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Quick Facts: 4 Important Historical Events in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia in Spain. It is a great city, not only famous for football, but it also holds a rich history shaped by several significant events. From the rise of the Roman Empire from 31BC to AD 476 to the Spanish Civilian War, Barcelona has seen its fair share of historical events providing a lasting impact on the city and its people. In this article, we will explore four of Barcelona’s most important historical events.

The Roman Occupation

The roman occupation lasted from AD 43 to AD 410. Originally, Barcelona was known as Barcino and was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. The city quickly became an important trading hub and military base, and its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea made it a key center of commerce and culture. Many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Gothic Quarter and the Roman Walls, date back to this period of Roman occupation.

The Siege of Barcelona

In 1714, during the Spanish SuccessionWar, Barcelona was besieged by the forces of Philip V, the Bourbon King of Spain. The city, a stronghold of the pro-Habsburg forces, held out for over a year before finally falling to the Bourbon army. The siege was a turning point in the war and marked the end of Catalonia’s autonomy. Today, the siege anniversary is commemorated as Catalonia’s National Day.

The Siege of Barcelona

The Industrial Revolution

In the late 19th century, Barcelona underwent a period of rapid industrialization that transformed the city from a sleepy provincial town into a major center of industry and commerce. The city’s factories and workshops churned everything from textiles and ceramics to machinery and chemicals, fueling economic growth and prosperity. This period also saw the emergence of Barcelona’s famous Modernist architecture, characterized by its ornate facades, colorful mosaics, and curvilinear forms.

The Spanish Civil War

Barcelona played a key role in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), which pitted the Republican government against the Nationalist forces of General Francisco Franco. Barcelona was a stronghold of the Republicans and served as the de facto capital of the Republican government during the early years of the war. The Nationalists heavily bombed the city, destroying many of its buildings and landmarks. The war ended in a Nationalist victory, and Franco ruled Spain as a dictator until he died in 1975.

Conclusion

These four historical events are just a small sample of the many important events that have shaped Barcelona. Each of these events has left a lasting impact on the city’s culture, architecture, and identity and the strength of the people of Barcelona in the face of adversity.

Best Things to do in La Bordeta, Catalonia

La Bordeta, Catalonia

If you’re visiting the charming country of Spain, you can never miss La Bordeta in Catalonia. La Bordeta is a lovely neighborhood in the city of Lleida, Spain. Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do in La Bordeta. So whether you’re a party freak, foodie, history buff, or just looking for ways to relax and unwind in a cool atmosphere, La Bordeta offers something for all its visitors.

Things to do in La Bordeta

Visit the castle of La Bordeta.

The castle is a must-see in the location. It was built in the 10th century and only comprises ruins. However, it’s a medieval charm for all history and monument lovers. Visitors can climb up to the top of the castle for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

La Bordeta

Park dels Camps Elisis

You can stroll through the park, a lovely green space for a leisure walk or a picnic. Here are several walking trails throughout the park and playgrounds for children, and sports facilities. Hence, everyone can relax and unwind in the cool breeze, irrespective of age.

Jardins de la Pineda

These gardens are a hidden gem in La Bordeta. The park features a wide variety of plants, flowers, fountains, and ponds. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the neighborhood’s natural beauty.

Get a taste of the local cuisine.

La Bordeta is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Some of the local specialties include Escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty stew made with various meats and vegetables, and coca de recapte, a savory pastry filled with vegetables and meat.

Museum of Lleida

Located just a short walk from La Bordeta, the Museum of Lleida is a great place to learn about the region’s history and culture. The museum contains exhibits on archaeology, art, and local traditions.

Day trip to Montserrat

If you love the mountains, you must take a day trip to Montserrat. It is a mountain range located about an hour’s drive from La Bordeta. The area is famous for its Benedictine monastery, which is home to the Black Madonna statue. Visitors can also take the assistance of a cable car to the mountaintop for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Day trip to Montserrat

Attend popular festivals

Catalonia is known for its lively festivals; La Bordeta is no exception. The neighborhood hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Festa Major in August and the Fira de la Tardor in October. These festivals prove to be excellent for experiencing the local culture and traditions.

Discover The History & Culture Of Barcelona

Culture Of Barcelona

Barcelona is a vibrant city and rich in culture. It is located on the Northeastern Coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is the capital of Catalonia in Spain. The history of this city stretches back two millennia with rich Roman roots. In today’s world, it is a place with rich cultural values reflecting the cuisine, art, and architecture of the reaction. The history of the city has shaped its rich cultural heritage in today’s world.

Barcelona’s rich history and culture

Early Barcelona

The existence of Barcelona is recorded back to the 3rd century BC when it was popularly called the Iberian settlement, Barkeno. However, as years passed, in 218 BC, the precious city was conquered by Romans, who named it Bacino. Once it was under their custody, they decided to turn it into an important commercial and military hub. As a result, they gave rise to many important landmarks like the Gothic Quarter and others.

Over the centuries, Barcelona has become a cultural melting pot due to the mixed influences from northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The city was invaded by Visigoths in the 5th century AD, who left their cultural imprint on the city. Further down the lane, it was again invaded by Muslims and was under their rule in the 8th century. However, this was their last invasion before the Christian forces captured it.

Barcelona

19th and 20th centuries

One of the most significant eras of Barcelona was during the 19th and 20th centuries when the region experienced a political and cultural renaissance. During this era, the city was the center of Modernism. Catalan Art Nouveau also produced the most iconic buildings and artworks of the era.

This modernist movement was also tied to Catalan nationalism after taking inspiration from Spain architecture. Following this, the city also became a center for cultural activism and architecture with different organizations with various identities and independence. After the Spanish Civil War, the country’s political and cultural systems were drastically improved with a stronghold of the Republican forces,

Modern Barcelona

Today, Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a deep connection with its Spanish roots. The stunning architecture, the Mediterranean climate, and the rich cultural heritage form great attractions for people worldwide. With multiple cuisine options and Catalan food traditions, it also has a slight hint of European and Mediterranean influences. From tapas to paellas, it offers a great reflection of the land’s cultural heritage.

In addition to its richness in culture, the city is famous for its passion and vibrancy, being home to various football clubs. It also has a plethora of nightclubs, pubs, bars, music clubs, and different venues, catering to the needs of everyone worldwide.

Highlighting Events of Sants Festival

Sants Festival

A neighborhood in Barcelona’s south is called Sants. It is a part of the Sants-Montjuc neighborhood. Sants is a neighborhood with industrial roots that was previously the heart of a tiny village that eventually joined Barcelona. The neighborhood festivals are held in the summer, in the former communities of Barcelona. They provide the ideal justification for traveling to the city and getting lost in its ostentatious neighborhoods.

Interesting features and events

The most well-known is the Gracia Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists each year. The Sants Festival may not be as well known internationally, but in terms of events and music, it is very similar to the one in Gràcia. The former village of Sants’ patron saint, Saint Bartholomew, was honored with a significant festival that still exists today. Here are a few events of the Sants festival that will captivate you.

Illuminated and colorful streets

The locals decorate the streets and public spaces with a wide variety of unique decorations that are based on certain themes. In the earlier days, the streets have really been turned into a pirate ship or a scene from a Disney movie where anything is possible in Sants. The celebrations are enthusiastically supported by the entire neighborhood.

The Sants’ main streets are adorned with various themes, and the locals put all of their work into making sure the street is the best inventive and attractive during the celebration so they can win the prize given on the closing day. You must want it to win if you’re residing on one of the decked streets.

Sants’ main streets

Live music

The city’s seasonal customs and saints’ days will have you whirling around the streets all year long in addition to being the site of increasingly well-liked international music festivals. As night falls, there are a ton of concerts and delicious food options. To find out what’s on, see the schedule of events. Keep an eye out for any side events that are scheduled to take place in the city’s streets and other public areas.

CremaPicaPuja

The Castellers de Sants human tower group, along with the stick devils and dancers, organize a scavenger hunt that combines tastes of the local popular culture as part of the Sant Bartomeu festival’s schedule of events. The parade of cercavilas is followed by the construction of a tower and tabalada drumming. The ideal method to become a local and engage yourself in mainstream culture.

Correfoc

With four fire companies in the area, a massive pyrotechnic display, which often takes place during the festival’s closing show, was inevitable. The little devils take to the roads in the afternoon to perform a correfoc infantile, or children’s fire runs, in the principal streets of the old village. The adult diables and the neighborhood fire creatures put on a large correfoc in the evening to say goodbye to the celebration till the following year.

Should Know About Barri de La Bordeta, Catalonia

Catalonia

Barcelona is home to both old and advanced sites and architecture and provides an excellent way for travelers to enjoy their vacation in the best way possible. Among many cities located in the region, Barri de La Bordeta in Catalonia lies on the borders of the La Bordeta neighborhood, which attracts thousands of travelers and visitors every year from all over the world.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the best locations while you’re in the neighborhood, here is a guide for you to get started1

Hike Aiguestortes and Sant Maurici National Park

If you’re looking for ways to spend time in nature and make the most of the city, you should visit this national park in Catalan Pyrenees. The park was initially built in 1955 and provided an excellent option for people to explore and hike in the woods. Visiting the place with dazzling lakes, pristine mountain ranges, and meadows is an absolute treat to sore eyes.

The park is best known for its dense black pine trees and lakes (most of which have glacial origins). You can also visit this location by taxi or foot. The park also has a lake named Lake Sant Maurici with Els Encantats in the background, considered one of the great spots in the region.

Sant Maurici National Park

Visit the Seu d’Urgell Cathedral

It is also called the Cathedral of Santa Maria, located in the famous city of Seu d’Urgell. A popular Cathedral is located in Saint Mary, which was initially built in the 12th century. However, in recent times, it has undergone various reconstructions which have turned the place even more attractive and tourist-welcoming. It comprises of Cloister, Diocesan Museum, and the grand Basilica. One of the famous attractions of the place is the beautiful gallery which is filled with vivid decorations and a great collection of silver and gold artifacts.

Hike the Pedraforca Mountain

It is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Catalonia, located in Pedaforca. The pictures you see online need to do justice to the actual mountain ranges located in the Pre Pyrenees. People hike here from all over the world to view this iconic landmark. The mountain’s fork shape is not connected to any other mountain ranges. One of the main reasons for the place’s popularity is the easy hike and the beautiful view, which anyone can achieve. However, it should also be noted that summers and winters and the best time to hike the mountain.

Leaning the history of Pals

If you’re into learning the rich history of the place, visiting the Pals in the medieval town of Catalonia is the best option. It comprises streets filled with gothic churches, stone houses, and the famous Les Hores Tower. The church is filled with semi-circular arches and other architectural designs worth a watch.

A Full Guide to Sants Barcelona

Sants Barcelona

Barcelona is a unique city in that it has two major train stations. The main station is located in the center of town and is used mainly by tourists. However, there’s another one outside of Barcelona that most people don’t know about: Sants station.

This station was built at the end of the 19th century when all these small towns merged into one big city, Barcelona!

To start, Sants is the main railroad station in Barcelona

It is located in the Sants-Montjuic district and was built in 1869. The station was originally called Estació del Nord (Northern Station), but over time it gained its current name. The main lines that depart from this station are:

  • TGV high-speed trains to France and France’s Mediterranean coast
  • AVE high-speed trains to Madrid and Seville
  • Rodalies commuter rail service to Barcelona’s suburbs as well as other towns around Catalonia

The most noteworthy attraction at Sants is its iron architecture, which has been preserved since its opening day due to efforts by various public organizations such as the Catalan Government’s Department of Culture and Tourism or Architects for Culture.

railroad station

At the end of the 19th century, as many European cities were expanding, Barcelona was also growing, but with a different logic

The city did not expand inwards towards its center but somewhat outwards into surrounding towns. The railroad station was built in the middle of this new city and was designed to connect all its parts.

Most people believe that the main stations in cities are located in the main financial districts

This is not true.

In Barcelona, for example, the main train station is located in Sants (Sants-Estació). This neighborhood is a central part of Barcelona, but it is not considered to be one of its main financial districts.

The areas surrounding Plaza Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia are considered to be more prestigious locations than Sants because they have more expensive shops and cafes.

In 1869 when the construction for a new train station began, it was decided that this would be its location

So in 1869, when the construction for a new train station began, it was decided that this would be its location. The station was built by architect Francesc Nebot, who designed it to look like an imposing palace. The building is made up of three floors and has large columns inside. It also has a dome over the tracks so that passengers can see trains coming into the station before they arrive.

As the city expanded over time, Sants connected well with other parts of town via metro lines 1 and 3

The neighborhood currently houses the main railroad station in Barcelona and is a popular place for shopping, dining and spending time outside

Sants has a rich history and culture thanks to its long-standing presence as one of the main train stations in Barcelona. It was built by Eiffel & Companys between 1877-1913 with two impressive towers that can be seen from anywhere in Barcelona.

The buildings are constructed using iron frame construction methods that were revolutionary at the time but have since been abandoned due to their high cost compared to more modern materials such as steel or reinforced concrete

Things to do Barri de La Bordeta, Catalonia

Barri de La Bordeta, Catalonia

Hike Aigüestortes & Sant Maurici National Park:

Aigüestortes & Sant Maurici is the only National Park of Catalonia located in the Catalan Pyrenees. It has been a National Park since 1955 and is an excellent spot for hiking activities. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful National Parks, with its dazzling lakes, high mountains, and picturesque meadows. The National Park is known for its dense black pine forests and lakes, most of which have glacial origins. The National Park has numerous entrances; however, there are only two main entrances respectively located on the east and west. You can get to this scenic location on foot or by taxi. One of the most popular attractions of the Aigüestortes & Sant Maurici National Park is Lake Sant Maurici, with the mountain Els Encantats in the background.

Seu d'Urgell Cathedral

Visit Seu d’Urgell Cathedral:

Seu d’Urgell Cathedral, also known as the Cathedrak of Santa Maria d’Urgell is located in the city of la Seu d’Urgell. As the name indicates, the Cathedral is specifically dedicated to Saint Mary. Even though Seu d’Urgell Cathedral dates from the 12th century, it went through three major reconstruction processes in the past. It is the only Romanesque Cathedral in La Bordeta, Catalonia. The Cathedral consists of Basilica, Cloister, and the Diocesan Museum. The Grand Cloister of the Cathedral is quite famous for its decorations and galleries, while the Diocesan Museum has a massive collection of paintings and gold and silver artifacts.

Hike Pedraforca Mountain:

One of the most beautiful mountains in Catalonia, Pedraforca is worth seeing in person. Pedraforca is located in the Pre Pyrenees and is quite popular for its rare appearance. It is not surprising that the mountain is one of the iconic landmarks of Catalonia. The mountain is not visibly connected to any other adjacent mountains or ridges and has a peculiar fork shape that is made by the two parallel peaks joined by a pass. Climbing or hiking to the top of the Pedraforca Mountains is not a daunting task and is sure to be one of your precious memories for a very long time. However, it should be noted that the best time to hike the mountain is summer, as, during winter, the snow would make the ascent much more difficult.

Hike Pedraforca Mountain

Learn History in Pals:

Pals is a medieval town in Catalonia located close to the Costa Brava. The town is quite popular for its stone houses, streets, and Gothic-style churches. One of the most iconic highlights of Pals town is the Les Hores Tower. The Les Hores Tower is the only tower remaining from the original ancient castle of Pals. You can enjoy the scenic views of Emporda and Illes Medes from the top of the tower. Another popular attraction of Pals town is the Sant Pere Church, which is known for its Gothic-style structure and semi-circular arches.

 

Things to do in Sants-Montjuic

Sants-Montjuic

Located in the southeast of Barcelona, the place provides a stunning view of the Mediterranean when looking through the castle of Montjuic. This Olympic-inspired city is a haven for tourists who would like to get soaked in the cultural heritage of the land. Surrounded by marvelous castles, monuments, museums, and a breathtaking city view, the place offers its visitors many memories that can be cherished throughout their life.

If you are visiting Sants-Montjuic, there are a plethora of things to do in Barcelona’s largest district. You can look into this guide to learn about the top activities that you can do in Sants-Montjuic.

Savor the breath-taking view of Montjuic mountain

This hill is perfect for you to see the modernist buildings of the marvelous city and listen to the lullabies of nature. Since the hill is facing Barcelona, you will be able to experience the stunning city view and bustle of the city.  You can take a trip to the top of this hill to understand the glamour and vastness of Barcelona.

Learn the Catalonian history

If you want to take a look at the history of Catalonia, then visit the Museu d’ Arquelogia de Catalonia. Here you can take a peek into megalithic Spain and get a glimpse of the ruins of Greek Civilization. You can also visit the Ullastret Iberian settlement to get a taste of the history of the region. So, all history lovers can take this chance to learn about the unique history of the land that is spread across various sites in Sants-Montjuic.

Sants-Montjuic

See the iconic works of Joan Miro

If you are an art enthusiast, do not forget to visit Joan Miro Fundacio on Sants-Montjuic. You can visit this foundation established by Miro to get a taste of the finest contemporary art collections in Spain.

Take a cable car ride

If there is a thing that is more thrilling than the beautiful hill view in Sants-Montjuic, it is the cable car ride. While sitting in the cable car, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the city. It is not just a cable car ride, but you can reach the top in the most exciting and fun way possible.

Montjuic Castle

If you want to know what exactly is a military fort while savoring the alluring views, you can visit the castle of Montjuic. This place holds terrible memories as the place was used to repress the anarchist and hold the political prisoners. So, grab your drink and find a good spot to enjoy the spectacular history of the place.

Walk around the Poble Espanyol

Build in 1929, this is an open-air museum that is built in a village style, highlighting the marvelous architecture of Spain. The streets of the village will be filled with various architecture starting from gothic to renaissance and Romanesque. So, visit Poble Espanyol and experience the diversity of the place. So, if you are planning to visit Sants-Montjuic, do not miss out on these activities.

 

The Brief History of Barcelona

Barcelona

Over 2000 years ago, Barcelona was called Barkeno, which was once an Iberian village. Since located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola ridge, people always gave extreme importance to the land. It is now a city home to 1,620,943 people and is also considered the second largest city in Spain.

Origin of Barcelona

Although the exact origin of the city is unclear, it is evident that it holds remains from the Neolithic and early Chalcolithic periods. Many remains like tombs and other dwellings were excavated from the city, dating nearly 5000 years old. According to historians, many Greek colonies called Kallipolis also lived around the vicinity around the same period, without any archeological evidence for the same.

Due to the city’s early existence, several myths have been formed, of which at least two are from the 15th century.

  • The first myth attributes to the city’s existence and that it was founded by Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barco around 230 BC. Despite the similarities between the Carthaginian families and today’s modern Barcelona, people still believe this to be a myth.
  • The second myth states that Hercules found the city of Barcelona before finding Rome while traveling across the Mediterranean Sea when his 9th ship hit a hill. While discovering the place, he came across Barco Nona, or the 9th ship.

The Roman Barcino

The Romans set out on a quest to conquer the whole Iberian Peninsula in the 19th BC after Caesar Augustus declared war. Although the northeastern region served as a refugee camp, significantly less importance was given to Barcelona. However, over the years, it became a wealthy town for all marine resources. By the end of the 2nd century, the land was an economic hub that included cultivation, wine export, and other activities.

Paleochristian Barcino

After the 3rd century, the first Christian communities began occupying the region. By the Edict of Milan in 313, these Christians were granted religious freedom, leading to widespread executions.

Paleochristian

The crown of Aragon

After the marriage of Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer IV, and Petrolina or Aragon, the administration of Barcelona and the surrounding areas changed drastically. Barcelona’s’ economy increased rapidly during this time, mainly because of trade. Therefore, in 1266, the reign appointed many representatives to create trade centers in important ports and Mediterranean cities.

Under the Spanish monarchy, Madrid became the center of political power and gained importance due to the Mediterranean trade. However, from the 18th century, Barcelona was also an essential factor in the industrial revolution.

The second republic and the civil war was when Barcelona was bombed constantly, which led to the city’s fall into the hands of Nationalists on 26th January 1939.

Modern Barcelona

After the death of Franco in 1975, there was a period of democratization all over Spain, which significantly changed Barcelona. In 1977 millions of people were on the streets, calling for restoring Catalan autonomy.

The Best Old City Barcelona Culture & History 2022

Barcelona Culture

With more than 12 million visitors each year, Barcelona is one of the most visited tourist cities in entire Europe. But why is it so popular? What makes it this interesting?

The famous football team with millions of fans, mesmerizing architecture, exotic nightlife, unique cuisines, and sandy beaches make Barcelona a mesmerizing city. But one element that makes the place worth of visit is its deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage. And not to mention the vibrant neighborhood festivals and diverse cultural elements.

If you want to taste the unique culture and vast history of Barcelona, you may visit these places.

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

Barcelona: Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

Have you ever thought of watching the iconic flamenco show in the historic city of La Rambla district? This music festival will be an entirely new experience for you and will let you forget all the worries that you are carrying with you. Book a ticket and grab a drink. Sit back and listen to the lively music that is looming in the historic district. See the performances of the talented dancers along with munching the mouth-watering cuisines. So, book a cozy seat and see the performances.

The colorful venue, its décor, and the sensual rhythm of the music will transport you back in time. Satisfy your appetite with gazpachos and mouth-watering pintxos. Savor the taste of world-class cuisines along with watching the live music and dance performances.

Park Guell

If you are planning to visit Barcelona, do not miss out on this iconic park where you will be able to see the perfect blending of nature and architecture marvel. This city park builds between 1900-1914 is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even though this park does not follow any particular style, you will be able to get a taste of Gaudi’s superior architectural style. The details of the park, along with its vibrant colors make it look like a fairyland.

Boqueria Market Tour

Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour

The culture of the land can be understood through the dishes of the place. So, to get a taste of the culture of Barcelona, find your time to spend at Barcelona’s oldest food market Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. In this activity, you will meet an experienced chef who will tell you about the basics of Spanish and Catalan cuisines. You will be able to travel through the streets of La Ciutat Vella to EL born, the most fashionable part of the city.

If you are planning to travel to Barcelona, never miss out on these three spots. These places will help you understand the vibrant cultural heritage of the city and let you take a  tour of the rich history of the place.