What is the BARCELONA Domain?
The .BARCELONA domain is a geographic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) specifically dedicated to Barcelona, Spain. It’s more than just another domain extension; it represents a strong connection to the city, its culture, and its community. Launched with the intention of fostering a digital identity for Barcelona, the .BARCELONA TLD provides a unique online space for individuals, businesses, and organizations associated with the city. It allows for more relevant and memorable domain names, particularly for those with a local focus. It’s a way to signal affiliation and build trust with a Barcelona-based audience.
What Type of TLD is BARCELONA?
.BARCELONA is classified as a geographic Top-Level Domain (gTLD). Unlike generic TLDs like .com or .org, geographic TLDs are reserved for specific cities, regions, or countries. This categorization distinguishes .BARCELONA as a domain specifically intended for use by entities connected to Barcelona, Spain. It falls under the broader category of sponsored TLDs, meaning it’s operated under the sponsorship of a specific organization – in this case, the Municipality of Barcelona.
The History of BARCELONA: When Did This Domain Launch?
The .BARCELONA domain was officially delegated on June 4, 2015. This marked a significant step in establishing a dedicated online identity for the city. The launch was driven by the desire to create a digital space that reflected Barcelona’s unique brand and fostered a stronger online community. The initiative was spearheaded by the Municipality of Barcelona and managed by the Fundació puntCAT. The domain’s creation involved a rigorous process of application and approval through ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
Why and Where Can You Use a BARCELONA Domain?
A .BARCELONA domain is ideal for a wide range of users with a connection to Barcelona. This includes:
- Local Businesses: Restaurants, hotels, shops, and service providers can use .BARCELONA to emphasize their local presence and attract customers.
- Organizations: Cultural institutions, non-profits, and community groups can establish a strong online identity rooted in Barcelona.
- Individuals: Residents of Barcelona can use it for personal websites, blogs, or online portfolios.
- Events: Organizers of events taking place in Barcelona can create memorable and relevant domain names.
- Tourism-related Businesses: Companies offering tours, travel packages, or accommodation in Barcelona can benefit from the domain’s association with the city.
Using a .BARCELONA domain can enhance brand recognition, improve search engine rankings for local searches, and build trust with a Barcelona-based audience.
What is the Current Price for a BARCELONA Domain?
The price of a .BARCELONA domain varies depending on the registrar and any promotional offers. Generally, it’s more expensive than common TLDs like .com due to its specialized nature. Expect to pay in the range of €30-€60 for the first year, with renewal costs potentially higher. Prices are subject to change, so it’s essential to check with individual registrars for the most up-to-date information.
Top 10 Popular & Affordable BARCELONA Domain Registrars
| Company Name | Approx. Price (1st Year) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fundació puntCAT | €35 | Official registry, often has promotions. |
| DonDominio | €45 | Spanish registrar with .BARCELONA availability. |
| Namecheap | €40 | Popular registrar, check for discounts. |
| GoDaddy | €50 | Well-known registrar, pricing can vary. |
| Hostinger | €38 | Offers domain and hosting packages. |
| Check major registrars | Varies | Pricing depends on registrar and promotions |
| Check major registrars | Varies | Pricing depends on registrar and promotions |
| Check major registrars | Varies | Pricing depends on registrar and promotions |
| Check major registrars | Varies | Pricing depends on registrar and promotions |
| Check major registrars | Varies | Pricing depends on registrar and promotions |
Name Servers list
| Name Server | IPv4 Address | IPv6 Address |
|---|---|---|
| anycast10.irondns.net | 195.253.64.12 | 2a01:5b0:4:0:0:0:0:c |
| anycast23.irondns.net | 195.253.65.11 | 2a01:5b0:5:0:0:0:0:b |
| anycast24.irondns.net | 195.253.65.12 | 2a01:5b0:5:0:0:0:0:c |
| anycast9.irondns.net | 195.253.64.11 | 2a01:5b0:4:0:0:0:0:b |
Sponsoring Organisation, Administrative Contact, Technical Contact
| Organization | Name | Voice | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsoring Organisation | Municipi de Barcelona | Not publicly standardized / varies by registry | Not publicly standardized / varies by registry | Pl. Sant Miquel ed. Novíssim, pl. 3a. Barcelona 08002, Spain |
| Administrative Contact | .barcelona Admin Contact | newgtlds@domini.cat | +34 936 750 354 | Fundació puntCAT, Plaça Nova 5, 7a planta, Barcelona 08002, Spain |
| Technical Contact | .barcelona Tech Contact | dnsmaster@corenic.org | +41 22 312 5610 | CORE Association, Cours de Rive 2, Geneva CH-1204, Switzerland |
Registry Information include URL for registration services,
| Service | URL |
|---|---|
| Registry URL | http://www.barcelona.cat |
Record last update Registration date
| Information | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration date | 2015-06-04 |
| Record last updated | 2022-01-07 |
Is the BARCELONA Domain Right for You?
If you have a strong connection to Barcelona – whether as a business, organization, or individual – the .BARCELONA domain can be a valuable asset. It offers a unique opportunity to establish a strong online identity, build trust with a local audience, and enhance your brand’s relevance within the city. While it may be more expensive than some other TLDs, the benefits of a geographically targeted domain can outweigh the cost for those with a vested interest in Barcelona.
FAQ
What is the difference between .BARCELONA and .CAT?
.CAT is a TLD for the Catalan language and culture, while .BARCELONA is specifically for the city of Barcelona. They are distinct domains with different focuses.
Is registering a .BARCELONA domain restricted to residents of Barcelona?
No, registration is not restricted to residents. Anyone can register a .BARCELONA domain, but it’s intended for those with a connection to the city.
Can I use a .BARCELONA domain for an e-commerce website?
Yes, you can absolutely use a .BARCELONA domain for an e-commerce website, especially if your business is based in or serves the Barcelona area.
How do I transfer an existing domain to .BARCELONA?
The process is similar to transferring any other domain. You’ll need to unlock your domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code) to initiate the transfer.
What are the IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) options for .BARCELONA?
The .BARCELONA domain supports IDNs, allowing you to register domain names with characters specific to the Catalan language.
Is there a renewal fee for a .BARCELONA domain?
Yes, there is an annual renewal fee that varies depending on the registrar.
Where can I find more information about the .BARCELONA domain?
You can find more information on the official registry website: http://www.barcelona.cat
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