great festive ancient and important include a , a parade featuring fantastic fire-spitting tradition is constantly evolving signs of identity. beasts and bangers and led by and in recent years many of the “devils”. leading drama groups that The Patum of Berga is one of perform in our streets and the festivals most associated squares have designed festive with fire, celebrated on the events for major international Feast of Corpus Christi. gatherings. Comediants and La Fura dels Baus are currently the foremost creators of new forms of collective merrymaking.

43_

The value of gastronomy Besides preparing nourishing and tasty traditional Mediterranean dishes, many Catalan chefs have excelled in recent years as veritable researchers into the country's raw materials and the creators of a successful blend of traditional and innovative cookery.Their recipes have won the highest international prestige.

The Catalan label Cookery and innovation Catalonia also has schools of gastronomy –the one at of origin Guides and critics all over the the Mercat de la Boqueria world consider that Catalan Catalonia's most famous and in Barcelona, and the Aula cuisine is currently experiencing characteristic culinary speciality Gastronòmica de l’Empordà– a veritable “golden age”. Catalan is pa amb tomàquet (bread and research organisations such restaurateurs include some rubbed with tomato and olive as the Laboratori de Cuina, of the world's most prestigious oil), which is often served with the Alícia centre (Nutrition names, such as Ferran Adrià, excellent home-produced pork and Science) at Sant Benet Joan Roca, Carme Ruscalleda, sausages. Other dishes include: de Bages, or the Sent Soví chair Santi Santamaria and Carles escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty at the . Gaig, all veritable geniuses winter stew; xató, a salad typical Every other year the Fira de of avant-garde cuisine. of southern Catalonia; calçots, Barcelona is the venue for tender onion shoots dipped in Alimentaria, one of the leading salvitxada sauce; cargols European salons for the food a la llauna (roast snails), and agriculture industry and escalivada (char-broiled the catering trade. vegetables), and de recapte (reminiscent of pizza).

Sopa de galets and carn d’olla. 45_ Crema catalana, and traditional products cooked with a modern touch.

Traditional cookery Catalonia also has countless Wine and cava mouth-watering sweets and Catalan gastronomy, like so Wine is another key feature deserts. One of the most many aspects of our country, of any Catalan meal. Vines have popular is crema catalana, arose out of popular wisdom been grown all over the country with burnt sugar and caramel. and tradition. Geographically for countless centuries and wine Each town and village has speaking one can distinguish is produced under ten regional its own specialities and many two main styles of cookery: labels of origin. Cava sparkling sweetstuffs are prepared for that of the mountains and wine has its own label of origin. particular liturgical feastdays: hinterland, predominated Prepared by the traditional torró –such as that made by meat and sausages, produce method in the Penedès, in Agramunt– for Christmas, of the dairy, market garden Terra Alta and Conca de mones for Easter, coques and farmyard, game, and Barberà regions, it is one de Sant Joan at midsummer, mushrooms; and that of of the country's leading and panellets and chestnuts the coast, featuring fish exports. The introduction for All Saints. and seafood, often accompanied of leading-edge enological by rice and vegetables. techniques has raised certain Catalan wines –notably Priorat and Montsant– to the viticultural forefront.

46_ MICHELIN STARS (2007)

1 Star (*) Ca l’Enric Jordi Juncà i Isabel Juncà www.calenric.net Can Bosch Joan Bosch www.canbosch.com Can Jubany Nando Jubany www.canjubany.com Carballeira Joan Aparicio www.carballeira.net Drolma Fermí Puig (00 34) 93 496 77 10 El Castell Vicenç Tonico www.hotelcastell.com El Racó d’en Freixa Ramon Freixa www.elracodenfreixa.com Gaig Carles Gaig www.restaurantgaig.com Jean Luc Figueras J.Luc Figueras www.jeanlucfigueras.com L’Esguard Miguel Sánchez www.miguelsanchezromera.com Cuina de Can Pipes Ramon Casabayó www.canpipes.com La Llar Joan Viñas www.crae.com/restaurantlallar Lluçanès Àngel Pascual www.restaurantllucanes.com Mas Pau Xavier Sacristà www.maspau.com Sala Toni Sala www.fondasala.com Via Veneto José Muniesa www.viavenetorestaurant.com Neichel J. Louis Neichel www.neichel.es Àbac Xavier Pellicer (00 34) 93 319 66 00 La Cuina de Can Simón Xavier Lores www.lacuinadecansimon.com L’Estany Clar Jordi Cruz www.estanyclar.com Mas Les Cols Fina Puigdevall www.lescols.com El Cingle Montse Estruch www.elcingle.com Hispània Paquita i Lolita Reixach www.restauranthispania.com Alkimia Jordi Vila (00 34) 93 207 61 15 Hofmann Mey Hofmann www.hofmann-bcn.com Caelis Romain Fornell www.caelis.com Moo Felip Llofriu www.hotelomm.es El Rincón de Diego Diego Campos www.rincondediego.com El Fogony Zaraida Cotonat www.fogony.com Hostal de Sant Salvador Joan Borràs www.restaurantsantsalvador.com El Rebost d’en Pere Pere Arpa www.elrebostdenpere.com Lasarte Àlex Garés www.condesdebarcelona.com Saüc Xavier Franco www.saucrestaurant.com Miramar Paco Pérez www.hotelmiramarllanca.com Evo Santi Santamaria www.restauranteevo.com

2 Stars (**) Celler de Can Roca Joan Roca www.cellercanroca.com

3 Stars (***) El Bulli Ferran Adrià www.elbulli.com Racó de Can Fabes Santi Santamaria www.canfabes.com Sant Pau Carme Ruscalleda www.ruscalleda.com

2 Stars (**) Catalan restaurants outside Catalonia La Broche Sergi Arola www.labroche.com Santi Santamaria www.restaurantesantceloni.com Benazuza Rafael Morales www.elbullihotel.com

Catalan literature: Catalan literature: toward the vanguard of the 21st century

As a cultural phenomenon, Catalan literature is part of a broader context marked indelibly by history.The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) unquestionably caused a radical break with the cultural and political programme launched by the government of the Republic.Today, the Catalan literary scene is largely dominated by the novel.

From its origins to output plummeted in the 16th, Artistic styles up to 1959 17th and 18th centuries. The the 20th century The Modernist movement - predominance of Castilian drove Catalan Art Nouveau - arose Pre-20th century Catalan Catalan literature into around 1892 and was a spiritual literature has a distinct and decadence, but then the advent reaction to the past. The definitive canon of authors and of Romanticism in 19th century Symbolist plays of Santiago movements. The 13th century Europe triggered an ethical and Rusiñol, the Modernist Festivals produced the visionary aesthetic reaction. In Catalonia in Sitges, Joan Maragall’s articles philosopher . this was the age of the and his vigorous poetic idiom all Historical chronicles written by Renaixença (the cultural signalled the arrival of a venturesome kings were the rebirth), complete with its movement that aimed at highlight of the 14th century. ideological and religious renewing Catalan cultural life The poet of grief, Ausiàs March, limitations. As Jacint and permeated all forms of and the knight-novelist Joanot Verdaguer’s epic and lyrical artistic expression. The , who wrote the great works burgeoned, European Modernists were determined to novel of chivalry, Tirant lo finally reached turn Catalan into a modern Blanc, were the towering figures Catalonia. of the 15th century. Literary

The Biblioteca de Catalunya. 49_ Catalan writers and the great novel of chivalry Tirant lo Blanc.

language, fit for normal use. In with their greater intellectual break with the Franco regime, this respect, Víctor Català’s rigour and their more efficient and a slow cultural revival was symbolic novel constitutes the tools. Implicit in this set in motion. In the field of essence of Modernist prose. An regenerative process was the poetry, the avant-garde tradition individualistic restlessness, a celebration of the city and (Joan Brossa and Josep Palau i yearning for sincerity, and a civism, and the exaltation of Fabre) mingled with and visionary imagination were the “good workmanship”. Noucentist demystification (Pere Quart, hallmarks of a major social literature is accomplished and Estellés and Martí i Pol). phenomenon: the bourgeoisie idealistic, with an aloofly ironical Narrative literature bore the was producing its first bent. It establishes a hierarchy imprint of exile and was generation of artists, who were between genres. Its prime suffused with existentialism and to rebel against their own class. feature was the poetry of Josep technical innovation (Maria Being an artist, however, meant Carner, as the novel had entered Aurèlia ) or with being a professional, not in the a crisis. fantasy (Joan Perucho). sense of making a living from art The 1930s were a time of Dramatists experimented with but of living for it. renovation and diversification, a poetry (Joan Brossa). The most From 1906 onwards, the failure time of post-symbolist poetry significant theatrical works of of Modernist idealism led to the (Carles Riba, J.V. Foix and Marià the era were by . upsurge of the Noucentist Manent) and the resurgence of From the historical realism of movement. The Noucentists the novel, which became the 1960s to the present day dignified the Catalan language psychological (Miquel Llor and In the 1960s writers gradually J.M. Sagarra) or journalistic abandoned existentialism and (Josep Pla). After the Spanish psychologism to explore a new Civil War (1936-1939), Catalan literature symbolised a resolute

50_ CATALAN LITERATURE The Institut Ramon Llull's mission is to promote Catalan language and culture internationally, in all of its variations and methods of expression www.llull.cat

Institució de les Lletres Catalanes The institution is an autonomous organization of the Generalitat de Catalalunya whose fundamental objective is the promotion of the Catalan literary heritage. http://cultura.gencat.net/ilc

Espais escrits This Network is an association that aims to bring together all those different bodies that are devoted to perpetuating the memory of the works and landscapes of Catalan language writers. www.espaisescrits.org

committed form of literature. the 1970s were a period of the debate between rural and Poetry adopted Anglo-Saxon combat and awareness. Women’s urban literature was launched models, which were evolving literature - and feminist (Maria Barbal). Narrators towards the experience of self literature too - arose midway developed a taste for post- (Gabriel Ferrater, the master of between lyricism and ambiguity, modernism, a way of life several generations) or the alongside homosexual literature marked, ethically and experience of language (Pere and "textualism". Narrators aesthetically, by a systematic rift Gimferrer). Narrative works (Montserrat Roig and Baltasar (Sergi Pàmies and Màrius revealed diverse facets of Porcel) and poets (Pere Serra). The experimental fiction realism, from historical ideology Gimferrer and Maria Mercè of the 1990s features a plethora (Llorenç Villalonga and Mercè Marçal) became explorers of of names. And there are the Rodoreda), to myth (Terenci new techniques. Groups and poets of the 1970s (Joan Moix) and radicalism (Quim trends took shape and quite a Margarit and Feliu Formosa) Monzó). The renewal of drama few poetical anthologies were and rediscovered poets who was fuelled by J. M. Benet i published. The literature of the have won deserved renown Jornet and his theatre of text. 1980s was concerned with (Enric Casasses and Víctor voiced socio-political criticism and Sunyol). contemporary preoccupations in reflected on the phenomenon of The present-day Catalan literary his ferociously critical essays, generations. Fiction split into scene is dominated by the novel, imbued with a corrosive sense of genres: the historical novel first and foremost the historical humour. For Catalan literature (Jaume Cabré, Lluís-Anton novel and investigative fiction Baulenas and ) and (Carles Porta, Albert Sánchez the roman noir (Ferran Torrent Piñol and Emili Rosales). and Jaume Fuster), among others. In the quest for beauty,

51_ USEFUL INFORMATION

Direct international air links to Catalonia The Barcelona, Girona and Reus airports have direct flights to and from all the main capitals and major cities in Western Europe. Catalonia also has direct air links with the following places:

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Tourist information: Turisme de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia 105, 3p 08008 Barcelona, tel. +34 93 484 99 00, fax. +34 93 484 98 88, email: [email protected], www.catalunyaturisme.com

Turisme de Catalunya’s Tourism Promotion Centres abroad: Centre Cultural Blanquerna - Madrid CPT China - Tel.: (00-8610) 848 682 84 Tel.: (00-34) 915 241 892 [email protected] [email protected] CPT Benelux - Tel.: (00-32) 026 406 151 Institutions of Touristic Promotion: [email protected] Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava – Pirineu de Girona CPT Francia - Tel.: (00-33) 014 046 9892 www.costabrava.org [email protected] Patronat de Turisme Costa Daurada CPT Reino Unido - Irlanda www.costadaurada.org Tel.: (00-44) 207 583 8855 [email protected] Terres de l’Ebre www.terresdelebre.org CPT Alemania - Tel.: (00-49) 69 74 22 48 73 [email protected] Turisme de Barcelona www.barcelonaturisme.com CPT Italia - Tel.: (00-39) 229 004 641 [email protected] Diputació de Barcelona – Turisme Total www.turismetotal.org CPT Países Nórdicos Tel.: (00-358) 969 692 169 Patronat de Turisme de Lleida [email protected] www.lleidatur.com CPT Países del Este - Tel.: (00-7495) 135 30 20 Torisme Val d’Aran [email protected] www.aran.org © . Dept. d’Innovació, Universitat i Empresa. Edition: Turisme de Catalunya. Pg. Gracia 105, 3apl, 08008 BCN. Editorial produc- tion: Ara Idees, sccl. Photos:Toni Vidal p.1,10; Nano Cañas p.4; Georama p.6,13,16(n.1,5),28;Arthur Friederich Selbach p.8,14,16(n.3),20,23,26(n.2),34(n.2); MNAC p.9,16(n.3); Rafael López-Monné p.16(n.4),18,30(n.1),36,38; Magma p.16,40; Jordi Bastart p.24; Oriol Llauradó p.32;Tina Bagué p.46(n.1); Mario Krmpotic p.46(n.2); DGT p.14(n.2),16(n.5,7),21,26(n.1,3),30,34,43,44; Fototeca p.48,50. Printing: Gramagraf.