Basking in the glow of democracy after 40 years of suffering under Franco, Barcelona and Madrid have reclaimed their places as two of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic cities in Europe.

Barcelona, it might be said, is a city obsessed with design and style.

Perhaps its sense of style is rooted in the evocative Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter) - the greatest concentration of medieval architecture in Europe.

Or perhaps it is the legacy of architect Antonio Gaudi and his followers - whose lyrical, flowing buildings are the image of Barcelona to millions. Young architects from all over the world come to see for themselves what books and photographs cannot convey - from the poetic Cathedral of Sagridia Familia to the playful Parc Guell to hundreds of lesser-known buildings all over Barcelona (many listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites).

If the soul of Barcelona is Gaudi, its heart is Las Ramblas: the central spine of Barcelona, filled with flower kiosks, outdoor cafés and restaurants and colorful street performers. Take a seat in an outdoor café in the evening and you will see all of Barcelona promenading in front of you: young couples courting, married couples with baby strollers, grandparents with their grandchildren. All of Barcelona.

Until Fascism, Barcelona has always played a prominent role among the great cities of Europe. In 1888 and again in1929, it was the host city of two great International Expositions - heralds of the future that brought millions to this city on the Mediterranean. Lovers of design might note that the Exposition of 1929 produced two great icons of modernism: Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, recently reopened, and Mies’ Barcelona chair.

The 1992 Olympics was the successful culmination of Barcelona’s frenetic efforts to reestablish itself on the international map. In 20 years, it has transformed itself into a center of European culture with new art museums (including one by Richard Meier), cultural venues and an artistic life, outstanding restaurants and legendary nightlife.

In the end, Barcelona’s love of design and style translates into a love of the finer things of life that permeates this reborn city. Come join the fun.