Barcelona - Surroundings

Barcelona airport is situated about 12km/7.5mi southwest of the city in El Prat de Llobregat, close to the motorway (C244) to Castelldefels, RENFE, the state rairoad company, operates connecting services to the city center every 30minutes between 7am and 11pm, journey time 16minutes. There are also buses and taxis. Since the summer of 1989 the airport has been undergoing extensive modernization.

The industrial town of Badalona (pop. approximately 200,000) lies to the northeast of Barcelona and on the far side of the Riu Besos. Today Badalona has become practically part of the Catalan capital.

The city area extends some 5km/3mi along the flat coastline. The quality of the sea water suffers in this area as a result of emissions from the thriving industries.

Roman remains are to be found in the town's Archeological Museum.

In the old town center of Badalona stands the Church of Santa Maria, dating from the 17th century (works by the Baroque painter Antoni Viladomat).

The Fiesto de los Arrieros is celebrated with elaborate parades.

The model layout Catalunya en Miniatura is situated 17km/10.5mi south of Barcelona's center. The best approach by car is on the Martorell road as far as Molins del Relund, continuing via Vincenç dels Horts. The feature includes models (on a scale of 1:25) of the most important monuments and buildings in Catalonia. Bus: "Tisa" line from corner of Viriat and Numància.

The village of Esparreguera re-enacts the Passion of Christ every weekend in March and April

On January 20 and 21, Igualada holds a celebration in honor of San Antonio Abad.

About 3km/2mi to the northeast of Badalona, in Montgat, is a castle which played an important part in the War of Liberation fought against Napoleon (1788-1808).

About 3km/2mi to the northwest of Badalona lies Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, which with its former monastery, built in the 14th C. (15th C. cloister), is a favored destination for outings from the town.