The new Barcelona

Here, where the avinguda Diagonal meets the sea, a new district has sprung up and recently become an integral part of the city. Its name couldn't be more apt: Diagonal Mar (the Diagonal seafront district). The district consists of residential areas, hotels and a modern shopping complex, as well as the new Centre Internacional de Convencions (International Convention Centre). Its auditorium can host up to 3,200 people, making it the largest capacity conference facility in the south of Europe. The key element in the area is the parc Diagonal Mar, not just because of its 14 hectare site, but due to its design and characteristics. The park was designed by the architect Enric Miralles, and combines the element of water with plants and a series of tubular structures on different levels, comprising an extraordinary ensemble which is ideal for a quiet stroll and where children can enjoy the large-scale play area.