CTA: the Cherenkov Telescope Observatory for VHE Gamma Ray astronomy

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), currently in construction, shall be the Cherenkov Telescope Observatory for VHE Gamma Ray Astronomy, and shall provide crucial data for the understanding of the extreme universe in the recently open multimessenger era. The goals and characteristics of the project will be reviewed, and the current status and plans presented. In addition, the crucial role of the Spanish community in this project will be highlighted.