The city of Isfahan, the capital of Isfahan province, spans over an area of 551 square km in the center of Iran. During the course of a year, the city goes through four seasons, with relatively hot summers (because of its proximity to the desert). The historic city of Isfahan is twinned with 15 cities including Barcelona, Florence, Freiburgand Saint Petersburg.

A Glimpse at History

Isfahan, as one of the oldest cities of Iran, holds a large part of the glorious history of Iran in its veins. Archeological excavations have revealed artifacts dating back to the Iron Age; tracing the history of settlements in Isfahan back to this period.

As a city in the center of Iran, Isfahan has always been in the spotlight of kings and governors. In the 2^nd millennium BCE, a group of Indo-Europeans named Aryans migrated from Central Asian Steppes to the Iranian plateau and resided in the upper part of Pars called Partekena. The present Isfahan is assumed to be the heritor of Gabay, the capital city of Partekena. The name of Isfahan was later changed from Gabay to Gabia, Gaba, Gey and Jey.

With the Arab conquest of Iran, Isfahan was chosen as the capital of Al Jibal area, covering the northwestern region of Iran (ancient Media Region). After accepting Islam, the city was called Sepahan, later Espahan and lastly Isfahan.

In Buyid and Seljuq periods, Isfahan was the capital of Iran. During the Seljuq period, especially during the period when Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk was the minister of Alp Arslan and Malek Shah (1073-92 AD), Isfahan truly grew in size and splendor.

During the Safavid era (16^th century), Shah Abbas I moved the Safavid capital from Qazvin to Isfahan. This period is considered as the heyday of commercial and cultural development of Isfahan. After the Safavid dynasty, Zel-ol Sultan, the governor of Isfahan in Qajar period, put all his effort to ruin most of the achievements of the previous era. However, Isfahan regained much of its past glory with the efforts of its people and thrived to the point that today Isfahan has become one of the major tourist destinations and leading manufacturers of alloys, steel, textile, carpets, handicrafts and etc. in Iran.

People and culture

Isfahan’s population consists of different ethnic groups who have gathered in the city in different periods of history for economic and industrial reasons. The majority of the locals are Fars but there are also other ethnic groups including Bakhtiaries, Lors, Turks, Georgians, Gypsies, Armenians, Jews and Zoroastrians. The official religion of Isfahan is Shia Islam. The language of people in Isfahan is Farsi, spoken with a sweet Isfahanian accent.

Notable People

Isfahan is reputed for its notable figures, shining as stars in various and divergent fields of activity. Some of these figures include: Sohrab Sepehri, an Iranian poet and painter who influenced Iranian modern poetry; Mohammad-Ali Jamalzade, an Isfahanian writer and poet; Jalil Shahnaz, a soloist of Tar (a traditional Persian instrument); Mahmoud Farshchian, a well-known Iranian painter and miniaturist; Ismail Hossein, a master in the art of handicrafts.

Food and Drink

The cuisine of Isfahan is characterized with three delicious foods which have to be tried once visiting the city.

• Biryani, which looks like a hamburger, is a mixture of grilled lamb meat, liver, onion, salt and chili pepper.
• Khoresht Mast is a traditional popular dessert special to Isfahan. It is a kind of sweet yellow pudding made by meat, yogurt, rose water, turmeric, saffron and pistachio slices.

• Gaz is a sweet candy from Isfahan which dates back to 450 years ago and is widely known as Persian Pistachio Nougat in America and Europe.

Souvenirs

Isfahan is famous for its handicrafts; tile work, miniature, inlaid work (Khatam), rugs, carpet, embroidery, engraving (Ghalam Zani) are some of the popular kinds of handicrafts produced in the city.

The Safavid era brought about the flourishing of arts in the city as the kings were also patrons of arts and architecture. Today, the artisans of Isfahan have followed their predecessors’ tradition and extended the beauty of their masterpieces by their own talent and creativity.

Events and Festivals

• The 1^st of Azar was chosen as the “day of Isfahan” in 1383, in order to honor the historic city of Isfahan. The week from the 1^st to the 7^th of Azar is called “the Week of Isfahan” and witnesses several celebrations dedicated to the city, its culture and history. The Week of Isfahan is also declared on the historical and cultural calendar of UNESCO.
• The International Film Festival for Children and Youth is held in Isfahan and aims to make children and youth familiar with the international cinema. Professional filmmakers also attend the festival. The festival hosts different events such as the release of butterflies for the opening ceremony, in memory of the martyrs of Islamic Revolution; the festival of kites; carnivals of happiness in the city and street theaters.

Tourist attractions

The flourishing of arts and architecture throughout the centuries (especially so during the 16^th and 17^th centuries), gave rise to splendid architectural masterpieces which have made Isfahan one of the main tourist destinations in the world.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a 560 meters long and 160 meters wide square linking 4 precious historical sites together, namely Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque, Ali-Qapu Palace and Qeysarieh Bazaar;
• Jame Mosque of Isfahan or Friday Mosque of Isfahan, one of the most prominent architectural works of Iran and the world which represents the evolution of Islamic art and architecture during ten centuries. The Jame Mosque includes prominent structures such as the Nizam al-Mulk Dome, Taj-al Molk Dome, Uljaytu Niche, Prayer Halls (Shabestan) from different historical periods, and a mosque known as the Muzaffarid School.
• The Persian Garden represented in the structure of the Chehel Sotun Palace.

Other sites

• Chehel Sotun Palace (literally meaning Forty Pillars), which is a small part of the vast garden of Jahan-Nama built during Shah Abbas I with a pavilion in the middle at the far end of a long pool. The reflection of the 20 wooden pillars supporting the pavilion has inspired the name of this palace as the Forty Column Palace. The wooden ceiling of the pavilion is decorated with inlay work and exquisite paintings.
• The historical Bridges of Isfahan, which date back to as late as the Sassanid period and cross over the Zayanderud river.
• Vank Cathedral, an Armenian Apostolic cathedral which consists of a church, a library, a museum, a bell tower and the monument of the victims of the Armenian Genocide;
• Bedkhem Church, which has the largest dome among the churches of Isfahan and some of the most exquisite frescoes;
• Ali Gholi Agha Complex, which consists of the Ali-Qoli Aqa Mosque, Ali-Qoli Aqa Bathhouse, Ali-Qoli Aqa Bazaar and Chahar-Suq.

Recommended:

The best Things to do in Isfahan

Free walking tour in Isfahan

Isfahan Zoorkhaneh Rituals Tour

Tehran To Isfahan by Bus

Saint Petersburg (or St. Petersburg) is the second largest city after Moscow and an important port in Russia in the Baltic Sea. Called the “northern capital of Russia”, Saint Petersburg was recognized as Isfahan’s sister city in 1998.

A Glimpse at history

The city was built on May 27, 1703, on the banks of the Neva River, by the order of Peter the Great. Contrary to popular belief, the name of St. Petersburg is not derived from its founder Peter the Great, but from “Peter Pastor” (Simon), one of the 12 followers of Jesus Christ, depicted in the “Last Supper” mural by Leonardo da Vinci. The name of this city was changed from St. Petersburg to Petrograd in 1914, in the outset of the World War I, and to Leningrad in 1924 by the order of Lenin, founder of the Russian Communist Party. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the city regained its original name as St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire from 1713 to 1728, and from 1732 to 1918. The capital was moved to Moscow in 1918.

In the late 20^th century, St. Petersburg was the fifth metropolis in Europe in terms of size after London, Paris, Vienna and Berlin and was considered as the new representative of the Russian Empire in military and industrial powers. Today, the city is one of the important poles of industry, research, and military production, along with tourism, culture and art in Russia.

People and culture

The population of St. Petersburg is 5,323,300 according to 2017 census. About 91% of the locals of St. Petersburg follow the Russian Orthodox Church. But followers of other denominations and religions also live in the city, including Catholics (1%), Muslims (5%) and Jews (1%). The formal language of the people in St. Petersburg is Russian. The population of St. Petersburg consists of Russians (%81) together with ethnic minorities such as Germans, Ukrainians, Finns and people from Eastern Europe

Notable People

The golden age of Russian literature, which began in the period of Peter the Great and peaked in the years from 1815 to 1830, is best represented by the greatest Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who spent most of his life in St. Petersburg. Nikolai Gogol and Fyodor Dostoyevsky were also residents of the city.

In addition to this, among famous scientists from St. Petersburg are Dmitri Mendeleev, the notable chemist and creator of the periodic table of the elements, and Mikhail Lomonosov, the Russian scientist and writer.

Food and Drink

Calorie-ridden dishes followed with delicious deserts and juices make up the cuisine characteristic to St. Petersburg. Here are some of the most popular foods from Saint Petersburg:

• Beef Stroganoff is a 19^th century dish which gained popularity around the world. It primarily consists of small beef pieces and different vegetables with the addition of sour cream sauce.
• Pirozhki is a small bread-like pastry bun, stuffed with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Before cooking, the pirozhkies are glazed with egg for a golden color.
• Pelmeni dumplings are very popular in the world. These dumplings are different from the Chinese dumplings. A variety of pelmeni dumplings which are stuffed with sweet fillings, such as berries, are called vareniki.
• Blini is a Russian version of pancakes which is very similar to French crepe but the filling can be anything like buckwheat flour, topped with sour cream, caviar, smoked salmon, cottage cheese or jam.
• Borscht has a Ukrainian origin which found its second home in St. Petersburg. Its main ingredients include beetroot (which gives the food its iconic red color), meat, herbs, potatoes and other vegetables. Traditional Borscht is served by sour cream and small savoury buns known as pampushki.

Souvenirs

Amongst the souvenirs of St. Petersburg are amber and jewelry, decorative Faberge egg, Russian dolls known as matryushka, Russian woolen hats called Ushanka, lacquer boxes, chocolates, cosmetics, traditional musical instruments and etc.

Events and Festivals

Today, St. Petersburg is considered as the cultural capital of Russia. More than 20 cultural festivals and 80 theater and music festivals are held in the city every year.

• Maslennitsa is an Eastern Slavicreligious holiday, celebrated for a week before the Great Lent. The tradition of Maslennitsa dates back to the pagan times, when Russian folk bid farewell to winter and welcomed spring. Several traditions and celebrations are dedicated to each day of the week for this holiday.
• Petersburg is also known as the city of white nights, which occur from late May to early July. The White Nights Festival is dedicated to this natural phenomenon and includes the performance of international stars in the Palace Square, the Scaled Sails Celebration, Carnivals of the White Nights as well as the performance of classical ballet and opera.
• Later in the year, when the city of St. Petersburg is transformed into a winter wonderland, the New Year’s Eve celebrations warm up the city. People usually gather on the bank of the Neva River and enjoy the splendid fireworks display over popular sites like the Historic Peter and Paul Fortress.
• Every year on May 9, Petersburg, together with the rest of Russia celebrates one of the major events in the country – the victory of the Soviet people over the Nazi Germany in World War II. At this great celebration, the Russian government displays its military power with shows of its military aircraft.

Tourist attractions

St. Petersburg is a splendid collection of attractive sites for tourists, from magnificent imperial palaces to peculiar museums, from boat trips along the majestic river of Neva to walks in the historic squares. St. Petersburg also offers great night life, fine dining and cultural destinations. Indeed, there is more than enough to see and do in St. Petersburg to keep visitors indulged and entertained for weeks or even months.

UNESCO sites

The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of 36 components and 86 elements, located in two regions of the Russian Federation – Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast Region. The borders of the site encompass a territory of 3,934 hectares.

Other sites

• The Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg is the most famous and most visited tourism attraction of Saint Petersburg. It dates back to 1764, when Empress Catherine the Great acquired an amazing collection of paintings from the Berliner merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. The museum displays historical, artistic and cultural monuments from different countries in six historic buildings.
• The Savior on the Spilled Blood Church is a five-dome structure which was constructed over a period of 24 years from 1883 to 1907. Its name refers to the assassination attempt on Alexander II in 1881. Its paintings and its exquisite classic Russian Orthodox exterior and interior, decorated with some 7000 sq. meters of mosaics, are an excellent example of the Russian art.
• The Peterhof Palace consists of a series of palaces and gardens, constructed by the order of Peter the Great. The palace architecture illustrates the very enthusiasm of Peter with European culture to the point that it is sometimes referred to as the “Russian Versailles”. Many Russian Tsars have been interred here.
• Kazan Cathedral is one of the orthodox churches of Russia and belongs to the Lady Kazan, the most respectable symbol of Russia. It was built in the early 1800s as a symbol of victory over the war with Napoleon.
• The summer garden is located on a small island between Fontanka, Moyka and Swan Canal in the city of St. Petersburg. In 1704, this garden was built by the order of Peter the Great, the Russian Tsar, where rare plants and flower have been cultivated.
• The fortress of Peter and Pal was built at the entrance of Saint Petersburg in order to protect the city against the army of swedes. During its life time, the fortress had different functions as a jail, mint, royal family resort, and finally the first rocket lab but now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in St. Petersburg.

The historical city of Florence is the capital of Firenze Province and Tuscany region, located in the center of Italy. Covering an area of 102 square km, it is situated on a basin surrounded by farm and orchard-clad hills. Its climate falls into the humid subtropical climate category featuring hot summers with moderate rainfall and cold winters with relatively heavy rainfall. Arno River and three other streams flow through the city. The historical and natural make-up of the city has caused its twinning with the city of Isfahan in Iran.

A Glimpse at history

The first signs of settlement in this area are thought to be dating back to the 10^th century BC; moreover, evidence shows that the Etruscans Civilization (7^th and 6^thcenturies) used to live in the area, near Arno River. In the 1^st century, Florence was founded by a Roman general as a residence for the retired soldiers of his army. The newly built city was called Fluentia, meaning water-flow, which was derived from its location (as it was located between two rivers). Later on, in the 12^th century, Florence was selected as the capital of The Republic of Florence, a medieval state. The Republic of Florence was ruled by a council named Signoria of Florence.

Florence was also a focal trade center in Europe. In the 15^th century, the city was ruled by the House of Medici, an influential banking family. Coming from the Mugello region of Tuscany, they owned the Medici Bank, the largest bank of Europe in the 15^th century, which made this family the wealthiest family in the entire Europe. The trade of Arte della Lana (the wool guild of Florence) was one of the most flourishing trades in Florence, which was practiced in this era.

The history of Florence is marked by the Italian Renaissance, a period (from the 14^th century to the 17^th century) in the history of Europe, which is characterized by the transition to modernity. It originated from Tuscany, more specifically from Florence.

People and culture

Florence has a population of 382,808 people with a growth rate of 3.22%. The majority of the residents are Italian (more than 90%) with immigrants mostly from China, East Europe and North Africa. The religious communities of Florence mainly consist of Muslims, Roman Catholics, Hindus and Protestants. People of the city speak Florentine which is a Tuscan dialect.

Florence is one of the richest European cities in terms of art, architecture and literature. Having an enchanting architectural heritage from medieval ages and being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with unparalleled monuments and pieces of art, created by world-class architects and artists.

The prosperous period of literature dates back to the 14^th century when famous works like Divine Comedy were written. Music has also played an important part in the Florentine culture. The city was a musical hub during the middle ages. Later on, in the 16^th century, Opera was introduced to all Europe from Florence.

Notable People

Florence has been the birthplace or the residence of many world-known figures. Some of these figures include: Dante Alighieri, the prominent Italian poet from the late Middle Ages who wrote the masterpiece of Divine Comedy; Giovanni Boccaccio, the Italian poet and writer of the Middle Ages; Leonardo da Vinci, the famous painter and architect of Renaissance; Donatello, the Italian sculpture of Renaissance; Michelangelo, the eminent sculptor, architect and painter of High Renaissance; Roberto Cavalli, the contemporary fashion designer.

Food and Drink

Florence is where you can taste the ultimate Italian cuisine. Cooked mostly with local ingredients like truffle and porcini mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese and meat, the meat-based dishes are dominant. Some of the specialties of Florence are:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina (or Florentine Steak), a yummy t-bone cut grilled meat;
• Lampredotto, a local street food made with stripe and served in a sandwich or on a bowl;
• Antipasto, a traditional dish with cured meat, mushrooms, anchovies;
• Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo, a pasta dish cooked with sauce of truffle and porcini mushrooms;
• Pane Toscano, a salt-free puffy bread;
• Schiacciata, a kind of salty bread.

The city has many to offer to the sweet-lovers, too:

• Gelato ice cream;
• Cornetti, a type of Italian croissant;
• Schiacciata Fiorentina, a kind of sweet cake.

Souvenirs

Amongst the souvenirs of St. Petersburg are amber and jewelry, decorative Faberge egg, Russian dolls known as matryushka, Russian woolen hats called Ushanka, lacquer boxes, chocolates, cosmetics, traditional musical instruments and etc.

Events and Festivals

There are many events and festivals celebrated by the Florentines throughout the year.

• Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy. On January 6, people gather in the downtown of Florence to see the parade featuring Renaissance colorful costumes. This 15^th century celebration, takes place in commemoration of the three wise men’s arrival to the birthplace of Jesus.
• Carnevale is another cheerful parade on February in which people wear Renaissance costumes walking and dancing in the city to celebrate the ethnic diversity of Florence.
• The Florentine New Year is a festival which celebrates the arrival of spring and the Day of Annunciation on March 25. It includes a morning parade with medieval costumes as well as music, and continues in the afternoon with a feast of Italian cuisine and drinks in an outdoor market and ends with a concert.
• Scoppio del Garro, literally meaning the explosion of the cart, is a 400-years-old event taking place on Easter Sunday. A cart filled with fireworks is brought to the square between the Baptistry and Cathedral to be fired. People used to believe that this would bring them fortune.
• Maggio Musical Fiorentino, which is a series of classical music concerts taking place from April to June.

Tourist attractions

As one of the main tourist destinations throughout Italy and Europe, visiting Florence will enchant every visitor. Having lots of monuments from the medieval ages, and being the cradle of the Renaissance reflected in the culture, art and architecture of the city has made Florence a must-see destination.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Historic Center of Florence, called Piazza del Duomo or Cathedral square, was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. This is a significant square, surrounded by a dozen spectacular historical as well as cultural buildings, such as:

• Florence Cathedral, a splendid domed cathedral begun in the late 13^th century and completed in 1436;
• Giotto’s Campanile, an 85-meter square-shaped bell tower which is a part of the Florence Cathedral;
• Florence Baptistery, or the Baptistery of Saint John, a Romanesque-style religious building erected between 1059 and 1128;
• Loggia del Bigallo, a Gothic-style loggia located near Florence Baptistery built in the 13^th century;
• Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, a museum opened in 1891 with items from the Florence Cathedral at display. The items include the doors built for the Florence Baptistery by Lorenzo Ghiberti, and the well-known works of Michelangelo, The Disposition and Pieta.

Other Sites

• Piazza della Signoria, an L-shaped square which was the political center of the Republic of Florence;
• Palazzo Vecchio, the 13^th-century town hall of Florence overlooking Piazza della Signoria;
• Accademia Gallery, the museum of Florence featuring the famous works of Michelangelo including David.

Being one of the cities of Baden Wurttemberg state in the south-west of Germany, Freiburg has been a twin city of Isfahan since 2000. Other than Isfahan, Freiburg is twinned with 9 cities around the world.

Situated on the margin of the Black Forest, 64 km² of its total area (about 153 km²) is covered by woods. The nature plays an important role in the beauty of Freiburg as the famous Rhine River flows through the city. Freiburg neighbors Switzerland and France. Its highest point is Schauinsland in the middle of the Black Forest, with a height of 1,284 m.

A Glimpse at history

Freiburg literally means the “city of free citizens”, and was founded in the 12^th century by Konrad and Duke Berthold III from the House Zahringen. Located on the trade road between the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea, it was originally a market town. Until the early 19^th century the city was owned by the Austrian House of Habsburg. In 1806 the city was conquered by Napoleon and was turned into a part of the Baden State. Later, Freiburg became the capital of this state until the mid-20^thcentury.

People and culture

According to 2017 census, Freiburg has an estimated population of 229,636 people speaking German language. The majority of the people living in Freiburg are Catholic Christians. Being an academic center, the city is home to one of the oldest universities in Germany.

Notable People

The Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg (founded in 1457 by the House Habsburg) and its medical center have served as a research hub, which has been home to many famous scholars and researchers. Max Weber, a German socialist and philosopher; Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher; Friedrich Hayek Austrian-British philosopher and economist; and Martin Heidegger, aGerman philosopher. The list of the great philosophers who lived in Freiburg can be extended to Walter Benjamin, Hanna Arendt, and Walter Kaufman.

Food and Drink

All Freiburg specialties, from fresh vegetables and fruits to sausages, can be found in a daily market called the Cathedral Market. Thanks to its mild weather and fortified soil, Freiburg is a good wine-growing area in Europe. Some of the food specialties of Freiburg are:

• • Numerous desserts including Black Forest cakes and tarts prepared with cherries from the Black Forest; other than offering fine wine and beer, the city is also an apt spot for foodies and those with a sweet tooth.
  • Special Freiburg sausage (a kind of long red sausage); found mostly in the food kiosks.
  • Other classic dishes with meat.

Souvenirs

In addition to food, desserts and drinks, Freiburg is also known for cuckoo wooden clocks. The clock-making tradition dates to the 17^th century in the Black Forest region. In the 18^th century, the earliest cuckoo clocks, originally crafted in the Czech Republic, came to this region. Since then, the cuckoo clock industry has developed in Freiburg. Today, there are numerous shops in the city selling these nice clocks.

Events and Festivals

Various events and festivals take place in Freiburg every year, such as:

• Kreativmarket Freiburg, a two-day market and a trade event held in October;
• Mein Hund Freiburg, an event displaying food and beverages;
• Garden Dream Freiburg, a two-day event hosting gardeners and landscapers who put their ideas in designing gardens and landscapes at display;
• Annual Christmas Market, celebrated by colorful parades, festivals and concerts.

Tourist attractions

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Being the warmest and sunniest city in Germany, Freiburg is a main domestic tourist destination. Situated on forest-clad slopes, it boasts a scenic beauty blessed with nature. Freiburg’s appeal can also be extended to its grand architecture and urban design.

Other Sites

• Freiburg Bachle, a unique water distribution system. The runnels, sourcing the water from Dreisam River, are spread all over the city in the cobblestone lanes, somehow resembling the Mādī channels in Isfahan;
• The Freiburg Munster, a cathedral erected in the 13^th century;
• The Augustiner Museum, a museum showcasing visual arts and sculptures by famous artists, located in the Augustinian Monastery built in 20^th century;
• Colombischlossle Archeological Museum, a museum displaying prehistoric relics from the High and Upper Rhine;
• The Freiburg Germany Temple

Barcelona, the sister city of Isfahan in Iran, is located in the Mediterranean coast of Spain, near France. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid and the third most important tourist destination in the world after London and Paris.

A Glimpse at History

The City of Barcelona was founded by the Romans in the 1^st century BC. Barcelona was under the control of the Romans and later the Visigoths until the eighth century AD. Later in the 8^th century, it was seized by the Moors. The city of Barcelona was then conquered by King Louis the Pious of Aquitaine, and was added to the Frankish kingdom in 801. But Barcelona soon regained its independence, and expanded its territory to the entire Catalonian area. Today, Barcelona state is democratic and parliamentary under the constitution of the kingdom.

People and culture

Barcelona’s population was estimated about 1,620,809 in 2017 census, making it the second most populated city in Spain. Most of the residents are native of Catolonia and the rest consists of immigrants from other parts of Spain and other countries.

Most of the people living in Barcelona follow the Roman Catholic Church. The city also has the largest communities of Jewish and Muslim believers in Spain. Most of the locals speak the Spanish language, which is followed by the Catalan language.

Notable People

Barcelona boasts of being home to many world famous figures; such as Antoni Gaudí, who defined Barcelona’s architecture in a unique way; the famous painter, sculptor and ceramist Joan Miró and the second to none Pablo Picasso, whose paintings have been inspiring generations of painters. Barcelona also enjoys the residence of many famous contemporary soccer players, as FC Barcelona is one of the strongest and most popular soccer teams in the world.

Food and Drink

Barcelona is known as a paradise of food and its cuisine mainly constitutes vegetables and fish. Creativity is a point that distinguishes Barcelona from other culinary cuisines in Spanish cities. Some of the traditional dishes in Barcelona are:

• Calçotada, an authentic and traditional cuisine of Barcelona made by Calçots (local onions) and Romesco sauce;
• Fideuà, which is similar to paella;
• Crema catalana, a kind of creme brulée;
• Escalivada, a traditional mix of Mediterranean vegetables roasted on hot ashes;
• Pa amb tomaquet, meaning bread and tomatoes.

Souvenirs

Barcelona is a city of culture and arts which are reflected in the handicrafts produced in this city. In fact, a variety of arts and trades have been preserved in Barcelona over the years. All over the region traditional trades like ceramic work, tile making and pottery are still practiced. The traditional sandals known as espadrilles are also a part of the native culture of the region and have been used by the people of Barcelona for centuries.

The most popular souvenirs of Barcelona are the Mexican hat, and the Barcelona soccer T-shirts. Also, bullfighting printed T-shirts or bullfighting posters are good choices of souvenirs because bullfighting is a national symbol and a part of the Spanish culture.

Events and Festivals

Barcelona is one of the most epic festival cities in Europe.

• The Festes de la Merces is marked as the biggest traditional festivity which is held in summer in honor of Mare de Deu de la Merces, the patron of Saint Barcelona. The highlight of the party is a castell (meaning the human tower), and the Dance of Giants.
• The most crowded and maddening night of the year is Verbena de Sant Joan when almost 70 thousand of people celebrate the shortest night of the year with firecrackers and rockets.
• The Festa Major de Gràcia Street Festival, which is held every year in August, gains its fame for hosting various cultures and for its colorfulness.
• In addition to these traditional street parties, Barcelona hosts plenty of famous rock and dance festivals such as the Sonar Fiesto music show, the Primavera Sound music festival and the Cruilla Barcelona music festival.
• The neighborhoods of Barcelona also become vibrant with people celebrating catholic festivals with traditions such as the castells, correfocs (meaning fire-runs), and the sardana dance.
• Barcelona has fun and festivity to offer the soccer lovers too, as fans can cheer for FC Barcelona matches at Camp De Nou.

Tourist attractions

Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its favorable weather, beautiful nature, fantastic cuisine and lively festivals, have made the city one of the major tourist destinations in the world.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Barcelona is also home to very notable UNESCO world heritage sites such as:

• Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau by the 20^th century architect Lluís Domènech i Montane;
• The seven structures by Antoni Gaudí: Park Güell, Palacio Güell, CasaMila, Casa Vicens,
• Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and the Crypt in Colonia Güell.

Other Sites

Some of the popular attractions of Barcelona are:

• Basilica of the Sagrada Familia;
• The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic);
• Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar;
• The Magic Fountains (Font Magica);
• Mercat de la Boqueria;
• Passeig de Gracia;
• Camp Nou.