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Art is an important determinant in the culture of any city. The culture of Barcelona is well established by the city’s artists. The visual arts culture in this city is best exemplified by the open-air sculptures and by the numerous art galleries. Apart from that, cultural centers such as: the MACBA, the CCCB, the Palau de la Virreina, or the Art Centre Santa Mònica showcase art works by the contemporary artists. Once famous for Avant-Garde art form, the artists of this city still produce mind boggling art works. Architectural heritage is an integral part of culture of Barcelona. Though the Roman buildings in this city are mostly in shambles; perfectly preserved buildings and other constructions dating back to the medieval times form a major attraction for the tourists. The Barri Gòtic or the Gothic Quarter in the heart of old Barcelona has many buildings that date back to the medieval times and some buildings even trace their roots to the Roman times. The Catalan modernisme architecture was developed between 1885 and 1950. This architectural style has left indelible marks on this city’s heritage buildings. An unfinished temple of the Sagrada Familia is one of the best examples of this architectural style. Under architect Antoni Gaudí the construction work started in 1882 but till date not completed. Now funded by public donations this temple is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Other well known works of this architect include: Palau Güell, the Park Güell, the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and the Casa Batlló. Designed by another renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de Sant Pau are among his most notable creations. The constitution of Spain in 1978 disestablished Roman Catholicism as the official religion. However notwithstanding that more than 90 percent of the population in Barcelona is Roman Catholics. However due to the cosmopolitan nature of this city and because of other nationalities increasingly settling in Barcelona, Spain-the city has praying places for every religious group. Baptist Church, Barcelona Unitarian Church, Casa del Tibet Barcelona, Deutsche Evangelica and many more religious buildings make Barcelona a real melting pot of cultures and religions. An integral part of the culture of Barcelona and held every year in June, this city hosts the Sónar Music Festival. This music festival continues for three consecutive days and each day sees two main events, namely- Sónar By Night and Sónar by Day. Sónar by Day is held near Les Rambles and the night performance is given just outside the proper city limits. Regarded as the largest symphonic orchestra in Catalonia, the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphonic Orchestra performs almost 75 concerts every year. All the shows attract huge crowds. Local Catalan dance form is very popular in Barcelona. However salsa is rapidly gaining popularity world over for foot tapping music and gracious dance steps.
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