FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona

Created in 1899, FC Barcelona is arguably the world's greatest sports clubs. Although it is most famous for its football team (on which this article will focus) the club also operates professional teams in other sports such as basketball, handball and hockey.
The club uses the slogan "Mes que un club" (which means in English more than a club), to emphasise the fact that FC Barcelona has more importance to the Catalan people than just a sporting institution.

The club is a constant source of pride for the Catalan people, and emblematic of the Catalan people's struggle for independence against the central Madrid based governments, especially under the dictatorship of General Franco. Many see the club as a beacon in their struggle against tyranny and during the aforementioned Franco dictatorship, many people supported the club in protest against his oppressive regime, which was safer than joining clandestine anti-Franco movements nad even today the club actively espouses democracy and freedom. . For this reason the derby against Real Madrid (known as El Clásico) is perhaps the most fiercely contested and anticipated game in world football. The rivalry is seen by many to encapsulate the perpetual tension that exists amongst Catalans and Castilians.

Everything about the club is impressive. The club has a glittering history of winning trophies; 18 La Liga trophies, 24 Copa del Rey victories, 7, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 4 UEFA Cup Winners' Cups and 2 European Super Cup trophies. Also, some of the world's greatest ever players have players have played for Barcelona; Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradonna, Ronald Koeman, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi to name a few.

Another hugely impressive thing about Barcelona is it's stadium the Camp Nou. The club has become a global and Spanish phenomenon. An estimated 25% of the Spanish population are supporters of Barcelona and the club has around 2,000 official supporters clubs worldwide. In order to house such a vast support the stadium has a capacity of 98,772, making it the largest stadium in Europe. The stadium has held many important concerts, sporting finals and even staged part of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Visiting the Camp Nou is a must for sports enthusiasts whilst they visit Barcelona whether you visit the stadium museum (which is the most visited sports museaum in the world) take the tour or go and watch a match.

If you are planning on visiting Barcelona to see this magnificent stadium or for any other reason, why not stay with BCN Loft? BCN Loft offers private twin rooms for as little as 14 Euros per person. We can cater for all you holiday needs, all at the cheapest prices around. Whether you require a twin room for 2 people or a private 6 bedroom apartment BCN Loft can help make your trip to Barcelona cheap and hassle free. Visit our website http://www.bcnloft.com to find out more about the great value for money accommodation we offer. All our rooms are comfortable, private and have access to kitchen and toilet facilities. We hope to see you soon!