Catalonia

Joan Miró (1893-1983): A Visionary of Surrealism and Catalan Identity

Joan Miró's Woman, Bird, Star (Homage to Pablo Picasso) - Mujer, Pájaro y Estrella (Homenaje a Picasso)

Joan Miró was one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th century, known for his unique fusion of surrealism, abstraction and Catalan identity. His paintings, sculptures and prints pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, blending dreamlike imagery with bold colours and a distinct sense of playfulness. This …

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Things to Do in Sitges: Explore Catalonia’s Most Enchanting Coastal Town

Things to Do in Sitges

Situated 35km south-west of Barcelona, Sitges is a lively coastal town where Modernist architecture, golden beaches and avant-garde art converge. Renowned for its bohemian spirit, it has retained its authentic Catalan charm whilst embracing its status as Spain’s premier LGBTQ+ holiday destination. For those seeking the best things to do …

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Phylloxera Festival in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia: Surviving the 19th Century Wine Plague

Phylloxera Festival in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

The Festa de la Fil·loxera, or Phylloxera Festival, is an annual celebration held in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Catalonia). This distinctive event commemorates a critical juncture in the region’s viticultural history: the phylloxera plague that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. Initiated in 1982, the festival serves as both …

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Human Towers of Catalonia: A UNESCO Cultural Heritage Tradition

Human Towers of Catalonia

The practice of building human towers, known as ‘castells’, represents a defining cultural tradition in Catalonia. This remarkable feat of physical endurance, cooperation and communal identity has become a symbol of Catalan heritage. Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Castellers continue to captivate onlookers with their …

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Things to Do in Tarragona Spain: Roman Ruins, Beaches and Wine Tours

Things to do in Tarragona Spain

Tarragona is a charming Mediterranean port city located 100km south-west of Barcelona on the coast of Catalonia. Originally established as Tarraco by the Romans in the 3rd century BCE, Tarragona served as a key administrative and commercial hub. Today the city’s ancient Roman archaeological complex is recognised as a UNESCO …

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Roman Sites in Spain: A Traveller’s Guide to Roman Spain

Tarragona Roman Ruins

Roman control of the Iberian Peninsula began in 218 BC during the Second Punic War when they captured territories from the Carthaginians. Over the next two centuries, the Romans gradually conquered and Romanized the region through military force and colonization. The Romans divided the peninsula into three provinces – Hispania …

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