History of Barcelona: three thousand years of struggle for independence and prosperity. History of catalonia and barcelona barcelona name history

There are two different legends regarding the founding of Barcelona. The first ascribes the foundation of the city to the hero of Greek myths Hercules 400 years before the founding of Rome, and then in the 3rd century BC. e. the city was rebuilt by the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal, who named the city Barcino in honor of his family. The second legend attributes the founding of the city directly to Hamilcar Barca. In 133 BC. The Iberian city of Laie was conquered by the Romans, led by Lucius Cornelius Scipio. About 15 BC. e. the Romans made the city a military fortification centered on Mons Taber, a small hill near the modern city hall (Plaça de Sant Jaume). Under the Romans, the city was a colony with the name of Faventia (full name - Colonia Faventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino), not very famous and overshadowed by its neighbor Tarraco (modern Tarragona). However, its wealth and importance grew over time due to its convenient location and beautiful harbor. The city minted its own coins, some of which have survived from the time of Galba. The remains of ancient fortifications can still be seen in the city today, and the typical Roman layout is still visible on the map of the historical center of the city, the so-called. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). So, on Paradis Street near the excursion center of Catalonia, Roman columns are visible.

The city grew within the fortifications until the conquest by the Franks in the 4th century. At this time, Barcino received the name Ziterior and pushed Tarraco into the background.

Middle Ages

At the beginning of the 5th century, the city was conquered by the Visigoths. King Ataulf moved his capital here for a short time. At the beginning of the VIII century, the city was conquered by the Arabs (Moors). Barcelona began to decline. In 801, the son of Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, recaptured the city from the emir and made Barcelona the capital of the Spanish March, a buffer zone under the control of the Count of Barcelona. Margrave Wilfred the Hairy, the de facto founder of independent Catalonia, played an important role. Barcelona was still a Christian outpost when El Mansour sacked it in 985. This attack gave Count Borel II of Barcelona a pretext to free himself from the power of the Carolingians.

The counts of Barcelona in the X-XI centuries gained real independence and expanded their territory to the whole of Catalonia. As a result of the dynastic union of Catalonia and Aragon (1162), Count Alphonse became the first king of the united state. King Jaime I expanded the boundaries of his possessions at the expense of the southern territories (the Kingdom of Valencia). The Kingdom of Aragon in the 13th century subjugated many maritime territories, controlled the western Mediterranean, and also had remote outposts such as Athens. The Catalan-Aragonese confederation created many Gothic buildings and formed such legislative norms as the Code of Customs (Catalan. Usatges). In 1410 the crown passed to the Castilian dynasty of Trastamara. With the unification of the dynastic branches of Aragon and Castile, the decline of Barcelona began. The fact that the royal couple Ferdinand and Isabella received Columbus in Barcelona after the discovery of America is nothing more than a curiosity.

In 1450, the famous University of Barcelona was founded in the city.

New and recent history

Barcelona was devastated after the collapse of the Catalan Republic (1640-1652) and during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. Barcelona took the side of the Archduke Charles of Austria. King Philip V of Spain from the Bourbon dynasty destroyed half of the commercial district (Spanish: La Ribera) in order to build a military fortress of Ciutadella in order to simultaneously gain control of the rebellious city and punish its inhabitants. The official use of the Catalan language was banned and the University closed.

Barcelona and the province of Catalonia were annexed by Napoleon's French Empire after the conquest of Spain. After the overthrow of Napoleon in 1813, the city returned to Spain again. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution touched Barcelona with might and main, in which many new enterprises appeared. During the weakening of control by the Madrid authorities in 1860, the medieval walls were destroyed, and the La Ribera fortress was turned into a city park, the modern Parc de la Ciutadella, the venue for the 1888 "World Exhibition". The city began to grow on the territory of the "Pla de Barcelona" - the surrounding fields and gardens.

The beginning of the 20th century marks the rebirth of Barcelona, ​​while Catalan nationalists demanded political autonomy and greater freedom of cultural expression. In 1929, the world exhibition was again held in Barcelona. During the civil war, the city belonged to the Republicans and was captured by the Francoists on January 26, 1939. For the next decades, Barcelona became the object of cultural and political repression. In particular, the use of the Catalan language was prohibited.

The protest movement in the 1970s and the fall of the dictatorship turned Barcelona into a major cultural center, predetermining the city's future prosperity. Although it is still only the second city of the Iberian Peninsula, its unique atmosphere makes it unique and attractive to many. The city authorities actively contribute to the revival of the Catalan language. Despite the massive immigration of Castilians in the second half of the 20th century, there have been significant advances in the use of the Catalan language in everyday life.

Barcelona became the venue for the 1992 Summer Olympics (the city's most significant sporting event). In 2004, the city hosted the World Cultural Forum, which lasted 141 days.

In the light of recent events, it is interesting to learn about the history of the origin of the capital of Catalonia - Barcelona.

The story begins in the 1st century BC. e., when the city of Laie was formed, which in 133 BC. was conquered by the Romans. The Romans named the city Barcino(Barcino). After that, the active development of the city begins. Today, buildings with typical Roman layouts can still be found in the Gothic area. By the 5th century, the city was conquered by the Visigoths, led by King Ataulf. The city is renamed Barsenona. Then, in the 8th century, French troops arrive, led by Louis the Pious, in 801. Since this year, Barcelona has been considered a Mauritanian territory, and is renamed again. But this time the city is given a name that remains with it to this day - Barcelona. For 200 years, the city was defended by the margraves, and the most famous of them was Wifred, who, for his courage and courage in battles, received the title of count from King Charles I. This count is considered the founder of the dynasty of Barcelona counts. From that moment on, the city is considered a county.

Appears in the 1st century city ​​flag- a golden shield with four vertical red stripes. It is relevant to this day.

By the end of the first millennium, the caliphate led by Al-Mansur seized power in Cordoba. After the death of Al-Mansur, the caliphate breaks up into many small taifas, which are at enmity with each other. At this time, the name Catalonia appears, castlans, which means the area belonging to the owners of the castles (warring taifas). After the Caliphate, Barcelona was ruled by Count Borel II.

Feud and unrest in this area continued until Berenguer III the Great, at the end of the first century, decided on a politically advantageous marriage between the two counties - Catalonia and Provence, thus he manages to win Mallorca, Ibiza and Tarragona from the Moors. Berenguer's son then marries Petrolina, heir to the throne of the neighboring kingdom of Aragon, in 1137. The united kingdom from now on is called the Catalan-Aragonese confederation.

At the beginning of the thirteenth century, crusade and Pope Innocent III. During the battle against Catholicism in 1213, the rebel army was defeated by the Crusaders. As a result, Catalonia lost its possessions in France (except Montpellier).

But even earlier, from the 8th century, Spain began Reconquista(Reconquista) - the conquest of the original Catalan lands from the Muslims. Everything was used - even the Holy Inquisition. Under the government of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, at the end of the 14th century, the last Moors were driven out of the Catalan lands. Until 1410, Barcelona was considered a county city, but after the death of the last descendant of Count Wifred, who left no heirs, Ferdinand de Antequera rules Barcelona and a new dynasty appears called Trastamara. In the 15th century, the first university opens in Barcelona, ​​Columbus returns after the discovery of America. After Charles I becomes king of Spain and deprives Barcelona of many rights, the worst thing happens - he begins to control the supply of goods from the New World. In the 7th century, under the government of King Philip IV, the "War of the Reapers" occurs (in 1640), when Spain fights against France and Portugal. The Catalans take the side of the French and proclaim Louis XIII Count of Barcelona, ​​with whom Spain was at war at that time. But it was not quite the right choice - the French betrayed Catalonia by making a "peace" with the king of Spain. Then King Philip IV takes Barcelona to starvation, and concludes a mutual agreement with France, according to which the latter receives all the Catalan lands north of the Pyrenees.

In the 17th century, the Spanish throne was liberated and the struggle for the Spanish inheritance began. The siege of the city was fought between the forces of Charles of Austria (the League of Augsburg, which was also supported by King Charles II of Spain) and Philip V. In this siege, the Bourbons still prevailed, although the Catalan soldiers supported Charles of Austria. The end of the battle is listed on September 11, 1714. Every year on September 11 in Barcelona this day is celebrated as Day of Catalonia. The Bourbons abolished municipalities and established a single language - Castilian. But also among the good moments - access to the sea is reopened and trade with the American colonies is resumed. During the reign of the Bourbons, trade and industry, construction and art flourished in Barcelona. It was during the latter that the Las Ramblas, the first factory, and the railway appeared.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Barcelona unexpectedly takes the side of Bourbon. By the middle of the 18th century, Barcelona was growing and no longer fit within the city limits., bounded by the ramparts, the Ciutedell and the castle of Montjuic. And the townspeople decide on the destruction of the wall and the fortress of Ciutadella, in 1858.

In the 20th century, not everything is calm again for Spain. After King Alfonso III abdicates the throne in 1932, a republic is established in Catalonia, the Generalitat appears, its own governing body.

But it appears Franco and in 1936 the military makes a coup and the era of republicans and francists begins.

For 40 years, Catalonia was forced to obey the Francoists, these were difficult times for Catalonia. They ended only with the death of the dictator, November 20, 1975.

And finally, in 1978, comes into force new Spanish constitution, and Spain turns into a constitutional monarchy, consisting of autonomies. Each autonomy in one way or another has freedoms. The Basque Country and Catalonia, led by Barcelona, ​​received the most autonomous freedoms. In 1980, the Generalitat begins to operate again, with Jordi Pujol who remained in office until 2003. A few years later, the Republican Party wins the elections to the Generalitat, and the theme of the independence of the republic begins again. New milestones in history, but at the head is the same question.

The proud beauty of Barcelona, ​​beautiful in its exquisite and bold features, is the main symbol and capital of Catalonia, a real pearl of tourist Spain. Rich history, magnificent sights, delicious cuisine and unique atmosphere make a trip to Barcelona bright and unforgettable. The city, saturated with the spirit of freedom, carelessness and freedom, simply cannot leave you indifferent - having been here at least once, you want to return again and again. Walk along the Ramblas again, staring at the clown mimes for a while, go to the old Boqueria market and buy something refreshingly useless, climb the Columbus statue and enjoy the beautiful view of the port and the endless sea - but there are few reasons to visit this wonderful city!

The locals, it seems, as in the well-known proverb, “understood life” and are in no hurry - from behind the tables of numerous cafes during the hours of the afternoon siesta, good-natured laughter or the sounds of a hot Spanish dispute are heard here and there, a young guitarist spends hours improving his skills, sitting on the lawn in the park of the Ciutadella, and not far from it, a young Catalan woman is napping behind a book. Strange, but at the same time, Barcelona is considered one of the liveliest cities in the country, it has the most features of major European capitals. This is perhaps the most industrial city in Spain, playing a significant role in the industrial and economic spheres of the entire Mediterranean region.

General description, city landmarks

The city of Barcelona is located on a small plateau at the mouth of the Llobregat River, and covers an area of ​​101 km2. The unusual landscape of the city is formed by several large hills, and the highest point of the Catalan capital is Mount Tibidabo - here, at an altitude of 512 meters, there is a beautiful temple of the Sacred Heart and a famous amusement park.

From an administrative point of view, Barcelona is divided into 10 large areas, among which the most popular with tourists are the Old Town, Montjuic, Gracia and Eixample. The heart of the city, without a doubt, can be called Plaza Catalunya - it is here that the old and new districts of Barcelona meet. From this beautiful square originates the famous Rambla, which cuts the Old Town in half, and goes straight to the coast, the Old Port and the Barceloneta quarter.

To the north of Plaza Catalunya is Eixample - a modern area built up according to an interesting pattern (all the streets here intersect at right angles). In this area, by the way, one of the main attractions of Barcelona is located - the amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the author of which is the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. In the upper part of the city, a little further from the Eixample district, there is the famous Park Güell, another creation of this great architect. Many attractions associated with the name of Antoni Gaudí are also located in the Gracia area.

It is worth noting that Barcelona is part of, so to speak, "the other Spain". The Catalans value their autonomy and independence very much - for example, the official language, along with Spanish, is Catalan, and many residents consider it to be the main one. Very often you can see Catalan flags on the balconies. By the way, such traditionally Spanish entertainment as bullfighting is not welcomed by the Catalans and has even been officially banned here since 2010.

Climate

The climate of Barcelona is characterized as Mediterranean, generally quite mild in winter and warm in summer. The weather in the capital of Catalonia creates the most favorable conditions for a holiday - in the summer months there is no sizzling heat and it is quite dry, but autumn and spring are wet.

Transport in Barcelona

Almost every type of public transport imaginable is represented in Barcelona - metro, buses, taxis, trams, funiculars. El Prat International Airport is the largest on the Mediterranean coast. In addition, Barcelona has an excellent rail connection - the Renfe railway network connects most of the cities of Catalonia and all of Spain.

Tip: Especially for tourists in Barcelona, ​​a network of Bus Turistic bus routes has been organized, consisting of 3 lines and covering the main attractions of the city. Buses run in a circle every 10-15 minutes - you can get off at any stop you like, and then continue the tour at the next one. Each route is accompanied by an audio guide in different languages. If you have little time at your disposal and want to see as much of Barcelona as possible, Bus Turistic is a great option, but it is worth noting that walking around such a beautiful city can be a lot of fun.

The main attractions of Barcelona

Barcelona is not in vain considered the cultural capital of Spain - for example, such great personalities as Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and Salvador Dali lived and worked here. A variety of styles, eras and genres are mixed here in a magical cocktail that boggles the imagination. The number of attractions in Barcelona is so great that it is simply not possible to see everything in a short time.

The Rambla

This is the famous pedestrian street in Barcelona, ​​stretching for 1.2 kilometers from Plaza Catalunya to the sea, where it rests on the Columbus monument. According to the famous English writer Somerset Maugham, the Rambla is the most beautiful street in the world. This is one of the most colorful and lively places in the city - crowds of tourists, street vendors and mimes cleverly disguised as statues create an indescribable atmosphere. On the Rambla there is an old Boqueria market, whose name translates as Abyss - it is simply impossible to pass by this place, bright stalls beckon.

By the way, one beautiful Barcelona sign is connected with the Rambla. At the very beginning of the street, near Plaza Catalunya, there is a small drinking fountain called Canaletas - a sign says that everyone who quenches their thirst here will certainly return to Barcelona again.

Gothic Quarter

On the left side of the Rambla is the heart of the Old Town - the Gothic Quarter. Here, in a labyrinth of medieval lanes, among cramped chaotic streets, the history of the birth of Barcelona since Roman times is kept. This area is home to many ancient churches and buildings, such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, the remains of buildings and buildings from the Roman era, and much more.

barcelona gaudi

A lot of things in Barcelona are connected with the name of the outstanding architect Antonio Gaudi - without his participation, we would not have known that delightful city that the capital of Catalonia is now. Gaudi lived all his life in Barcelona and put all his great talent, all his strength at the feet of his beloved city. Such creations of the architect as the houses of Mila and Batlló, Palace Güell, Park Güell and, of course, the famous Sagrada Familia are the main attractions of Barcelona and largely form its unique appearance.

Hill of Montjuic

Montjuic hill, which means "Jewish mountain", is a favorite place for tourists and residents of the city to walk. A large number of interesting sights are concentrated here, so you can safely allocate a whole day to explore this area. For a long time the hill was a strategic defensive point, as evidenced by the ancient fortress on its top. On the eve of the World Exhibition of 1929, the appearance of the Plaza de España was significantly changed, and the National Palace and the famous singing fountain, also called the Magic Fountain, were built. In addition to all this, many interesting sports facilities built for the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 are concentrated on the hill.

Another legend attributes the founding of the city directly to Hamilkar (Amelkart) Barka. In 133 BC. e. The Iberian city of Laie was conquered by the Romans, led by Lucius Cornelius Scipio. About 15 BC. e. the Romans made the city a fortification, the center of which was located on Mount Taber, a small hill near the modern city hall (St. James's Square). Under the Romans, the city was called Colonia Faventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino, its significance was small compared to neighboring Tarracon (modern Tarragona). However, its wealth and importance grew over time due to its convenient location and beautiful harbor. The city minted its own coins, some of which have survived from the time of Galba. The remains of ancient fortifications can still be seen in the city today, and the typical Roman layout is still visible on the map of the historical center of the city, the so-called. Gothic quarter. So, on Paradis Street near the excursion center of Catalonia, Roman columns are visible.

The city grew within the fortress wall until the conquest by the Visigoths in the 5th century. By this time, Barcino is pushing Tarraco into the background.

Middle Ages

At the beginning of the 5th century The city was conquered by the Visigoths. King Ataulf moved his capital here for a short time.

At the beginning of the 8th century the city was conquered. Shortly before that, a decisive battle took place near the small town of Medina Sidonia. The exact place of the battle is unknown, but it is generally accepted that they fought on the small river Guadelete. There are very few reports of the battle.

The Latin chronicle of 754 simply notes that “Roderic (Rodrigo) was heading towards the Transductian Mountains (it is not known what this name refers to) to fight, and in the battle a whole army of Goths, gathered to him by deceit and out of ambitious rivalry for the title of king, fled and he was killed. So Roderick lost not only power, but also his homeland, and his rivals also died.

Arab sources say that the battle took place on July 19, 711 and, like the Chronicle of 754, it is hinted that strife in the ranks of the Visigothic army allowed the Muslims to win when the adherents of Ahila, the son of Vititsa, turned and fled.

Details are no longer available, but the main message is clear: Tarik and his men inflicted a heavy defeat on the Visigothic army, the king died, and the rest turned into a disorderly flight. After the fall and conquest, most of modern Portugal and Catalonia fell under Muslim rule, but information about the course and circumstances of this occupation is very scarce. The conquest was a resounding success. In the five years since the beginning of the invasion, almost all of it has been under the control of the Muslim armies.

The new rulers of Spain almost immediately left their first traces in the local administration. This can be seen most clearly in the issue of minting coins. The arrival of Musa ibn Nosseir was marked by the introduction of a new gold coin based not on the Visigothic, but on the North African pattern. The first of these coins is engraved with the Latin inscription: "In Nomine Domini non Deus nisi Deus Solus" - a direct translation of the Muslim saying "There is no God but Allah) - an unusual mixture of Muslim and Latin traditions.

The Muslims who conquered Spain did not settle in military towns, preferring the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula, therefore, perhaps, Barcelona did not attract their attention and did not receive the same rapid development as the cities of al-Andalus.

In 801, the son of Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, recaptured the city from the emir and made Barcelona the capital of the Spanish March, a buffer zone under the control of the Count of Barcelona. Margrave Wilfred the Hairy, the de facto founder of independent Catalonia, played an important role.

Barcelona was still a Christian outpost when al-Mansur sacked it in 985. This attack gave Count Borrell II of Barcelona a pretext to free himself from the power of the Carolingians.

Counts of Barcelona in the X-XI centuries. gained real independence and expanded their territory throughout Catalonia. As a result of the dynastic union of Catalonia and Aragon in 1162, Alfonso II became the first king of the united state. The king expanded the boundaries of his possessions at the expense of the southern territories (Kingdom of Valencia). Kingdom of Aragon in the 13th century subjugated many maritime territories, controlled the western Mediterranean Sea, and also had remote outposts such as Athens. The Catalan-Aragonese confederation created many Gothic buildings and formed such legislative norms as the Code of Customs (cat. Usatges). In 1410 the crown passed to the Castilian dynasty of Trastamara. With the unification of the dynastic branches of Aragon and Castile, the decline of Barcelona began. The fact that the royal couple Ferdinand received Columbus in Barcelona after the discovery of America is nothing more than a curiosity.

In 1450, the famous University of Barcelona was founded in the city.

Jews in Barcelona

Jews have lived in Barcelona since the 1st century BC. - the time of the destruction of the Temple. By the beginning of the XIII century. the community of Barcelona was the richest and most influential Jewish community and the center of Jewish learning in Spain. In 1263, a famous public dispute in Jewish history took place in Barcelona between Nachmanides and the baptized monk Pablo Cristiani.

In 1367, the inhabitants of the city's Jewish ghetto were accused by the Christian church of defiling "holy bread." The authorities rounded up all the inhabitants of the ghetto and locked them up in a cramped synagogue without the possibility of food and drink, and the administration of natural needs. This violence was supposed to force the Jews to fulfill the command of Infante don Juan, the governor of the king don Pedro - and the community was forced to pay off the property of all its members and hand over three innocent people to be burned at the stake by the Christian Inquisition. Subsequently, the Jews of Barcelona were required to wear special identification marks.

In 1391, a Christian mob completely ravaged and destroyed the Jewish ghetto, killing about 400 people. A church was erected on the ruins of the synagogue, in which the surviving Jews were subjected to forced baptism. In 1397 the king forbade the existence of the Jewish ghetto.

In 1492, all the Jews of Spain who did not agree to be baptized were robbed and then expelled from the kingdom. The merging of the highest Spanish nobility and the top of the Jewish community went so far that when the Jews were expelled from Spain, the nephew of the king was at the head of the expelled. Some Jews converted to Christianity, but they remained objects of suspicion among non-Jews. Only five centuries later, synagogues reappeared in Spain.

New and recent history

Barcelona was devastated after the collapse of the Catalan Republic (1640–52).

The protest movement in the 1970s and the fall of the dictatorship turned Barcelona into a major cultural center, predetermining the city's future prosperity. Although it is still only the second city of the Iberian Peninsula, its unique atmosphere makes it unique and attractive to many. The city authorities actively contribute to the revival of the Catalan language. Despite the massive immigration of Castilians in the second half of the 20th century, there have been significant advances in the use of the Catalan language in everyday life.

Barcelona became the venue for the 1992 Summer Olympics (the most significant sporting event for the city, because Juan Antonio Samaranch, who was the president of the IOC in 1992, was born there). In 2004, the city hosted the World Cultural Forum, which lasted 141 days.

In addition, it is a significant Mediterranean seaport, a large commercial and industrial center of the EU.

Barcelona is the capital of the Mediterranean Union, which includes more than four dozen states. This city hosted the Summer Olympics-92, various sports competitions of the European and world level were held here.

Geography

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast. The Pyrenees are located more than 100 km north of the capital of Catalonia. Nearby are the mountains of Colseropa, which are the boundaries of the city.

Barcelona lies on a hilly area, each hill has given its names to its quarters: Carmel, Monterols, Puchet, Rovira, Peyra, etc. All of them have their own cultural, historical and architectural attractions.

Climate

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate. There is a dry winter, similar to our Indian summer, and a mild warm summer with warm rains. The coldest time here is in January and February - about +10C. The warmest time of the year is the second half of summer - around +25C.

Most of the rain falls in the city in October, and the least - in July. This climate is ideal for a tourist holiday, there is never sweltering heat or frost.

Story

Regarding the origin of Barcelona, ​​there are two main legends. The first says that the city was founded by the famous hero of ancient Greek myths Hercules in the 11th century BC, and then it was rebuilt in the 3rd century BC. Carthaginian Barca, father of Hannibal.

The second legend excludes Hercules from the founders of Barcelona and says that it was the Carthaginian Barca who was the first founder of this city and named it Barcino in honor of his own family.

By the beginning of our era, Barcelona became a Roman colony, gradually grew rich due to its harbor, minted its own coin and settled down. Beautiful Roman buildings have been preserved here to this day.

In the 5th century, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and became the capital of their kingdom. After a short time, Barcelona was conquered by other barbarians - the Ostrogoths. And two centuries later, in the 7th century, the Moors came here.

And in the 9th century, Barcelona was recaptured by the son of the King of the Franks, Charlemagne, and appointed his own count here, who proclaimed the independence of Catalonia. Then the confederation of Catalonia and Aragon was formed, and in the XVII century - the Catalan Republic.

In the XVIII century, the battle of Spain for Catalonia began. Philip V captured Barcelona, ​​destroyed most of the city and banned the Catalan language. Then Catalonia was annexed to France, and after the fall of Napoleon returned to Spain.

In the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War, the Catalan language was again banned in Catalonia. Protests in the seventies of the XX century led to the revival of the language and the permission to use it in everyday life. Today there are 7 universities in Barcelona.

Transport

A few kilometers from Barcelona there is an international airport, it is the second largest in Spain and the largest in the Mediterranean. The airport is connected to Barcelona by metro, rail and highway.

The seaport of Barcelona has a history of 2,000 years. It is engaged in maritime transport of passengers and cargo, is growing rapidly, and in the near future its area should double.

Barcelona is the most important railway center in Spain. There are several major railway stations here. There are high-speed railways in the country, incl. passing through Barcelona.

Public transport in Barcelona is represented by the underground with 11 lines (city and private). Subway lines connect the city with its suburbs, they are located underground and on its surface.

Networks of city buses, trams belong to private companies. All urban transport is adapted for the disabled. Taxi drivers in Barcelona are mostly privately licensed. There is a practice of renting a car.

beaches

Sant Sebastia beach

This is the most popular beach in Barcelona, ​​where tourists and locals love to relax, although it is quite far from the city center. The beach is located in a cozy and clean bay and has all the necessary beach equipment, incl. for invalids.

Sant Miguel beach

Once there was a church with the same name, and today there is a small but very comfortable beach. It is located almost in the center of Barcelona, ​​so it continues to gain popularity.

Bogatell Beach

And this beach is located further from the center, so it is not so noisy on it. But there is a very clean and well-groomed territory, free showers and access to the beach, cafes and restaurants with excellent Catalan cuisine, etc.

Levant beach

This is the farthest beach from the city center. It opened just a few years ago, but already has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay. It has excellent service and relatively few visitors.

Mar Bella beach

This beach was opened for the Olympics-92 and tourists and residents of Barcelona almost immediately liked it. Sports fans will find entertainment here. Nearby is the well-known yacht club in the city. There are nudists nearby.

Barceloneta beach

This is the oldest beach in the city. However, age has not affected its quality in any way, so the beach is extremely popular. It has recently been completely renovated, so it is now considered the cleanest and safest in the city.

Attractions

Gothic Quarter

In this part of Barcelona, ​​most of the historical and architectural monuments built here during the time of Ancient Rome, as well as Gothic buildings erected in the Middle Ages and Modern times, have been preserved. Great place for excursions.

Olimpic village

A modern landmark of the city, built for the Olympics-92. Here you can visit the Olympic Port, sail around the harbor on a yacht, visit two skyscrapers where the athletes lived, etc.

Plaza Catalunya

This is the beginning of the New City in Barcelona, ​​built during the time of Queen Isabella II. The square is located on the border with the Gothic quarter, and further from it are quarters built along straight and perpendicular lines, with outgoing highways.

The aquarium is the world's longest glass tunnel, passing through which you can observe the life of fish, animals and other sea creatures. It is also the largest European aquarium.

Sagrada Familia

This Catholic Cathedral was designed by the great Antoni Gaudí. The temple is supported only by donations from private individuals. One of the most popular architectural monuments in the world.

The Rambla

The famous boulevard of Barcelona, ​​where tourists and residents of Barcelona walk in the evenings. There are many street cafes, souvenir shops, you can watch performances of street artists, etc.

House Mila

Another great landmark of the city created by Gaudí. This house is considered a symbol of Barcelona, ​​its hallmark. Ordinary people live on the lower floors of the house, and a museum is located upstairs.

Casa Batlló

Another work of Antonio Gaudi, a real masterpiece of a brilliant architect. In fact, this is the beginning of his independent path, the first unique creation, the ideas of which Gaudi later applied in other projects.

spanish village

This is a large open-air museum, which contains reconstructions of dwellings from Catalonia, Andalusia, Galicia, Aragon and other Spanish regions, in which the Spaniards lived during the Middle Ages.

This famous monument with an observation deck at the top is set on the Las Ramblas. It was in the old port of Barcelona that Columbus arrived after his famous campaign, which ended with the discovery of America.

Entertainment

Barcelona has a very vibrant nightlife, which you should definitely get to know, first with a guide, and then on your own. It is best to avoid the beaten paths of tourists and wander in the back streets of the Old Town and the Gothic Quarter.

Here you can find old pubs with their own unique history, bohemian bars where Picasso and Dali used to visit, drinking establishments serving great craft beer, and other "evil" places.

Excursions

In Barcelona, ​​there are hundreds of famous excursions from professional guides that will help you:

• get a general idea of ​​the city;
• learn more about its history and architecture;
• enjoy Catalan museums and art;
• taste local cuisine, etc.

Who is this resort for?

Of course, Barcelona, ​​as a resort, is intended for people of the European middle class and more affluent segments of the population. The prices here are quite high, because. this is one of the best resorts in Europe.

Video about Barcelona

Helpful information

The Russian Embassy in Spain is located at:

Madrid, st. Velasquez, 155.

Tel.: +34 915622264 or +34 914110807,

24/7 phone: +34 670848773.

Consulate General of Russia in Barcelona:

Tel.: +34 932805432 or +34 932800220,

24/7 phone: +34 609306346.

Emergency Phones:

091 - national police,

092 - local police,

061 - ambulance,

080 - emergency assistance in case of fires.

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