It started with “The shadow of the wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, a page-turning mystery that became a huge sensation especially in Europe. It doesn’t display the sunny, culture rich and fun loving city break destination that most visitors know - but a shadowy, at times dark and atmospheric picture of the city centre streets in the years following the Spanish Civil War. Then came Ildefonso Falcones with his novel “The Cathedral of the Sea” in which enthralled the reader with a story set in 14th century Barcelona centered around young Bernat and the construction of the wonderful Gothic church Santa Maria del Mar in the Born district. This church is among the most popular in Barcelona and called the church of the people because all neighbours of Born district participated in constructing the church without contributions from the royalty nor bishop.

Barcelona is in the movies too. Woody Allen was one of the last international directors filming in Barcelona one of his last movies “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”.