Barcelona

Barcelona History

There are two stories about the history of Barcelona:

One of the stories is about the first human settlement in Neolithic times. The city itself was founded by the Romans who set up a colony called Barcino. The colony had some thousand inhabitants and was surrounded by a defensive wall that still remains.

The second story is that it was Hercules who found the city gave it inspiration for its name. During his nine ship expedition, he and his men were caught in a raging storm out at sea, forcing them to flee to the closest land they could find. This happened to be the coast of Barcelona. The only ship to survive the wreckage was his 9th one. And thus the land was dubbed Barca Nona, which means ‘9th boat’

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona is a soccer club that was founded by Joan Gamper. They have a total of about 9,000 goals and has won 74 trophies. In 1902 they got their first trophy (the copper macaé). Barcelona players have won the Ballon d’Or eleven times more than any other club.


Antoni Gaudí

A famous Barcelona architect who was born in June 25, 1852 and died on June 10, 1926. He built the Basilica Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllò, Casa Milà, Park Güell, and many other beautiful buildings.

Castellers

One of Barcelona’s most famous traditions involves a group of people climbing on top of each other to make human castles and the small child who crawls on top!

Gegants

Gegants, play an important role in Catalan tradition and folklore. Usually representing neighborhood characters. The giants parade around during festivals and many other special city events. There are hundreds of different characters, each one belonging to a different district.




La Merce

La Merce, the celebration of Barcelona’s patron saint, is by far the grandest of them all. This week-long fiesta falls at the end of September. It combines many of the Barcelona traditions. The best part is the city-wide correfoc, where hundreds of pyromaniacs unite for a three-hour fire parade.

Places to see: Las Ramblas

Places to see: Barri Gòthic

Places to see: Park Güell

Places to see: Boqueria Market

Short Fun Facts

  • Barcelona is synonymous with art and culture.

  • Barcelona is the Only City to Receive a Royal Gold Medal for Architecture.

  • Barcelona could have been home to the Eiffel Tower.

  • Barceloneta Beach is Artificial.

  • Barcelona is home to the busiest pedestrian street in Spain.

  • The appeal to the city is non-stop nightlife, sandy beaches and above all, astounding architecture.