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Surprises of Catalonia

The region of Catalonia comprises of Barcelona, with its capital, Gerona, Tarragona and Lerida. Barcelona is the more renowned city beside Costa Brava, the Mediterranean coast which boasts of great stretches of beaches under the temperate Mediterranean climate. These put Catalonia on the map as first class tourist attraction, together with its formidable north mountain ranges ? the Pyrenees, the vast plain at the center of Catalina, the still spectacular inactive Garrotxa volcanoes and the intriguing Montserrat formations as well as the mystical legendary ?Holy Mountain' and de la Verge de Montserrat monastery from the Roman era, which is a favorite pilgrimage venue for the locals and foreigners alike.CultureCatalonia region has carved a distinct culture for itself that is most evident through its Mediterranean tradition. Although Catalonia may seem different from other Spanish regions, as it shares in this one aspect ? its language: Catalonian. Every Spaniard will speak and can understand Castilian Spanish. With its established international trade, Catalonia has evolved to be one of Spain's most cosmopolitan regions.Catalonia is one of Spain's preferred tourist attractions today, not only because of its ideal water sports facilities along its beautiful coast, but also for its ability to put together nature's beauty with modern monuments. This region also offers tantalizing gastronomy through its fresh seafood and rice dishes, taken with its fine quality wines that have gained international fame. A complete and satisfying meal finishes with the region's famous and delectable desserts such as ?Catalonian Cream'.Major city attractionsBarcelona displays the structures and features of a true metropolis, as the region's capital along the Mediterranean Sea. Modernism and tradition blend well, as can be viewed through its many outstanding works of architecture, especially that of Antoni Gaudi and the famous Gothic Quarter.Costa Brava has to be Spain's most famous coastline running from north of Barcelona all the way to Girona province. It is full of natural beauty from its numerous romantic coves and steep cliffs.Girona is known for the history that it safely guards in its monuments, such as the Jewish Quarter. It is a beautiful city that should be discovered for its history.Figueres is where renowned painter Salvador Dali was born; the town boasts of this painter's great works of art in a dedicated museum.Costa Dorada is known as the Golden Coast of Catalonia, running from Tarragona to southern Costa Brava, offering great beaches and sun with beautifully landscaped towns, as can be seen in Arenys del Mar, Castelldefels and Sitges, which has quite an interesting museum called Cau Ferrat.Tarragona was one of the Roman Empire's important cities of trade and administration, which still preserve its Romanesque monuments, such as the amphitheater and aquaeductus, the Scipios Tomb which can be found at the seaside, and monasteries of great historical background and artistic beauty.Lleida, or sometimes known as Lerida, is inland at a mountainous area, which sites an ancient cathedral ? the Seo, that was built sometime in the 12th ? 15th century.