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Barcelona History, Spain

Barcelona, History – Early Times

The story has it that Barcelona was founded by Hercules, even before the birth of the city of Rome and that after its destruction, it was rebuilt by the father of Hannibal, who chose the name of the this amazing town Barcino, after his family. Another legend claims that the founder was actually Hannibal’s father.

Under the Roman domination this small town met a period of development, due to its strategic position and its role as a harbor. With the passage of time the city minted its own coins and continued to evolve from a commercial and economic point of view. It was soon conquered by the Visigoths and the Moors and later on by Charlemagne’s son, who transformed this beautiful city into the seat of the Carolingians.

Barcelona, History – Middle Times

The trade became an important occupation for the inhabitants of this town, but once with the colonization of the New World, the Mediterranean commerce became less important. However, Spain was living its Golden Age, due to the unification of the Spanish kingdoms and to the riches that were brought back from America. This has led to the numerous rebellions that ended with the fall of the domination of Catalans over the city of Barcelona.

With the end of the 18th century, the city became an important harbor and deposit, which favored the Industrial Revolution to take place in Spain too.

In the years to come Barcelona History is characterized by a period of political turmoil. The city went through a civil was and fell into the hands of the Nationalists during the 20th century. But once again, this amazing city proved that it knew how to get over any difficulty and transform every fall into something positive. Thus, in the period to come, the city met a period of powerful urbanization and a significant increase in the number of population.

Barcelona, History – The Modern City

The transformation of Barcelona into the modern city it is today has two main causes: one is the integration of Spain in the European Community and the other is the choice of Barcelona as the host of the Olympics in 1992. This has helped to the modernization of the city but also to its publicity, thus Barcelona becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.

The agitated but interesting Barcelona History is a major point of interest among the visitors, together with Madrid History and Zaragoza History.


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  • luciaubedaBest Hotel Accommodation
    review by luciaubeda posted more then 30 days ago
    A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite...
  • compvendTips for Barcelona visitors
    review by compvend posted more then 30 days ago
    I had really good time at Barcelona, it is an amazing city with such much things to do. Me and friends went to a hostel called Barcelona Sound (nou de la rambla 91 - http://www.barcelonasoundhostel.com/). The particularity is that we rent each other one bed for 16 euros but since we were 4, we...
  • lindamuraAbout Spanish cuisine
    review by lindamura posted more then 30 days ago
    Spain- cuisine Spain is a country whose inhabitants love culture, art but where cuisine is a form of art too. Spain offers a wide variety of dishes and tastes and you can find restaurants of high quality where a meal is a unique experience and where you can always try new tastes and combinations...
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Read our members' travel tips about Barcelona


  • blackangel_66Casa Milá (La Pedrera)
    travel tip by blackangel_66 posted more then 30 days ago
    Casa Mila may sound more familiar to everyone by the name La Pedrera. It is Antoni Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect's most famous work. It is a beautiful building constructed of natural stone and having very interesting shapes -...
  • eratoLa Pedrera
    travel tip by erato posted more then 30 days ago
    Maybe it's enough if I say the name Antoni Gaudi. He was the architect of the building which gives home to many exhibitions and is a 'must see' of Barcelona. The building itself does not have one straight line, it's all like waves...
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Barcelona City Ratings

  • Rating94%
    City Rank50
     
  • History & Culture: rated for 93%
  • Night Life & Entertainment: rated for 100%
  • Family & Fun: rated for 87%
  • Outdoors Activities: rated for 87%
  • Food: rated for 100%
  • Sightseeing: rated for 100%
  • Shopping: rated for 98%
  • Public Transportation: rated for 87%
  • Must visit this place: rated for 98%
  
 
 
 
  
Barcelona is one of the top 50 cities in the world to visit. This rank is based on our travelers' reviews. Please also take the time to rank Barcelona or write a Barcelona destination review or travel tip to share your opinion.Barcelona is one of the "must visit" tourist destinations in the world. This rank is based on what other travelers shared about their experiences in Barcelona.
 
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