| Barcelona HotelsBarcelona is the most populous city of Catalonia
and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of
1,605,602 in 2006. It is located on the Mediterranean coast,
between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs,
and is limited to the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge.
Barcelona is a major economic centre, with one of Europe's
principal Mediterranean ports, and its airport is the second
largest in Spain. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became
the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon.
Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today
an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination
and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are
architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís
Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO
World Heritage Sites.
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the seat of
the Catalan government, known as the Generalitat de Catalunya;
of particular note are the executive branch, the parliament
and the Supreme Court of Catalonia. The city is also the capital
of the county (comarca) of the Barcelonès.
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, dry winters
and warm, humid summers. January and February are the coldest
months, averaging temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F). Snowfalls
are so rare that they are remembered as special events. July
and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures
of 30 °C (86 °F). The highest recorded maximum temperature
in the city itself is 38.6 °C.
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