Barcelona is a colorful and energetic city on the Northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.  It is the second most populous city in Spain, as well as the capital of all of Catalonia.  Barcelona is deeply rooted in a colorful history and cultural tradition, and that is apparent in the grand Gothic and intriguing modern architecture, especially by that of Gaudí, that peppers the city.  The people are creative and lively, and they are filled with enthusiasm and pride about their city and what is has to offer. Barcelona is also a distinctly Mediterranean city, because of its geography and its history.  Having been founded as an ancient Roman colony in the 2nd century B.C., it has managed to retain a great deal of those influences despite occupations by the Visigoths, the Muslims, the French, and through the period of industrialization in modern times.