- Where is the city of Barcelona
- History of Barcelona
- Famous districts of Barcelona
- What to bring from Barcelona
The Mediterranean pearl or the world famous Barcelona is the pride of Spain, as it is not only the economic and commercial center of the country, but also has a historical and cultural significance. Tourists who have visited Barcelona celebrate its unique architecture, a huge number of attractions and museums, as well as the authentic atmosphere in the streets of the city. To understand where Barcelona is located, just look at the map of Spain.
Where is the city of Barcelona
The geographical landmark of Barcelona is the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, where this amazing city is located. Most of the territory of Barcelona, which is the administrative center of the province of Catalonia, is located on a coastal plateau with an area of about 170 square kilometers. The southern border of the city is outlined by a chain of mountain ranges called Collserola, as well as by the water area of the Llobregat River. The northern part of the city is occupied by the Bessos River. If you drive 120 kilometers from Barcelona, you can see the border of France.
Since Barcelona is spread over hilly terrain, it is worth noting separately the presence of observation decks (Montjuïc, Mont Taber, Tibidabo), from which an amazing view of the city opens.
Geographically, the capital of Catalonia is divided into such large districts as Citat Vella, Les Corts, Nou Barris, Sant Marti, Sarria-Sant Gervasi Gracia and others. Each of the districts is subject to a local council, which is elected annually by the residents of the city.
History of Barcelona
According to the chronicle versions, on the site of modern Barcelona already in the first century BC there was a small settlement of Barcino, around which a new city was gradually formed. A more mythical version says that the future capital of Catalonia was founded by the deity Hercules, who discovered the city during his travels. However, it is known from reliable sources that the founder of Barcelona was Hannibal's father Hamilcar Barca.
In the first century BC, the city was called Laye, and after the invasion of its territory by Roman troops, it became the leading military fort in Spain. During the reign of the Romans, the city was actively developing in economic and trade relations.
In the 5th century, power over Barcelona passed to the Visigoths, after which King Ataulf proclaimed it his capital and renamed it Barcelona. Until the 8th, the territory of the city was under the rule of the Mauritians, whose rulers played a significant role in the formation of the future Barcelona.
In the period from X to XI centuries, numerous civil strife took place in the city, which ended with the unification of several regions under a single command. Over the course of four centuries, Barcelona has gradually developed into a major cultural and educational center, where the country's key universities and museum were concentrated.
From the 15th to the 17th centuries, Barcelona tried to prove its right to independence in the fight against English, Spanish and French troops. However, in 1714 the city could not withstand a long siege organized by the French.
In the 19th century, Barcelona was already known far beyond the borders of Spain thanks to its developed industrial and commercial sectors. The territory is growing at a rapid pace, which is why the local government decides to demolish the Ciutadel fortress wall.
During the First World War, people from the arts and sciences flock to the capital of Catalonia, since the city did not take part in the hostilities and it was quite easy to live here. Starting in the second half of the 20th century, Barcelona acquired full autonomy, which it retains to this day.
Famous districts of Barcelona
Once in Barcelona, tourists, as a rule, tend to visit the picturesque places of the city, which are often strikingly different from each other. Among the most popular areas are the following:
- The Gothic Quarter, located in the central part of the city, is one of the most visited, as there are key attractions on its territory. The combination of old buildings from the 15th century with examples of modern architecture attracts tourists from all over the world. After exploring the area, you can check out the local shops or sample the national cuisine in any of the many restaurants.
- Raval, considered to be the old center of Barcelona, which was densely populated until the beginning of the 20th century. Over the decades, Raval has developed its own cultural environment, which leaves an imprint on the architecture of the area. For a long time, the quarter was a rather dangerous place with a high crime rate. However, in the future, this problem was partially eliminated, and now tourists can safely walk along Raval and see how the local bohemia lives.
- The Pedralbes area, famous for its luxurious real estate, where representatives of not only the Spanish royal dynasty live, but also the stars of the world show business. The pride of Pedralbes is the Royal Polo Club, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Gallery, and an elite tennis club.
- Les Corts is a business center with skyscrapers and modern buildings erected in recent decades. Tourists fell in love with this quarter for the excellent transport interchange, the opportunity to do profitable shopping and, at the same time, visit the museum of the Spanish football club Barcelona. In the evening, on the streets of Les Corts, nightclubs open their doors and nightlife begins to boil.
- The Eixample district, called by the townspeople "New City", was created in the Eixample, where most of the modernist creations of Antoni Gaudí are concentrated. Currently, there are boutiques of elite brands in the area, as well as regular holidays and festivals.
What to bring from Barcelona
Knowing where the souvenir shops are located in Barcelona, you can easily find a present for every taste for your relatives or friends.
Shopping for gifts in the Catalan capital traditionally begins with a visit to grocery stores, as the Spaniards are famous for their gastronomic preferences. First, be sure to buy Sangria, Jerez and Cava wines. Secondly, in Barcelona you can buy excellent quality olive oil at a reasonable price. Thirdly, do not forget about the delicious jamon, fuet sausage and chorizo, prepared with the preservation of the old recipe.
From leather goods, the best option in the form of a gift will be a wineskin, wallets, purses, belts or flasks inlaid with semiprecious stones. Such a present will not leave anyone indifferent due to the fact that leather goods in Spain are made according to old technology and serve for a long time.
For sports fans, souvenirs made in accordance with the style of the local football club are perfect. Professional boots, sneakers, badges, sports equipment, cups, T-shirts - all this can be purchased in a specialized store.
Miniature souvenirs decorated with multi-colored ceramic mosaics should be noted separately. Among the huge number of such figurines, the bull, lizard and donkey, which are the symbols of Catalonia, are especially popular.
The fair sex, as a rule, are brought from Spain clothes with elements of airy lace, espadrilles, faith made of fabric and paper, as well as branded bags and accessories.
Having once visited the amazing Barcelona, you will not only get the maximum positive impressions, but also get to know better the culture, history, architecture and traditional way of life of the Spaniards.
