李　芳

Spain is always related with bold and unrestrained character. Barcelona, a beautiful city of Spain, is the most famous city in Spain.

Compared with Madrid, the capital of Spain, Barcelona has a much longer history. In the 8th century, Moors conquered Spain. Barcelona acted as the focal point for the exchange of scholar and scientific knowledge between the European and Muslim world. Before the 16th century, it was the center of Spain. In 1493, the monarch received Columbus in the Royal Palace in Barcelona. In the 16th century, Spain stepped into its golden age. The Monarch made Madrid, which is in the center of Spain, the capital of Spain.

Because both the orient and west cultures have deep influence to Barcelona, today we can see many Christian buildings as well as Islamic buildings there. Gothic Quarter is the old town district. Many old houses and monuments are found there.

There are many beautiful parks in Barcelona. Giudadella Park is the most famous one. Its designed so well that UNECO declared it as a world heritage site.

Barcelona has many interesting festivals. Giants, Big-head figures, precessions, musical performances, fireworks, cultural and sport events and open-air dancing are held in the city.

西班牙总是和热烈奔放联系在一起。位于西班牙东北部的巴塞罗那是西班牙的一颗明珠。

与首都马德里相比，巴塞罗那的历史更为长远和悠久。公元8世纪，阿拉伯摩尔人占领了西班牙，带来了东方发达的文化。巴塞罗那成了东西方文化的交汇点和交流中心。直到16世纪，巴塞罗那一直是西班牙的政治文化中心。1493年王室在巴塞罗那皇宫接见刚从美洲回来的哥伦布。16世纪时，西班牙进入黄金时期，才迁都到西班牙中部的马德里。

因为东西方文化的共同影响，在巴塞罗那，你既可以看到西方的哥特式建筑物，又可以见到东方的穆斯林建筑物。哥特区是巴塞罗那的旧城区，保存有许多旧房子和纪念碑。

巴塞罗那有许多精美绝伦的园林。最有名的是盖达得拉公园，设计精巧，被联合国教科文组织定为世界文化遗产。

巴塞罗那有许多很有特色的节日，常举行各种活动。人们可以观看巨人、大头人、焰火和文艺演出，参加游行、文化体育活动和露天舞会。