THE CITY Situated half-way between the sea and the Pyrenees and only seventy kilometres from Barcelona, the town of Vic is the demographic and administrative centre of the region, serving a geographical area that goes beyond the boundaries of Osona. Its long history, present in the streets and the squares of the historical centre, co-exists harmoniously with its recent urban growth, showing the dynamism of a cosmopolitan city, voicing itself in the impact its fairs and markets have, in the consolidation of the University of Vic and in the growth of its industrial estates. Vic is a town full of contrasts, where side by side are to be found, tradition and modern life, the heritage of the rural world and the most advanced milieu, the peacefulness peculiar to a small town and the playful festive bustle. The wealth of its patrimony can be seen in the high quality of its museums, archives and historical buildings, hand in hand with the multitude of associations devoted to a highly varied number of fields, all revealing Vic to be a town full of civic, cultural and artistic interests. The economic structure is anchored in the commercial and industrial sectors and in its service industries. The numerous shops open in Vic prove to be highly specialised and have a great capacity to attract customers. The industrial sector is characterised by its great diversification, with a particular ascendancy in the food, agriculture, leather and metal industries. As a centre providing services there is a wide offer of infrastructures and administrative, health, pedagogical and social services. A see and capital of the region of Osona, the city of Vic takes an active part in the network of towns that form the backbone of the Catalan territory. The new roads and improving those that already exist have placed the city in a privileged position to be able to meet the requirements of the new society and at the same time keep its essence and characteristic personality. General information: Oficina de Turisme de Vic Carrer de la Ciutat, 4. 08500 Vic, Barcelona Tel. +34 93 886 20 91 Fax: +34 93 889 26 37 e-mail: turisme@ajvic.net http://www.victurisme.com