Barcelona 1992: a city turning towards the sea and winning the hearts of the world
Thirty years ago, the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992 stunned the world with a magnificent Opening Ceremony and unforgettable sporting performances. But the impact of the Games went far beyond creating lasting memories for fans around the world. With the global exposure as the catalyst, Barcelona transformed into a metropolitan world city confidently listed among Europe’s top destinations.
Unforgettable moments
From the spectacular staging in the Catalan capital to the geopolitical backdrop, the Games of the XXV Olympiad were a landmark event, and the unity on display was especially poignant for the Olympic Movement.
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Games were boycott-free for the first time since 1972.
Germany sent a single delegation team, while Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania competed as independent National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Twelve former Soviet republics entered the Opening Ceremony as the Unified Team, under the Olympic flag.