The History of Barcelona

The History of Barcelona

Barcelona’s history started during the 2nd century BC. It was named Barcino, known to be the most significant Roman village outside Rome. However, some Gothic and Modernism traces that date back further than the Roman occupation is still visible. The legacy left by the Franco dictatorship has long gone. Still, Barcelona can only be characterized partly by the quest of its people for independence and the ongoing struggle to maintain a Catalonian cultural identity.

Carthaginian Settlement 3rd Century BC

Historical remains show evidence of early settlements in the area of Barcelona. The archaeological recording of the Iberia and Laeitani people in Catalonia during the third and second centuries BC are recorded in the city archive. Phoenicians and Greeks had already established trading posts along the water’s edge of Catalonia in Barcelona’s history. Barcelona first emerged by creating the Barcino settlement of the Carthaginian people in the 3rd century BC. According to one of many legends, Hannibal’s father, Hamil Barca, said Romans dominated the Carthaginians. In 206 BC, he ruled Spain for a further 600 years. Roman Barcelona remains can still be found at the city gate next to the cathedral. In the basement of the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat, extensive archaeological excavations can be visited and represent a glimpse into the past of this spectacular city. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the region fell into the hands of the Germanic Visigoths, who quickly made Barcino the capital of their kingdom. Barcino was renamed Barcelona History until 554 when the Visigoth capital moved to Toledo.

Moorish Invasion 711

The Moorish invasion finished the Visigoth rule in 711. However, unlike in other parts of Spain, Moorish domination in Catalonia lasted less than a century. The Franks captured Barcelona in 801. Barcelona was then born. In 878, the feudal lord, Guifré el Pilós (Wilfred the Hairy), became Count of Barcelona 878. This was the founding point of a dynasty that was to endure for almost 500 years. Catalonia was created in 988, while Spain remained Moorish, Barcelona and Catalonia kept links to Europe throughout this period. In 988, Louis V refused to help repulse Moorish raiders from attacking Catalonia, so the counts of Barcelona declared independence from the Franks. This single event marked the beginning of Catalonia as a nation-state. By the end of the 11th century, Catalonia had established the first constitutional government in Europe.

Petronila of Aragon 1137

Catalonian soon expanded due to well-placed marriages and armed victories in Mallorca, Ibiza, and then Tarragona. Ramon Berenguer IV united Catalonia with Aragon because of his marriage to Petronila of Aragon in 1137. His son, Alfonso II, later became the first Aragon-Catalan king. He ruled the Mediterranean coast beyond the boundary of Catalonia to Nice.

Jaume I 1213-76

During this period, Catalonia was becoming more sophisticated as a society. Jaume I introduced the Consell de Cent, a municipal council attended and managed by prominent citizens of the day. In 1283, the Generalitat foundation was laid. The Llibre del Consolat de Mar, an underlying code of trading practice, was introduced, and this would prove to be the foundation of European maritime law. Barcelona was the capital, and Catalonia ruled the seas. It was a time of high prosperity and expansion in the city. With the conquest of the Balearic Islands and Sicily under Jaume I, Barcelona’s city walls were rebuilt to provide a safe refuge for its citizens in an area ten times larger than the city contained within the old Roman walls. It was at this point that Barcelona reached the peak of its glory.

14th Century

In the 14th century, Barcelona became a major trade and scientific knowledge centre, and the arts flourished. Significant Gothic buildings were erected, and Catalonia expanded further. It flexed its powers by taking over Sardinia, Corsica, Naples, and the Roussillon region.

The Thirty Years War (1618-48), Barcelona History

The war began when the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II of Bohemia attempted to curtail the religious activities of his subjects. It sparked rebellions among Protestants. The battle involved all the major European powers, with Spain, Sweden, France, and Austria waging campaigns on German soil. Known for the atrocities committed by mercenary soldiers, the war thankfully ended with a series of treaties, making up the Peace of Westphalia. The fallout of the war reshaped central Europe’s religious and political map. It set the stage for old centralized Roman Catholic empire rule to give way to a community of sovereign states, and the Catalonian demise began.

Catalonian demise 1714

The Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Catalonia-Aragon and Isabella of Castille made Barcelona one of the Catholic seats. Its political influence declined somewhat in the 16th century when the monopoly on the New World trade was awarded to Barcelona and Cadiz. Madrid became the kingdom’s capital, and Barcelona declined in fortune. During the Thirty Years’ War with its neighbour France, the Catalans revolted against the Spanish Monarchy. Before this, Barcelona was allying with France until a Spanish offensive brought the city back under Spanish control. Political relations with Madrid remained difficult, so Barcelona took the side of the French Habsburgs against Bourbon Felipe V during the War of the Spanish Succession. The French Habsburgs are recorded as the largest and most potent royal house of the Holy Roman Empire. This power dates from the Early Modern Period until the First World War. Barcelona’s history is very complex. Barcelona was under siege during the war, but this ended after 13 months on 11th September 1714. It is celebrated today as Catalonia’s National Day. Felipe V immediately revoked all of Catalonia’s privileges upon his victory when he took power. The Generalitat was dissolved, and the Catalan language was banned, although, as we know, it still survives. Economic recovery began slowly towards the end of the 18th Century, thanks to the city’s natural position as a premier Mediterranean port. Barcelona was the first city in Spain to become industrialized. This was mainly around cotton manufacturing during the 19th century. Barcelona’s re-emergence in Europe as an important political, economic and cultural centre inspired the Renaixenca. This was the renaissance of Catalan culture. Barcelona hosted a Universal Exhibition in 1888, an excellent chance for the city to show off its not-inconsiderable wealth.

Civil War in 1936 After World War I

Barcelona History: The city underwent substantial economic growth, which ended abruptly with the Civil War in 1936. The Republican Governor and autonomous institutions of Catalonia were abolished. The use of the Catalan language was once again suppressed. Democracy returned in 1975, Catalonia regained a considerable degree of autonomy, and the Catalan culture flourished today.

Barcelona City

The capital of Catalunya

Barcelona City is the economic, cultural and administrative capital of Catalonia. The city is ideally located; the geographical position for sea lovers helps to make this place so special. The city is close to the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France. The proximity to Barcelona gives such varied weather conditions that sailors love. Barcelona has evolved into a masterpiece of civilisation that millions flock to yearly; they soak up the vibe from the diver’s culture that thrives on the city’s energy and surrounding areas along the Mediterranean Sea’s shores. Here you will find friendliness and warmth typical of the Mediterranean character, a pleasant year-round climate and enviable quality of life for those lucky enough to call this home.

You can reach world-famous sailing destinations quickly from any marina in Barcelona’s city centre. Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the French Riviera and Sardinia in Italy are all leisurely sails from Barcelona. The Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona office is in Port Ginesta Marina, just a short distance by car from the city centre. All of the above is why we see the capital of Catalonian as the perfect launchpad for any Mediterranean boating adventure.

Barcelona, a magical city

It’s fair to define Barcelona as a magical and charming city. It had excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes with food and entertainment worldwide. The town is multiethnic, artistic, cultural and addictive.

Its residents say that it is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city of contrasts. A city bounded by the sea and its fascinating history enriched by the buildings where broad avenues and modern skyscrapers coexist alongside narrow medieval streets and contemporary urban life.

We believe Barcelona can satisfy every type of individual requirement. There are many first-class restaurants and places to spend the best moments with your family or friends.

Moving around Barcelona city

Flying into the international airport, El Prat, is quick and easy. The airport is a central transport hub where more than 100 airlines operate. El Prat handles domestic and international flights such as Easy Jet, Ryanair, and Vueling are just a few of the daily low-cost flights that will arrive from all parts of Europe. Flights from the UK often cost less than it would cost to travel from Manchester to London.

Barcelona’s excellent transport system makes it easy for everybody, even tourists and newcomers, to get around the city. The city’s transportation network extends from the city centre to other parts of the metropolitan area and surrounding towns and cities. The Barcelona metro system is the fastest way to move around. The city’s underground trains are clean and comfortable. The town has over a hundred bus lines that provide transport links throughout the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Three marinas in Barcelona

Barcelona has one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. Numerous cruise ships set sail from the port of Barcelona to other destinations. Ferries also dock and depart from the port. You can get to Barcelona by boat from the Costa Brava, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Genoa and Rome.

Marina Vela

Marina Vela is a big marina close to the city centre and the beaches. You can reach it quickly with your boat or yacht from the open sea. This marina provides several innovative facilities and quality accommodations like the famous Hotel W. There are 136 moorings, all with first-class services to hand.

Walking along the marina, you can see elegant yachts and ships. There is a pleasant promenade around the port, reaching Barceloneta Beach, the main beach in the city. This area is always busy, with tourists and young people having a great time. Also, eating a typical Paella dish is common while looking at the fantastic boats.

Olympic Marina

Barcelona’s Olympic Marina is the perfect place to enjoy all leisure activities. It’s close to the city’s most famous beach, {La Barceloneta. It is one of the most exciting tourist spots with extensive restaurants and club choices. Olympic Marina has 740 moorings, including 85 modern commercial establishments.

You can see the two famous identical buildings, the Art Hotels and Mapfre Tower. Many restaurants serve typical local seafood such as “La Paella“; you can take a mojito in a Spanish beach kiosk called “Chiringuito” along the beach.

Port Forum Marina

Port Forum Marina is another big marina surrounded by palm trees; it is situated in the most rural part of the city and, therefore, one of the prettiest locations to keep a boat. There is a direct connection to the city centre from Port Forum by public transport through the closed metro station Maresme/Forum. Port Forum has a private dock with 170 berths and an outer wharf with 31 berths for bigger boats. The berths provide all the most up-to-date services.

Close to the marina, there is a more critical shopping centre in Catalonia called Diagonal Mar. It is a massive three-story shopping centre, home to some of Spain’s most exclusive shops, cinemas, restaurants and recreational activities.

Even if you’re visiting the city for a weekend break or passing through, please talk to us if you need some pointers on where to go and what to see in Barcelona City. We love to talk about this place. 

Sitges, the Carnival Town

Sitges, The Carnival Town close to Port Ginesta

Sitges is a little village close to Castelldefels. The town is renowned for the beauty of its beautiful sandy beaches alternating with high and rocky coasts. White houses overlooking the sea are very typical. The centre has up-and-down stone alleys, numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

It’s just a short distance from Port Ginesta to Sitges. You can reach it by sea, stopping at small deserted beaches or by car using the coastal road to find many viewpoints. And, if you are in a hurry, there is a quick toll road. Sitges is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Barcelona area. It’s well-known for being the Spanish Saint-Tropez and having many historical places of interest. However, it’s mainly known for the unique Carnival party celebrated in February.

Aigualdoç, Sitges Marina

Aigualdoç Marina is a well-equipped marina with 742 moorings.  Besides, it’s a summer tourist destination thanks to its first-class restaurants and many bars. It offers fantastic traditional cuisine, like Spanish Tapas and Paella. You can have a delicious lunch on a terrace by the sea, with Latin background music. We strongly recommend trying this experience. You can access Aigualdoç beach from the Marina, which is very friendly and comfortable. This beach is perfect for those who are passionate about surf and SUP. A volley pitch is available. This beach is full of life each summer with its community of tourists and residents. There are plenty of lifeguards, so the beach is safe for children and old people. This is a great place to relax and have a beer while looking at the fantastic sunset.

Follow the news about Sitges; see the link Sitges News on our site. We are collecting news about the city and posting it on our site.