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Barcelona(Spanish and cat. Barcelona) is the second most populous city in Spain, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the province of the same name. A port on the Mediterranean Sea 120 km from the French border. international Airport, metro. The largest industrial and commercial center in Spain. One of the most important tourist destinations on European itineraries (see “Gaudi y Cornet, Antonio” and “Pablo Picasso”).

The population of Barcelona is 1,615,908 (INE 2008). Barcelona is the second most populous city in Spain after Madrid and the tenth in the European Union. The city's suburbs are home to 3,186,461 inhabitants, while the province of Barcelona has 4,928,825 inhabitants.

In 1992, Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympic Games. In 2004, Barcelona hosted the World Cultural Forum 2004. At the end of 2008, Barcelona became the capital of the Mediterranean Union, which includes 43 countries.

Geography

Barcelona is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula on the coast Mediterranean Sea on a plateau 5 km wide, bordered on the south by the Collserola mountain range and the Llobregat River, and on the north by the Besos River. The Pyrenees are approximately 120 km north of the city.

The coastal mountains of Collserola create a slightly rounded backdrop to the city. The height of the highest point - Mount Tibidabo - is 512 m, above it rises the Colserola antenna tower, noticeable from afar, 288.4 m high. The highest point within the city is the Mont Taber hill (cat. Mont Taber), 12 m high, on which is located Cathedral Barcelona.

Barcelona lies on the hills that give their name to the city's neighborhoods: Carmel (cat. Carmel, 267 m), Monterols (cat. Monterols, 121 m), Puchet (cat. Putxet, 181 m), Rovira (cat. Rovira, 261 m) and Peira (cat. Peira, 133 m). The 173m high Montjuïc mountain in the southwestern part of the city offers magnificent views of the port of Barcelona. On Montjuic there is a fortress of the 17th-18th centuries, which took over the defensive functions of the destroyed citadel of Ciutadella (cat. Ciutadella). Currently, the fortress houses the Military Museum. In addition to the fortress, Montjuic is home to Olympic venues, cultural institutions and famous gardens.

To the north the city is bordered by the municipalities of Santa Coloma de Gramanet and Sant Andria de Besos, to the south by Hospitalet de Llobregat and Esplugues de Llobregat, to the southeast the city borders the Mediterranean Sea, and to the west The towns of Sant Cugat del Valles and Cerdanyola del Valles are located.

Climate

Barcelona's climate is Mediterranean, with mild, dry winters and warm, humid summers. The coldest months are January and February ( average temperature about 10 °C), the hottest months are July and August (average temperature about 25 °C). Largest quantity precipitation falls in October (about 90 mm); the smallest is in July (about 20 mm).

Population

According to the Barcelona City Council, as of January 1, 2005, the city's population was 1,593,075 people; the population of greater Barcelona was 5,292,354 people (as of 2006). Population density is 15,779 people per km². 95% of the population understood Catalan, 76.4% of the population spoke it, 75% of the population read Catalan, and 47% could write.

13.8% of the population (219,941 people) were immigrants from (by numbers): Ecuador, Peru, Morocco, Colombia, Argentina, Pakistan, China and Bolivia.

The bulk of the population professes Catholicism (there are 208 churches in the city). There are small groups of evangelists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Buddhists in the city.

Story

Antiquity

There are two different legends regarding the founding of Barcelona. The first attributes the founding of the city to the Greek mythical hero 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, the father of Hannibal, who named the city Barsino 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. Around 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 (Plaça de Sant Jaume). Under the Romans, the city was called Colonia Faventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino, its importance was small compared to neighboring Tarraco (Tarraco, modern Tarragona). However, its wealth and importance grew over time due to its convenient location and excellent 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). Thus, 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 Franks in the 4th century. By this time, Barsino 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 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 Mark, a buffer zone under the control of the Count of Barcelona. A major role was played by Margrave Wilfred the Hairy, the de facto founder of independent Catalonia. Barcelona was still a Christian outpost when it was sacked by al-Mansur in 985 (see Capture of Barcelona (985)). This attack gave the Count of Barcelona Borrell II the opportunity to free himself from Carolingian rule.

The Counts of Barcelona in the 10th-11th centuries gained real independence and expanded their territory throughout Catalonia. As a result of the dynastic union of Catalonia and Aragon (1162), Count Alfonso became the first king of the united state. King Jaime I expanded the borders of his dominions by southern territories(Kingdom of Valencia). The Kingdom of Aragon in the 13th century subjugated many maritime territories, controlled the western Mediterranean Sea, and also had distant outposts such as Athens. The Catalan-Aragonese Confederation created many Gothic buildings and formed legislation such as the Code of Customs (cat. Usatges). In 1410 the crown passed to the Castilian dynasty of Trastámara. The decline of Barcelona began with the unification of the dynastic branches of Aragon and Castile. 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.

Jews in Barcelona

Jews have lived in Barcelona since the 1st century AD - the time of the destruction of the Temple. By the early 13th century, the Barcelona community was the richest and most influential Jewish community and the center of Jewish learning in Spain. In 1263, the famous Jewish history public dispute between Nachmanides and the converted monk Pablo Cristiani. In 1367, residents of the city's Jewish ghetto were accused Christian Church in the desecration of holy bread. The authorities rounded up all the inhabitants of the Jewish ghetto and locked them in a cramped synagogue without the opportunity to eat, drink or perform their natural needs. This violence was supposed to force the Jews to fulfill the command of the Infante Don Juan, the viceroy of King Don Pedro - and the community was forced to pay with 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 identification badges. In 1391, a Christian mob completely plundered and destroyed the Jewish ghetto, killing about 400 people. A church was built on the ruins of the synagogue, in which the surviving Jews were subjected to forced baptism. In 1397 the king banned 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 fusion of the highest Spanish nobility and the top of the Jewish community went so far that when the Jews were expelled from Spain, the king's nephew was at the head of those expelled. Some Jews converted to Christianity, but they remained objects of suspicion among non-Jews. But five centuries later, synagogues reappeared in Spain.

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 Archduke Charles of Austria. King Philip V of Spain of the Bourbon dynasty destroyed half of the commercial district (Spanish: La Ribera) to build the military fortress of Ciutadella, in order to simultaneously gain control of the rebellious city and punish its inhabitants. Official use The Catalan language was banned and the University was closed.

Barcelona and the province of Catalonia annexed French Empire Napoleon after the conquest of Spain. After the overthrow of Napoleon in 1813, the city was returned to Spain. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution fully affected Barcelona, ​​where many new enterprises appeared. During the easing of control by the Madrid authorities in 1860, the medieval walls were destroyed and the fortress of La Ribera was turned into a city park, the modern Parc de la Ciutadella, site of the 1888 Universal Exhibition. The city began to grow on the territory of “Pla de Barcelona” - the surrounding fields and vegetable gardens.

The early 20th century saw the renaissance of Barcelona, ​​as Catalan nationalists demanded political autonomy and greater freedom of cultural expression. In 1929, the World Exhibition was again held in Barcelona. During civil war the city belonged to the Republicans and was captured by the Francoists on January 26, 1939. Over the next decades, Barcelona became the target of cultural and political repression. In particular, the use of the Catalan language was prohibited.

The protest movement of 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 are actively promoting 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, since 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.

Economy

Barcelona is one of the first areas of continental Europe to experience industrialization, beginning, as elsewhere, with the textile industry (at the end of the 18th century). By the mid-19th century, Barcelona had become an important center for the textile industry and engineering. After this, industrial production played an important role in the history of the city. As in other modern cities, the service sector of the economy is beginning to dominate over the manufacturing sector. Currently, the main industries are textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and electronics. It should be noted that in Barcelona there are car assembly plants of both the Spanish company CEAT (Volkswagen group) and foreign manufacturers such as Renault, Peugeot, Ford, etc.

The Barcelona City Council has established 11 economic sectors under the Barcelona brand:
Digital Technology Center - founded in 2003 to transform Barcelona into a high technology center
Aerospace Association - founded in 2000. The aerospace industry was recognized by the EEC as one of the main ones. Barcelona companies have been involved in the development of projects such as the Airbus A380 and the Galileo space probe.
University Center - founded in 1997. The city is home to 7 universities with a total student population of 204,000 people. Further development of research, both fundamental and applied, is expected. It is planned to attract students from other countries
Environmental Fund - founded in 1997 to improve the environmental situation in the city and its surroundings
Foundation for the Development of the Mediterranean Diet - founded in 1996 to develop the food industry
Barcelona Logistics Center - created in 1994 to develop transport, especially rail and sea, as well as infrastructure.
Tourism Department - founded in 1993 to coordinate activities in the field of tourism. The tourism industry is an important part of the economy and Barcelona is one of the main tourist centers in Europe.
Association of Financial Centers - founded in 1991 to develop financial activities, in particular, exchanges.
Medical Center - founded in 1987. Barcelona is known for its medical specialists, patients from many countries receive treatment here. Major international medical forums are held in Barcelona.
Barcelona Design Center - founded in 1976
Bioregion (Biomed Foundation) - created for the development of biomedicine and biotechnology

Barcelona is the center of the major fair "La Fira". The city hosts numerous international economic forums.

Transport

Air Transport

Barcelona is served by Barcelona International Airport, located in El Prat de Llobregat, 10 km from Barcelona. The airport is the second largest airport in Spain and the largest in Mediterranean coast. The airport is connected to the city by expressway, rail and buses. The smaller Sabadell Airport is located next to the city of the same name and is used for flight training, advertising and private flights. Some charter flights operate to airports in Girona (Girona-Costa Brava Airport) on the Costa Brava (about 100 km north of Barcelona) and Reus on the Costa Dorada (about 110 km south of Barcelona).

Sea transport

The history of the port in Barcelona goes back about 2000 years. The port is the most important for freight and passenger transport on the Mediterranean coast. The port covers an area of ​​7.86 km² and is divided into 3 zones: the old port, the commercial port and the transport (logistics) port. The port is growing rapidly, its size should be doubled by the mouth of the Llobregat River 2 km to the south.

Railway transport

Barcelona is one of the main railway hubs in Spain. The main railway station is Sants Estació. Train schedules and tickets can be purchased on the Renfe website. The AVE high-speed rail network is to be extended from Madrid to Tarragona in the southern part of Catalonia. The line was extended to Barcelona in 2008. It is planned to connect AVE with a similar TGV in France by 2011.

Public transport

The Barcelona metro network has 9 lines. marked with their number and color. Six of them (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L11) are supervised by the Barcelona Transport Authority (TMB) (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), while the other 3 lines (L6, L7 and L8) are owned by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitet de Catalunya). The metro connects Barcelona with some of its suburbs. Currently, work is underway on the construction of the 43 km long L9 line. This will be the second longest metro line in Europe - after the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya line in Moscow (44 km). The opening of the first section of the new line (19 stations) is planned for 2009. In total, line L9 will have 78 stations.

Subway lines are laid both underground and on the surface. In the city center, the metro network is adjacent to the underground stations of the national railways RENFE and the local FGC.

TMB also owns a network of city buses and tourist buses(for sightseeing tours). There are also high-speed low-floor tram lines - Trambaix (T1, T2, T3) and Trambesòs (T4, T5, T6), for which special stops are organized with platforms at the car level and electronic ticket sales terminals. The hills of Montjuic (cat. Montjuïc) and Tibidabo (cat. Tibidabo) are reached by cable cars. You can also reach the top of Montjuïc by cable car (teleferique).

The city operates night bus lines “N” (Nitbus) == http://www.emt-amb.com/links/home.htm ==. There are special buses: Aerobus to the airport, Port Bus to the seaport and Tibibus to the amusement park on Mount Tibidabo.

All city transport is adapted for disabled passengers.

The Northern Bus Station (cat. Estació del Nord) used to be a railway station, and currently serves international and intercity buses.

Taxi

The taxi fleet includes more than 13,000 vehicles. Most licenses are held by private drivers.

Administrative structure

Since 1984, the city has been divided into 10 administrative districts, each of which is governed by its own council.

City districts
Ciutat Vella (old town): El Raval (also known as Barri Xinès), Barri Gòtic ( Gothic Quarter), La Barceloneta and Barri de la Ribera.
Eixample: Sant Antoni, l'Eixample Esquerra ("The Left Side of the Eixample"), l'Eixample Dreta ("The Right Side of the Eixample"), Barri de la Sagrada Família
Sants - Montjuïc: Can Tunis, Montjuïc, Hostafrancs, Sants, Poble Sec
Les Corts
Sarrià - Sant Gervasi: Pedralbes, Sarrià, Sant Gervasi, Vallvidrera P.S. These areas are the most expensive in Barcelona, ​​price per m2 from 12,000 euros.
Gràcia: Vallcarca, El Coll, La Salut, Gràcia, El Camp d'en Grassot
Horta-Guinardó: Horta, El Carmel, La Teixonera, El Guinardó (Alt i Baix)
Nou Barris: Can Peguera, Porta, Canyelles, Ciutat Meridiana, Guineueta, Prosperitat, Vallbona, Verdum, Vilapicina, Roquetes, Trinitat Vella, Trinitat Nova, Torre Baró, Torre Llobeta and Turó de la Peira
Sant Andreu: Barri del Congrés, Sant Andreu de Palomar
Sant Martí: Fort Pius, Sant Martí de Provençals, Poble Nou, La Verneda, el Clot

Policy

The mayor of Barcelona since September 8, 2006 is a member of the Party of Socialists of Catalonia (Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya), who shares the political views of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, Jordi Hereu. He replaced Joan Clos, who was elected to the post of Minister of Industry of Spain.

Famous natives and residents

Such famous artists lived and worked in Barcelona as: Pablo Picasso (Spanish: Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Crispín Crispiniano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso), Joan Miró (cat: Joan Miró i Ferrà), Salvador Dali (cat. Salvador Felip Jacint Dalí Domènech), Enrique Tábara (Spanish: Enrique Tábara), Antonio Saura (Spanish: Antonio Saura)), Juan Villafuerte (Spanish: Juan Antonio Villafuerte Estrada).
The most prominent architect of Barcelona was Antoni Gaudí i Cornet. In 1891, when Gaudí was over 30, the Society of the Veneration of St. Joseph invited him to continue the Cathedral of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia), begun in 1882, to the construction of which he devoted all subsequent years of his life. Construction of the neo-Gothic Sagrada Familia will continue until 2030, when it will become the largest Catholic cathedral in the world.
The Catalan and French sculptor Apelles Fenosa was born in Barcelona.
Great singers live and work in Barcelona - tenor Jose Carreras (cat. Josep Carreras i Coll) and soprano Montserrat Caballé (cat. Maria de Montserrat Viviana Concepción Caballé i Folc). In 1992, the song “Barcelona” performed by Montserrat Caballe and Freddie Mercury became the anthem Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Attractions

Gothic Quarter and Old Town

There is much evidence of Roman presence in the Gothic Quarter (on the slopes of Mons Taber). From the Gothic period, residential buildings and burials have been preserved near Via Laietana. From the Middle Ages preserved: the chapel of St. Lucia and the church of Sant Pau del Camp (XII century). Old city can be roughly divided into three parts. The oldest part is located between Rambla and Via Laetana. This is the Gothic Quarter.
The La Ribera quarter stretches from Via Laetana to Commerç Street and from Princesa Street to the sea.
The Raval quarter (Arrabal) is located between the Rambla and the streets Ronda Sant Antoni and Ronda Sant Pau.
From the early Middle Ages to the present day, some Romanesque buildings have survived, such as the façade of the Cathedral.

Inside the Cathedral there is a courtyard open to visitors. Here, in one of the chapels, real geese live. According to the Catalans, the whiteness of these birds symbolizes the purity of Saint Eulalia, the patroness of Barcelona. Eulalia was only 13 years old when she died at the hands of the pagans, which is why there are exactly 13 geese here.

In the ensemble of the Cathedral, the chapel of St. Lucia. The Bishop's Palace houses a Romanesque gallery with arches. Also noteworthy is the chapel of St. Marcus in the St. Petra.

At the beginning of the 20th century, during the time of dictator Primo de Rivera, architects gave the historical center of Barcelona the name Gothic Quarter. In 1925-1927 this name was officially adopted.

Olimpic village

A new residential area was built for the 1992 Olympic Games. In this area there are the Olympic Port and two skyscrapers - the Arts Hotel and the building of the Mapfre insurance company, more than 150 m high. The buildings were designed by architects Bruce Graham, Inigo Ortiz and Enrique Leon.

Montjuic

The 173 m high Montjuic hill is located next to seaport. The hill received its name because of the ancient Jewish cemetery located here. (Unlike Christians, who bury their dead near the church in the city center, Jews bury their dead outside the city wall). From the top of the hill there are beautiful views of the city and the sea. Montjuic is one of the largest urban parks in Europe (203 hectares). At the top of the hill there is a fortress built in 1640. Since 1960, the fortress has housed the Military Museum. For the World Exhibition of 1888, the hillside on the side of Parallel Avenue was developed. The northern side of the hill was built up for the 1929 World Exhibition. From the side of Piazza di Spagna, where the streets Gran Via, Tarragona and Parallel meet, you have the best view of the hill. Plaza de España was the center of the 1929 World Exhibition. The square contains an old bullring (bullfighting is not popular in Catalonia). On the other side of the square are two bell towers, similar to those in St. Mark's Square in Venice. Nearby is the National Palace and the “Magic Fountain” (light and music), created by Gaudi’s student Josep Jujol. On the Montjuic hill is the Joan Miró Museum.

"Magic Fountain"

Located in the National Palace National Museum Arts of Catalonia (MNAC). One of the most interesting objects of Montjuic is the so-called. “Spanish Village” (cat. Poble Espanyol). This is an architectural museum under open air, where copies of buildings from various regions of Spain are collected. At the entrance there is a copy of the gate from the city of Avila. The complex was built for the 1929 World Exhibition by architects Xavier Noguez, Miquel Utrillo and Ramon Raventos under the direction of Francisco Folger. To the right of the Magic Fountain is a modern reconstruction of the German Pavilion, the original of which was built in Barcelona by the famous modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 World Exhibition.

For the 1992 Olympic Games, the last reconstruction work of Montjuïc was carried out. The main Olympic structures were built here. On the southern slope there is the so-called. The Olympic Ring, which includes the Olympic Stadium and the Sports Palace, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.

City center

In the middle of the 19th century, with the expansion of the city, the so-called. "New areas" (Eixample). During the reign of Queen Isabella II, the city walls were demolished and an urbanization plan was adopted. The Eixample district starts from Plaza Catalunya and includes the entire central part of the city. Straight perpendicular streets were laid and parks were laid out inside the blocks.
Plaça Catalunya (50,000 m²) is the border between the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample. The Ronda Sant Pere and Ronda Universitat highways depart from the square. At the intersection of Ronda Universitat and Gran Via (cat. Gran Via) there is the old university building, built in the mid-19th century. One of the main thoroughfares in the area is Passeig de Gracia. Previously, there was a road to the nearby village of Gracia, which gave the street its name. On the section of the street between Conseil de Sainte and Arago there is the so-called. “Quarter of Discord” (or otherwise, the Quarter of Discord), so called because there are buildings there - architectural monuments belonging to four different modernist architects. The first building in the row is the Lleo Morera house (built 1902-1906), designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The building is distinguished by an abundance of floral ornaments. The next two buildings were built by Enrique Sanguier. Then there is the Amalje house (architect Puig i Cadafalch, 1898 - 1909). The world-famous Casa Batllo, built by the great Gaudi in 1906-1909, closes the row. On the same Passage de Gràcia there is another building built by Gaudí - Casa Mila (also called the “Quarry” - cat. La Pedrera). This building, recognized as a masterpiece of modernism, was built in 1906-1910.
The Palace of Catalan Music, located next to Via Laetana, was designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner. This building is considered the ultimate manifestation of modernism and incorporates many elements of this style. The complex of buildings of the Hospital of the Holy Cross and Holy Peace (cat. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) is also characteristic of the modernist era. This complex was also built according to the design of Domenech i Montaner.

Tibidabo

The Tibidabo peak rises above the city (more than 500 m above sea level). The Arrabassada highway and Tibidabo Avenue (cat. Avinguda Tibidabo) lead to the top. The funicular can be reached by the so-called. "Blue tram" (cat. Tramvia Blau). At the neighboring peak of Turo de la Vilana there is the Torre de Collserola television tower, 286 m high. At the top of Tibidabo there is an amusement park created more than 100 years ago and modernized several times. Next to the park is the Temple of the Sacred Heart (Sagrat Cor) (architect Enric Sanguier), similar in concept to the Sacré-Coeur temple of the same name in Montmartre in Paris. The temple was built at the end of the 19th century.

Pedralbes

The Pedralbes area is located in the southern part of Diagonal Avenue between the Montjuic and Tibidabo mountains. On the avenue are the high-rise buildings of the Caixa Catalunya bank, the La Caixa savings bank, the L'Ilha Diagonal shopping center and the buildings of the university campus. The university library is located in the Villa Güell (architect: Antoni Gaudi). In Pedralbes there is a monastery of the same name, founded in 1326 by Elisenda de Moncado, the last wife of King Jaume II. The monastery is crowned with an octagonal tower (unfinished). The portal and coats of arms of the Moncada family stand out. The nave contains stained glass from the 14th century. The monastery houses the Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Gallery, which contains about 70 paintings by medieval and Renaissance masters.

The area is built up with both mansions and apartment buildings. The daughter of King Juan Carlos, Princess Cristina, lives in one of the houses in the area.

Gaudi i Cornet, Antonio

Most of the works of the outstanding Catalan architect are located in Barcelona. Gaudí's first works include the lanterns on the Plaza Real (Royal Square) (1879) and the Casa Vicens (1883-1889). The construction of the pavilions of the estate of Count Eusebi Güell in the Pedralbes area also dates back to this period. Nowadays the library of the University of Barcelona is located on the territory of the estate. It should be noted that Antoni Gaudi's father forged the dragon for the gate of this estate.

Count Eusebi Güell

The meeting with Güell was decisive in Gaudi’s biography. Güell became Gaudi's close friend and patron, financed most of the architect's fantastic projects, and gave him the opportunity to express himself. One of the first serious works commissioned by Güell, in addition to the pavilions, was the construction of a palace near the Ramblas. The construction of the palace brought fame to the architect. Since 1984, Palace Güell has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the same year, the following Gaudí creations were classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Sagrada Familia (Nativity façade and crypt), Casa Vicens, Park Güell, Casa Batlló (“House of Bones”) and Casa Mila (“Quarry”).

Palace Guell

The palace was built on a relatively small plot of land (18 x 22 m²). Gaudi managed to build a building with a very complex internal volume. The second floor salon was designed in the form of a courtyard with a dome. The façade is decorated with a beautiful bay window and parabolic entrance arches that allowed carriages to enter the stables. The building is decorated with numerous forged elements.

Casa Batllo

On the site of Casa Batllo stood a neoclassical mansion built in 1875. Gaudi rebuilt the building, creating two new facades. The first two floors were also completely rebuilt. Furniture was also made according to Gaudí's design. The basement, top floor and patio were completed.
The symbolism of the building has different interpretations:
Image of the sea
carnival scene
Dragon image
The most reliable explanation is that Gaudi depicted St. George piercing a serpent. St. George the Victorious is considered the patron saint of Catalonia.

House Mila

At the end of the construction of the Casa Batllo, Gaudi received an order to build a new house. It is no coincidence that this building received the name “Quarries”. Gaudi drew his ideas from nature. He was especially inspired by the view of the Montserrat mountains, located near Barcelona. At the top of Montserrat mountain there is a monastery of the same name, famous for the sculpture of the “Black Madonna” - a place of pilgrimage from all over Spain. By analogy, it was planned to install a sculptural composition of the Mother of God and Child on the roof of the Mila house. However, the homeowner rejected the project. All that remains is the Latin inscription, located in a wavy line along the entire length of the facade.

Park Guell

The park was the implementation of a plan to rebuild the city estate of Eusebi Güell. It was supposed to build a garden village, like English parks (hence the name). The implementation of the project was not successful: only 62 plots were sold for development. However, this did not stop the architect. Access roads, a central esplanade and a lower columned hall were built for entertainment and trade. A wall and two entrance pavilions were then erected, as well as a model home for custom development. In the third stage, a huge twisted bench was built. Two residential buildings were built in the park (not according to Gaudi’s design); there were no more people willing to settle in this remote place at that time. The architect himself settled in one of these houses. Now this building houses the Gaudi House Museum.

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

In 1891, Gaudí continued the construction of the Sagrada Familia, which was to become a temple for the new century. Until the end of his life, even leaving his architectural practice, Gaudi continued to build a temple, considering this the main thing in his biography. At the end of his life, Gaudí became very eccentric due to religious fanaticism. He practically never left his workshop. The architect's absent-mindedness led him to death under the wheels of a tram. After the death of the architect in 1926, the temple was not completed. Difficulties arose due to the fact that Gaudi worked without drawings. One new facade was erected with modernist sculptures (including a Gaudí sculpture). Work is still underway on the construction of another façade and the central bell tower. With the construction of the central tower, the cathedral should become the tallest in the world.

List of buildings in Barcelona designed by Gaudí

Years built Description
1883-1885 Casa Vicens, Barcelona
1884-1887 Pavilions of Villa Güell, Pedralbes (Barcelona)
1885-1889 Palais Güell, Barcelona - UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1984
1888-1889 School at the Convent of Saint Teresa, Barcelona
1883-1926 Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
1898-1900 House of Calvet, Barcelona
1900-1902 House of Figueres, Calle Bellesguard, Barcelona
1900-1914 Park Güell, Barcelona - UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1984
1904-1906 Casa Batllo, Barcelona
1906-1910 Casa Mila, Barcelona - UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1984
1909-1910 Parish School of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Sport

Barcelona has several sports teams, both professional and amateur. FC Barcelona (Spanish: FC Barcelona) is one of the two largest football clubs in Spain and in the world (along with Real Madrid) - a multiple winner of the Spanish Championship and a regular participant and three-time winner (seasons 1991-1992, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009) UEFA Champions League. The club's stadium houses a museum, which ranks second in Catalonia in terms of attendance.

In addition, the club has professional teams in basketball (Winterthur FCB), handball and roller hockey, as well as many amateur teams in various types sports

Espanyol (Spanish: RCD Español) is the second team from Barcelona in the Spanish football championship.

Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, as well as several matches of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Barcelona has two 5-star stadiums: the Camp Nou and the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympics and is now home to Espanyol, while the new club stadium will not be completed.

Montmelo, near Barcelona, ​​hosts the traditional Spanish Grand Prix in Formula 1 racing, as well as motorcycle racing. Previously, the Formula 1 circuit took place in the Pedralbes area.

The capital of Catalonia is the main tourist center of Spain. Ancient city full of amazing architectural sights, ideal for independent and family vacation. Life in the area where Barcelona is located is in full swing, and every guest dreams of staying here forever. Cosmopolitan Barcelona combines different cultures and religions while maintaining Catalan authenticity.

A city that tourists adore

The most beautiful city in the Mediterranean ranks second in population, second only to Madrid. Guests who have already vacationed in the metropolis know exactly where Barcelona is located. The capital of Catalonia, filling with positive energy and giving a charge of good mood, is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The close proximity to the most popular resorts in Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca, Costa Bravo) makes it incredibly attractive in the eyes of tourists.

Where is the metropolis located?

However, for many, the question of where Barcelona is located and in what country is perplexing. It arises even at the stage of considering travel options. But it is enough to remember the geography course to refresh your memory of the school curriculum. Then it will be very easy to answer the question: “Where is Barcelona?” On the map globe you need to find Spain (southwest Europe), and then find the city itself on the Mediterranean coast, at the mouth of the Llobregat River.

Some information about the city

The huge plateau where Barcelona is located is surrounded by the Collserola Mountains in the south, and the Besos River is the border in the north. Because the old City is located on a hilly area, its landscape produces unforgettable impression on travelers. The highest point is Mount Tibidado, visible from different parts of the metropolis. Twenty-five years ago, a television tower was erected on it, created for the Olympics. There are legends that it was from this height that the Devil showed amazing panoramas, tempting Jesus.

The climate here is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Since the territory where Barcelona is located in Spain is located on east coast Iberian Peninsula, the influence of the Atlantic winds means that there is very little rainfall here.

When is the best time to come?

The high tourist season occurs during summer holidays and holidays. Most travelers tired of the cold come here to swim in the warm sea and sunbathe on the beaches. From the end of June to the beginning of September, the city, where the air temperature rises above 30 o C, is crowded with guests, and store and restaurant workers behave quite intrusively. If you are not afraid of the bustle and noise, as well as intense heat, then feel free to plan a trip to Barcelona in the summer.

However, many people prefer to take advantage of the unique opportunity to save money on vacation and take an exciting trip in May or autumn, when there are few tourists and prices are pleasantly pleasing. And even in cool winter, when the average temperature is 10 o C, you can have a great rest. As travelers say, the metropolis is popular 365 days a year.

Treasury of World Culture

The area where the city of Barcelona is located deserves to get to know it in more detail, exploring every corner. The capital of Catalonia, with its unique flavor and special atmosphere, will allow everyone to enjoy every day of relaxation. A true treasury of world culture, attracting millions of guests with its masterpieces, has become the main tourist centre of our planet. Created here architectural genius Gaudi, who left behind many attractions, and his name has long become a symbol of the Catalan capital.

Where to visit?

It is no coincidence that all the neighborhoods are charming settlement(Puchet, Carmel, Monterols, Peira, Rovira) are named after the hills on which they are located. Barcelona is divided into 10 administrative districts, but the Old Town is of greatest interest to tourists - historical Center Spanish pearl. Here is the Gothic Quarter, where you can feel the spirit of real Europe. El Gòtic is more reminiscent of a medieval miniature town where time has stood still. You can even get lost in the colorful labyrinth of narrow streets.

You can't help but visit the Gracia district - a curious place where creative people and students gather. This most interesting corner is distinguished by pretty streets with a non-standard layout. Here the fun continues until the morning, and there are real legends about Bohemian parties. Gracia is adored by shopaholics who enjoy visiting fashion boutiques.

The main tourist street of Barcelona is La Rambla - the busiest corner of the metropolis. However, you can go for a walk in any area to feel the spirit of proud Barcelona.

But don’t discount modern attractions either. The new town (Eixample) was built only a hundred years ago, but is incredibly popular as it introduces the main works of the famous architect Gaudí.

In addition, vacationers adore Montjuic Mountain, where you can see many historical and modern monuments. From the top of Montjuïc there are amazing panoramas of the city. Tourists will be able to visit the National Museum of Art, ancient castle, see multi-colored singing fountains.

It’s a beautiful city, best explored on foot, and just perfect for walking. Most attractions are located close to each other, and in a few days you can get acquainted with the main monuments of not only the metropolis, but also the country.

Where is Barcelona, ​​when is the best time to visit it, what to pay attention to - you gleaned all this information from this article. Even a week of rest is not enough to see important architectural and historical sites, worthy of attention. This is a city that is suitable for family holidays; in addition, it is adored by couples who dream of uniting their destinies. The capital of Catalonia, which is the main tourist destination on European routes, will give you many pleasant and unforgettable moments.

(NE Spain), on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 1506 thousand inhabitants (1998), in the agglomeration 3.5 million people. (the second most populous city in Spain after Madrid). Founded on the site of a settlement by the Carthaginians (230 BC), then by the Romans called Barsino (hence the name Barcelona). In the 9th–12th centuries. - the capital of the county of the same name. Cult. center of Spain. Numerous architects. monuments of the 10th–19th centuries: cathedral (Gothic), churches (Santa Maria del Map, San Pablo del Campo); stock exchange, palaces (bishop's, former count's, etc.); parks, fountains, sculptures. There are many buildings built according to the designs of the world famous architect Gaudi: Palace Güell (1885–89), the Sagrada Familia church (started in 1884, being completed), etc. The fishing quarter of Barceloneta, Tibidabo peak with a funicular, from which a magnificent panorama of the city opens. Monument to X. Columbus (60 m high). 3 un-ta. Opera and ballet theater, conservatory, bullfighting arena. Museums: archaeological, marine, fine arts, modern art, village-museum architect. appearance of all regions (Spain in miniature), etc. World exhibitions of 1888 and 1929. (palaces, pavilions, gardens). Modern B. - large industrial. agglomeration. Mashing; text., chemical., cellul.-paper., leather., food., optical, glass., cement. industry Transport node, port, intl. airport. Metropolitan. Intl. trade-industry trade fairs. Tourism center. On the NE. there is an industrial the suburb of Badalona is an important center of the text. industry and machinery; seaside resort.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Barcelona

Barcelona - main city Catalonia (cm. Catalonia) and the province of Barcelona, ​​the most important port and the second most populous city in Spain (cm. Spain)(about 2 million inhabitants). This is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities. It is surrounded in a semicircle by mountains, on the slopes of which there are parks, recreation areas and places for viewing the panorama of the city, and from the east they open to the sea. The history of the city goes back many centuries. In 218, the Romans founded the colony of Barcino near Montjuic. At the same time, excavations carried out in the 20th century showed that the Roman colony was not the first settlement on the territory of Barcelona. The Romans built fortress walls, the ruins of which are still preserved. The walls surrounded the area where the cathedral is now located, Plaza de San Jaume and Plaza de Pi. Walls were erected around the Old Town twice more in the Middle Ages; until the end of the 18th century, Barcelona was considered a city bounded by them. Villages arose outside the walls, which then became full-fledged districts of Barcelona - Sants, Sarria, Gracia. The impetus for the development of the city was given by the exhibitions of 1888 and 1929, but the period of Franco's rule became a time of crisis for Barcelona. The 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona gave a new impetus to the development of the city.
The central part of Barcelona is divided into the Old Town - the historical center of the city, the Montjuic area and the Eixample - an area that arose in the 19th century as a result of the expansion of the city to the north. Barcelona architecture unites a variety of trends, but it gained worldwide fame thanks to the rapid development of Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau, the brightest representatives of which were the architects Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Domenech i Montenar and, perhaps, one of the most famous architects of the last two centuries , Antonio Gaudi i Cornet.

Old city
The old town, stretching along Las Ramblas, is one of the most extensive and well-preserved architectural ensembles medieval Europe. Particularly notable here are the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) with the Barcelona Cathedral, the La Ribera district with the Picasso Museum, and the Parc de la Ciutadella. The main architectural, including temple, monuments of the Old City are located within the Gothic Quarter.
The very first cathedral on its territory was built in 985, during the conquest of the city by Almanzor. Construction gothic cathedral with the Romanesque chapel of Capella de Santa Lucia began in 1298 under Jaime II on the site of an old Visigothic settlement. The façade of the majestic cathedral was completed only in the 19th century, and the central spire in 1913. All work was carried out according to the drawings of the French architect Charles Gaultier (1408). The ensemble of the cathedral includes two octagonal bell towers (1386-1393), a central nave made in the Catalan Gothic style, the Capella del Santissim Sagrament (Chapel of the Holy Sacraments) with the 16th century crucifix “Christ of Lepanto”, Capella -de San Benet (Capella de San Benet), dedicated to the founder of the Benedictine monastic order. Under the main altar of the cathedral there is a crypt with an alabaster sarcophagus (1339) of St. Eulalia, a 4th century Christian martyr to whom the cathedral is dedicated. In the interior of the cathedral, it is worth noting the seats in the choir, the upper tier of which is decorated with images of the coats of arms of 12 knights.
One of the most revered churches by Barcelona residents is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Santa Maria del Mar), designed in the Catalan Gothic style. Thanks to the excellent acoustics of the temple, concerts are often held there. The church took about 55 years to build. The stained glass of the western rose window (15th century) depicts the coronation of the Virgin Mary, the windows of the central and side naves are decorated with stained glass from the 15th - 18th centuries.
The most interesting monument of the Gothic Quarter is the Archdeacon's House (Casa de l'Ardiaca), built in the 12th century on the foundation of a Roman fortress wall, and then rebuilt several times. The Archdeacon's House is adjacent to the cathedral. The architecture of the House intricately combines Gothic and Renaissance features. In the Art Nouveau era at its entrance appeared a marble mailbox with carvings depicting swallows and a turtle by the architect Domènech i Montaner. Currently, the Archdeacon's House houses the city archive.
Royal Palace (Palau Reial Major) in Plaza del Rey ( Plaza del Rei) was created in the 13th century as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. A significant example of 14th-century Gothic architecture is the Tinel Hall. Here Ferdinand and Isabella received Columbus, who returned from America. Later, the Holy Tribunal met in this hall.
The government buildings of Barcelona and Catalonia are located within the Gothic Quarter. The town hall building (Casa de la Ciutat) began to be built in the 14th century opposite the government palace of Palau de la Generalitat, on Plaza de Sant Jaume. At the entrance to the building there are two statues - one depicts Jaime (Jaume) I, who granted the people of Barcelona the right to elect a city council in 1249, and the other depicts Joan Fivellera, who forced the city in the 1500s. city ​​nobility to pay taxes. The Salo de les Croniques was created specifically for the 1929 World's Fair.
The Catalan government has occupied the Palau de la Generalitat since 1403. The facade of the building is designed in the Renaissance style; above the main entrance there is a statue of the patron saint of Catalonia - St. George. The courtyard, in the late Catalan Gothic style, is decorated with sculptures by Marc Safonta. The interior of the building is distinguished by the Chapel of Sant Jordi and the Salo de Sant Jordi, decorated by Pere Blai in the Italian spirit.
The oldest monument of civil architecture in Barcelona is the Exchange (La Llotja), built around 1380 for the guild of Catalan merchant sailors. The building was rebuilt in 1771 and until 1994 it housed a trading exchange. In 1849 - 1970 The upper floors of the building were occupied by the Academy of Fine Arts, whose students included Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
Once in the Old Town, you cannot miss Carrer Montacada Street, which has preserved all the features of medieval architecture. Above the pavement, the ledges of the roofs almost close together, from which fantastic gargoyles look out. The houses' massive wooden gates conceal delightful patios. In the 13th century, during the period of prosperity of Catalonia, the street was lined with Gothic mansions, almost all of the buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century.
The center of the Old Town is Las Ramblas, where life does not stop day or night. The Arabic word "rambla" means a dry river bed - such beds in Catalan cities often turned into streets and that is why streets with the name "Rambla" are often found here. Barcelona's Ramblas consists of several separate parts, the Ramblas, including the Rambla de Canaletes, named after the fountain, and the Rambla dels Estudis, whose name was given by the first university of Barcelona - Estudis General (Estudis General). The Ramblas pedestrian zone is 1.2 km long. Ramblas is for Barcelona what Arbat is for Moscow or Montmartre for Paris. The Ramblas are home to the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the La Boqueria market, also known as the Mercat de Sant Josep, and several ancient mansions. . At the beginning of the Ramblas, on Plaza de Catalunya, there is the Font de Canaletes, cast in iron in the last century, and the end of it is the 87-meter monument to Columbus, which dominates the entire port area, installed at World Exhibition of 1888.
A little away from it stands the Church of Mercedes - Our Lady of Mercy, patroness of Barcelona. Among the buildings on the Ramblas, the Palau Guell mansion stands out, built in 1889 by Antoni Gaudí for his patron, the manufacturer Count de Guell. Inside the mansion, carved partitions, galleries and niches create a feeling of spaciousness. All the furniture has been preserved to this day. Other attractions in the Ramblas include the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts (Reial Academia), the Virreina Palace, the classicist Palau Moja with its magnificent courtyard, and the Plaza de la Broqueria. Broqueria), the mosaic of the pavement of which was made according to the drawings of Miró, and the Royal Square (Plaza Reial), the lanterns of which were created according to the design of Gaudí. Before Royal Square Ferran Street (Carrera de Ferran) extends into the Gothic Quarter, in one of the houses of which Joan Miró was born. Behind the Sant Josep market is Calle de Hospital, where the oldest hospital in Barcelona is located - the Hospital of the Holy Cross (Hospital de Santa Creu), built in 1401. Currently, the hospital building houses a rich collection of Catalan books.
To the west of the southern part of the Ramblas are the districts of El Raval and Chinatown (Barri Shines). The 16th-century mansion Casa de la Caritat (House of Mercy) houses the Cultural Center. Next to it stands the building of the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, erected in 1995 according to a design by Richard Meier. Immediately after the old customs office, if you go down the Ramblas, begins the Old Port of the city (Port Vell), converted into a harbor for pleasure boats. On the Moll de Barcelona promenade there is a pier for passenger ships And World Center trade. The Ramblas are connected to the Moll d'Espanya promenade by a drawbridge and the Rambla de Mar pedestrian dam. On Mol d'España there is Maregagnum, a complex of restaurants, shops and cinemas, and one of the best aquariums in Europe is also located here. You can explore the Barcelona harbor near the Old Port thanks to excursions on small ships called golondrinas ("swallows") "). They moor at the steps of the embankment at the Plaza del Portal de la Pau. They pass by the Montjuic mountain and enter the industrial port.
A significant monument of modern architecture in Spain is the Olympic Village (Vila Olimpica), built in Barcelona specifically for the 1992 Olympics on the site of the former port quarter. New houses were located on the lands of the former factory district, and the Nova Icaria park was created. Two 44-story skyscrapers were erected by the sea, one of them occupied by offices, and the other by the Arts Hotel. A yacht club was built nearby (Port Olympic, Port Olimpic).
There are many museums and cultural monuments in the Old Town. One of the most significant is the Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana), located in the north of the Gothic Quarter. The architecture of the building and its decorative elements are made in Art Nouveau style. This is the only concert hall in Europe with natural light. It was designed by Luis Domenech i Montaner and built in 1908 on the site of a monastery that closed in the 19th century. The house is surrounded by mosaic columns with busts of Palestrina, Bach and Beethoven. The second floor hall is illuminated through a magnificent mosaic dome. The proscenium arch is decorated with two sculptures - Wagner and the Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clavet, who participated in the creation of the Orfeo-Catala choral society.
One of the main attractions of the Old Town and Barcelona in general is the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), which occupies five mansions on Montcada Street - Meca, Berenguer d'Aguilar, Mauri, Finestres and Baro de Castellet. The basis of the museum opened in 1968 , was the collection of Picasso's friend Jaime Sabartes. Picasso's life was connected with Barcelona from the moment he moved here from his native Malaga at the age of 14. Picasso went to Paris at the age of 20, and returned to Barcelona several times, but after Franco's victory he did not. came to Spain. After the death of Sabartes, Picasso himself donated many of his works to the museum, the collection of which was also replenished with the artist’s graphics and 141 works of his ceramics, a gift from his widow Jacqueline. Of particular interest in the museum’s exhibition are the early works of Picasso. The pearl of the collection is considered to be paintings from the series “Las. “Las Meninas,” which is a grotesque interpretation of Velazquez’s painting of the same name.
In the Parc de la Ciutadella area there is the Museum of Modern Art (Museu d'Art Modern), which contains works by masters of Catalan art of the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings by Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas, pioneers of Catalan impressionism. In the collection The museum also presents works by Joaquim Mir, Isidre Nonel, Mikel Blay.
The Barcelona Museum of City History (Museu d'Historia), located in a Gothic building, and the Frederic Mares Museum, located in the Gothic Quarter, are noteworthy. In the first, valuable archaeological exhibits are of interest, for example, the remains of a Roman water supply system, fragments of Roman pavements and walls. The second one was created by the famous sculptor and collector Mares; the museum building was previously part of the ensemble of the royal palace. The collection of the Mares Museum especially highlights the exhibitions of works of religious art of the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Other museums in Barcelona include the Geological Museum (Museu de Geologia), the Zoological Museum (Museu de Zoologia), and the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim) in Drassanes. The latter is based at the Drassanes dry dock base. The Barcelona Docks are the largest surviving medieval docks in the world. Among the oared ships built at Drassanes was the Real, the flagship of John of Austria, whose fleet defeated the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Among the museum's exhibits is an authentic map of Amerigo Vespucci's journey.
Within the Old Town are the Ciutadella Park and the Parc Zoologic. The Ciutadella Park was created on the site of a former fortress built under Philip V after a 13-month siege of the city, which refused to recognize the Bourbon rights to the Spanish throne. In 1787, the fortress, which became a political prison, was demolished, the park was transferred to the city, and it hosted the 1888 World Exhibition. Of the fortress ensemble, only three structures have survived - the arsenal, which now houses the Parliament of Catalonia and the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Governor's Palace (now a school) and the chapel. The park is especially attractive thanks to the cascade of fountains created by the architect Josep Fontsere with the participation of the young Gaudi. The cascade is topped Arc de Triomphe, the general appearance of the fountains is reminiscent of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Barcelona Zoo, one of the best in Europe, is located in the southern part of Parc Ciutadella and was built in the 1940s. according to a special design - the animals are separated here not by cages, but by ditches with water. At the entrance to the zoo there is a sculpture by Roig i Soler “Lady with an Umbrella”, which has become a kind of symbol of Barcelona. The zoo's aquarium hosts dolphin and whale shows; the zoo's monkeys, including the famous albino gorilla Capito de nieves (Snowflake), are of particular interest.

Eixample
The Eixample district arose after the decision was made to expand Barcelona in 1854 (“Eixample” means “expansion” in Catalan). Here are located greatest monuments modern era. According to the plan drawn up by Ildefons Cerdà y Suñer, the streets of the new neighborhoods were to intersect at right angles, with the exception of Avinguda Diagonal and Avinguda de Gaudi, connecting the Plaza de la Sagrada Familia ( Plaza de la Sagrada Familia) and the Hospital de la Santa Creu I de Sant Pau, built by the famous Catalan architect Domenca i Montaner.
The most famous creation of European Art Nouveau and the most famous architectural monument of the Eixample is the Church of the Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family, Sagrada Familia) of the great architect Antonio Gaudi. Construction of the church began in 1889, but during Gaudi’s lifetime only the Nativity facade was completed; after the architect’s death, construction continued according to his drawings, however, its completion was prevented by the civil war. By 1954, Gaudí's original plans were restored and work on the temple continued, but to this day there is debate about the authenticity of the reconstruction. The Nativity facade, completed by Gaudí in 1904, embodies the images of Faith, Hope and Charity. Sculptural compositions on the portals depict scenes of the birth of Christ and his childhood. The opposite façade of the temple, the façade of the Passion of Christ, was completed in 1980 under the direction of Josep Maria Subirax. Constructions made during Gaudí's lifetime include the apse, altar canopy and crypt. Gaudi's grave is located in the crypt, and services are held here. There is still no altar installed under the altar canopy. The construction of the temple is expected to be completed by the construction of the nave and the southern façade of Glory, which should become the main entrance. The completed building should take the form of a Latin cross in plan, and the upper galleries should be supported by many carved columns.
Most of the Art Nouveau architectural monuments of the Eixample are concentrated in the so-called Golden Square (Quadrat d'Or), formed by blocks around Passeig de Gracia. In the southwestern part of the Golden Square is the Quarter of Discord (Illa de la Discordia) , a real museum in the open air with a variety of Art Nouveau monuments. These include Casa Lleo Morera, the first residential building built by Luis Domènech y Montaner, and Casa Amatller, by the architect Puig y Cadafalchi (now the building houses the Amatller Institute of Spanish Art). Casa Batllo is also located here, a creation of Gaudí, with the characteristic rounded lines of the façade and convex grilles of the balconies.
One of the most famous monuments Art Nouveau of the Golden Square, Eixample and Barcelona in general is Casa Mila (Casa Mila, or La Pedrera, La Pedrera - quarry) - Gaudí's most important contribution to the architecture of the city. The building is located on Passeig de Gracia, its construction lasted from 1906 to 1910. The design of this eight-story corner building included two circular courtyards for ventilation and Barcelona's first underground garage. There is not a single straight wall in the entire building, the outer walls are not decorated with anything, they are decorated only with fancy balcony bars created by Josep Maria Jujol. The roof of the house is crowned with amazing stove and ventilation pipes, which city residents jokingly call a “scarecrow for witches.”
On Avinguda Diagonal Street there is another significant architectural monument of the Eixample - the Casa Terrades residential building, built in 1903-1905. based on the Puig i Cadafalch project. Because of the six pointed towers at the corners, the house is often called the “House of Needles” (Casa de les Punches). This is the largest of all the buildings erected by Puiga i Cadafalch. The style of Casa Terrades is eclectic - it combines Gothic and Renaissance features. Typical of Art Nouveau is the combination of red brick and lighter stone, from which the carved floral ornament on the facade is made.
In the north-eastern region of Eixample is the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, which was designed by Domènech i Montaner in 1902 and completed by his son Pere in 1930 . The architect planned to build 26 elegant pavilions in the Mudejar style, surrounded by trees, instead of ordinary hospital wards. Service rooms and corridors are located underground. The pavilions are richly decorated: the towers are decorated with ceramic tiles, the reception area is decorated with mosaics and a sculpture by Pablo (Pau) Gargallo.
On the territory of the Golden Square is located one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona - the Tapies Museum (Fundacio Antoni Tapies), which exhibits the works of one of the most famous contemporary abstract artists, Antoni Tapies. The museum building is very remarkable - it is the first house in Barcelona built from metal structures. Passeig de Gracia, which runs along the Golden Square, is home to famous fashion houses, clothing stores and boutiques. For example, Adolfo Dominges is a store of classic men's and women's clothing, and you can buy high-quality shoes for leisure and sports from Arman Basi. Vincon is also located here, one of the largest stores in Barcelona selling interior items. Here it is easy to choose a gift for every taste.

Montjuic
The area of ​​Mount Montjuic (the name, according to one version, means “Jewish mountain”, since there was once a Jewish cemetery here, and according to another version it is due to the fact that the Romans built the Temple of Jupiter on it, giving it its name Mont Iovis - Mount of Jupiter), located in the southern part of the city near commercial port, represents a concentration of significant cultural monuments, museums, attractions and nightclubs. In 1640, a castle was built on Mount Montjuic; no housing was built here for a long time due to difficulties with the water supply. In 1929, Montjuic became the center of the World Exhibition, then the Aviguda de la Reina Cristina Avenue was laid, in the center of which is the famous Magic Fountain with colored lighting. Behind it is the National Palace and the Museum of Art. On Montjuic there is the so-called Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) - a complex of rural houses that house various souvenir shops and craft workshops. For the 1992 Olympics, modern sports facilities were built on Montjuic.
Montjuic is a wonderful promenade and offers wonderful views of the city. The architecture of Montjuic is characterized by eclecticism, for example, in the Spanish Village, traditional rural architecture of Spain predominates, and the building of the Fundacio Miró Museum is built in a distinctly modern style. At the top of Montjuic mountain there is a castle (Castell de Montjuic)) from the 18th century. The castle was first built on this site in 1640, then it was demolished in 1705 by order of Philip V. The modern castle was built under the Bourbons. After the Civil War it was used as a prison and currently houses the Museum of Military History.
The Spanish Village was created with the aim of presenting architectural styles and folk crafts typical of Spain. All 116 houses represent a miniature model of Spain. Famous artists and architects worked on the creation of the Spanish Village. Its shops and shops sell glassware, ceramics, figurines and damascenes - Toledo jewelry with gold inlays. The Towers of Avila (Torres de Avila), through which you can enter the Spanish Village, houses a famous nightclub with an interior created by famous designers A. Arrabis and J. Mariscal.
Passeig Olimpic is home to the Olympic Stadium (Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic), built in 1992 on the basis of the former stadium created by Domenech i Roura for the “alternative” Olympic Games of 1936, which did not take place due to the civil war. The modern stadium seats 70 thousand people. Next to it is the Palace of Sant Jordi.
A remarkable architectural monument of the Art Nouveau era is the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion (Pavello Mies van der Rohe), created as the German Pavilion for the 1929 World Exhibition by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, head of the avant-garde Bauhaus school of artists and designers. In the pavilion there is the famous Barcelona chair by him. The building was demolished after the exhibition closed and then restored for the centenary of the birth of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The National Museum of Catalan Art (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) is located in a magnificent building National Palace(Palau Nacional), which was built for the 1929 World Exhibition. The museum houses Europe's largest collection of Romanesque art. Particularly impressive are the 12th century frescoes transferred from Pyrenean churches. Exhibits from the Gothic period are collected from all over Spain. The works of the Catalan masters Luis Dalmau and Jaume Huguet (15th century) are of considerable value. The museum's exhibitions highlight the art of the Baroque and Renaissance eras, highlighting works by El Greco, Velazquez and Zurbaran. In front of Palau Nacional there is the Magic Fountain on Avinguda da la Reina Maria Cristina Avenue, on which rise two 47-meter bell towers by the architect R. Raventos. In 1929, the entrance to the World Exhibition was located between them.
Another significant museum on Montjuic is the Fundacio Joan Miro, associated with the work of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miro. One of the founders of surrealism, Miró has always remained a fan of Catalan art. In 1975, after the end of the Franco regime, Miró's friend, the architect Josep Luis Sert, designed a building with natural light for a permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculpture. Miró donated many of his works to the museum, including the Barcelona Cycle (1939-1944), consisting of 50 black and white lithographs.
Also of interest are the Ethnological Museum (Museu Etnologic) and the Museum of Archeology (Museu Arqueologic) in Montjuic. The first contains exhibits from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. The exhibition of the Museum of Archeology, located in the Palace of Graphic Arts, covers the period from prehistoric times to the rule of the Visigoths. The oldest exhibit museum - statue from the 4th century BC. “The Lady of Ibiza” from excavations of the Carthaginian necropolis on the island of Ibiza.

Outskirts
The outskirts of Barcelona are the most modern areas of the city; they were built up in the late 1980s - early 1990s. Then it was renovated main station Sants, next to it were the parks of Industrial Spain (Parc d'Espanya Industrial) and the Joan Miro Park. The Parc El Clot park behind the New National Theater has an ultra-modern layout.
On the western outskirts of Barcelona is the Royal Palace of Pedralbes (Palau Reial de Pedralbes), named after the famous Barcelona monastery. This building, formerly the estate of Eusebio Güell, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1919. Since 1937, the palace has been open to tours and houses exhibitions of the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Ceramics.
In the north-west of Barcelona is architectural complex Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes. The monastery was founded in 1326 by Elisenda de Moncada de Pinhos, the fourth wife of Jaume II, King of Aragon and Catalonia. The cells, refectory, kitchen and hospital of the monastery are perfectly preserved. Particularly interesting is the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel (Capella de Sant Miquel), where the wall painting depicting the Passion of Christ and the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was completed by Ferrer Bassa (1346). In 1989, 60 paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection were donated to the monastery, which are currently on display in the former monastery dormitory.
On the outskirts of Barcelona there are parks and other attractions loved by the city's residents and its guests. Any fan of contemporary art must visit Parque Joan Miró, also known as Parc de l'Escoshador, from the name of the city massacre - “escoshador”. The park is divided into two levels, on the upper one stands the famous sculpture of Miró “Woman and Bird” (1983). No less interesting is the Park of Industrial Spain, established in 1986. The park, attractive for its composition, exhibits works by six contemporary sculptors, including Andreas Nagel.
In 1922, Park Guell opened, created by Gaudí and declared by UNESCO part of the world cultural heritage. Gaudi planned to build 60 buildings in this park, especially interesting is the Hall of a Hundred Columns, which according to the project was supposed to serve as a place for the market. Fans all over the world know the Camp Nou football stadium ( Camp Nou) and the Museum of the Barcelona Football Club - one of the most popular in Europe. The museum displays portraits and statues of Barcelona's most famous players, which were commissioned for the Blau Grana Biennial, an exhibition in honor of the club held in 1985 and 1987.

Encyclopedia of tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

Barcelona (Spain) is the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Barcelona with descriptions, guides and maps.

Barcelona city

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast with a population of more than one and a half million people and the second largest in the country. Barcelona is a vibrant seaside city and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - Gaudí's masterpieces, beaches and sea, delicious food and entertainment for every taste.

Barcelona's attractions span nearly 2,000 years of history and include a medieval old town, a unique street grid that reflects 19th-century urban planning trends, and many interesting, unusual and even slightly fabulous buildings, most notably the architectural delights of Antoni Gaudí. On the streets of the capital of Catalonia you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval quarters and cathedrals, sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró found inspiration, where you can wander aimlessly through its streets, bumping into charming corners, listen to street musicians or have a good time in cozy cafes.

Districts:

• Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​the central area right on the Mediterranean coast. This is the main place of attraction where most of the city's historical attractions are concentrated.
• Eixample - modernist quarter, square buildings and street geometry.
• Gràcia - located in the northern part of Barcelona. This once separate city (founded in the 17th century) was annexed to the capital of Catalonia in the 20th century.
• Sants-Montjuïc is the southern outskirts of the city. The port is located here.
• Sant Martí is the eastern outskirts of the city.
• Inland Suburbs - suburbs. Here is the famous Camp Nou stadium and the highest point in Barcelona.

Geography and climate

Barcelona is located on the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the border with France. The city is bordered on the south by the Collserola Mountains and the Llobregat River, and on the north by the Besos River. Highest point is Tibidabo. The city itself lies on five hills, which give the city districts their name.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The hottest period is July and August. The coldest is January. Although even in winter the average temperature is about +10 degrees.

Practical information

1. Population - 1.62 million people.
2. Area - 101.4 square kilometers.
3. Language - Spanish and Catalan (or Catalan).
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. 62% of Barcelona residents are Catalan.
8. 50% of the population professes Catholicism.
9. Avoid walking alone in the El Raval and La Rambla areas late at night.
10. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
11. If you liked the service, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 3-5% of the bill.
12. Tourist offices are located at the following addresses: Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaza Catalunya, Estació de Sant and in the center of the Gothic quarter Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya.
13. VAT is 21%. Tax free can be returned from a purchase of 90 euros.
14. Smoking in in public places forbidden.
15. Holidays: January 1 - New Year, January 6 - Three Kings Day, Good Friday and Easter, May 1 - World Labor Day, June 24 - St. John the Baptist, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, September 11 - Catalan national holiday, October 12 - Spanish national holiday, November 1 - All Saints' Day, December 6 - Constitution Day, December 25 and 26 - Christmas.
16. Barcelona has a metro network that consists of 11 lines. Public transport also includes buses and trams. The Montjuic and Tibidabo hills can be reached by cable car.
17. IN public transport valid single ticket. The cost of one trip is 2.2 euros. Tickets can be bought on buses and at metro stations.

Best time to visit

The highest tourist season is July and August. At this time, the city was given over to tourists. Locals mostly leave the city. Some restaurants and shops are closed, and hotel prices are skyrocketing. The most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is the off-season. At this time it is warm here, but not hot. You can come to the capital of Catalonia in winter. During this period there are few tourists here, it is quite warm and dry.

Story

There are several legends about the founding of the city. One of them attributes the founding of Barcelona to the mythical legend Hercules, the other to the Carthaginians. It is known for certain that Iberians lived here. Their city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans built a fortification here, the center of which was located near St. Jacob. Thanks to its location and access to the sea, the city grew, became rich and strengthened until it was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Interestingly, the remains of ancient Roman fortifications and structures can still be found on the streets of Barcelona.

After the conquest by the Visigoths, the capital of their kingdom was located here for some time. At the beginning of the 6th century, in the vicinity of Barcelona, ​​a battle took place between the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, in which the latter were victorious. In the 8th century, Barcelona was taken by the Berbers. At the very beginning of the 9th century, the city was conquered by the son of Charlemagne and made it the capital of the Spanish March. At the end of the 10th century, after a raid by Al-Mansur, the Carolingians lost control of the capital of Catalonia, which gained independence.

In the 12th century, Catalonia united with Valencia to form the Kingdom of Aragon, which lasted until the 15th century. In the 1410th century, control of the city passed to the Castilian dynasty. In the second half of the 17th century, after the fall of the Catalan Republic, Barcelona was sacked. At the beginning of the 18th century, Catalonia was conquered by Spain, to which it remains a part to this day. In the 19th century, Barcelona experienced an industrial boom, which contributed to the growth of the city. In the 20th century, the capital of Catalonia turned into one of the most significant and largest cities in Spain. Despite this, nationalist sentiments and tendencies toward political autonomy have historically been strong in the region.

How to get there

Barcelona International Airport is one of the largest in Europe. It is located approximately 12 km from the city and consists of two terminals. Terminal T1 is new and welcomes a number of major international and European airlines. Terminal T2, which is mainly intended for small carriers and charters. You can get from the airport to the center of Barcelona (Plaça Catalunya) by bus A1 (from T1) and A2 (from T2). The trip will take 30 minutes. Buses run from 5.30 to 1.00. More cheap option- bus 46, which serves both terminals and goes to the stop Plaza de España. The airport is also connected to the city by metro (line 9) and the natural train line.

Barcelona has developed railway connections with Nice, Paris, Marseille, Milan, Zurich, Madrid and other European cities. Bus connections are available to most major cities in Spain and European countries incl. London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels, Paris, etc. You can get to Barcelona by sea from Rome, Sardinia, Genoa, Livorno, Algeria.

Shopping and purchases

Barcelona is one of the main shopping centers in Spain. There are more than 30,000 shops in the Catalan capital. The main shopping street is the pedestrian Las Rambla. Most shops and shopping centers closed on Sundays. Among the markets, the huge La Boqueria, located in Ciutat Vella, stands out. The most fashionable shops and boutiques are located in this area. Souvenirs can be bought in the Gothic Quarter and Las Rambla.

Food and drink

Catalans are proud of their cuisine, but to find a good and inexpensive establishment, we recommend deviating from the tourist path. Traditional Basque cuisine is common in Barcelona, ​​as well as Spanish and Italian cuisine. Catalan cuisine is a type of Mediterranean cuisine that includes soups, salads, meat, fish and seafood. Their traditional dishes are worth trying: paella, pa amb tomėquet (bread with tomatoes), jamon, anchovy sandwich (anchoas de L'Escala), squid ink risotto (Arros negre), garlic pasta (El allioli), grilled sausages with beans (La butifarra), beans with blood sausage (Las habas a la catalana), canneloni (Los canelones) In addition, excellent wine is made in Catalonia!

From best restaurants with traditional cuisine we can highlight:

• Can Pineda - Carrer de Sant Joan de Malta, 55
• Ca l "Isidre - C / Flors, 12
• Petit Comitè - Passatge de la Concepció, 13
• Can Vallès - Arago, 95
• Òsties Pedrin - Jerusalem 30
• Bar Angel - Ocata, 2 bis
• El Sortidor de la Filomena Pages

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. Almost every area of ​​the city has its own bars and clubs. But the main place of concentration of such establishments is the port area.

Attractions

The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in the following areas: the Old Town (Ciutat Vella), the Eixample and the port with the Montjuic hill. The Old Town is the oldest part of the Catalan capital. Here you can find evidence of more than two thousand years of history of the city: from the ancient Roman period to the Middle Ages. The port and hill of Montjuic is the seaside part of the capital of Catalonia, where the shipyard and big park. Eixample - new town, designed in the 19th century.

The Old Town is the historical core of Barcelona with an area of ​​about 500 hectares. Until the mid-19th century, it was surrounded by fortress walls. A fragment of the original city fortifications can be found at the medieval shipyard, within the walls of which there is a maritime museum. The district consists of four parts.

The central part of the old city is the Gothic Quarter. This has been the center of the city since Roman times. Here you can see the ruins of Roman buildings and plunge into the labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. In the Gothic Quarter you can discover charming atmospheric places and picturesque quiet squares, enlivened by the emotions of people and the sounds of guitars, and in quaint courtyards you can sit in small cute cafes with terraces.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulampia

Main attractions of the Gothic Quarter:

• Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Eulampia is Barcelona Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, a Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral was built over 6 centuries. The temple building was built on the site of an early Christian church destroyed by Al-Mansur. Only the baptistery has survived from the ancient building. The main façade and bell tower were completely finished at the end of the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. The inside of the cathedral is very impressive: from the magnificent choir and pulpit to the crypt where the relics of St. Eulampia.
• Santa Maria del Pi is a beautiful Gothic basilica from the 14th century. Vaulted ceiling is one of the tallest in Spain, and four of the stained glass windows are original (the work of Josep Ravella). The cathedral has a high 54-meter tower, which is the tallest medieval building in the Old Town.
• The Town Hall is a building in Piazza Sant Jaume, founded in the 14th century. Located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. The Town Hall has a neoclassical façade, hiding its Gothic past.
• Barcino is a sculptural composition of 7 giant letters located opposite the Roman wall. Depicts ancient name capital of Catalonia.
• The Church of San Felipe Neri is a small religious building hidden on small area with a romantic atmosphere.
• Roman wall and ancient aqueduct(Casa de l "Ardiaca) is adjacent to Plaza Nova. The seat of the church diocese has been here since the 12th century.
• Sant Juste and Pastor is considered the oldest church in Barcelona. It was founded in the 9th century after the Frankish conquest. Unfortunately, practically nothing remains of the Romanesque and Gothic church.
• Ramón Berenguer el Gran Square and Laietana Street - a section of the Roman wall with the Gothic chapel of Santa Agata. This area is a majestic mixture of two different eras: Roman and Medieval. Initially, the city's fortifications had 74 towers. The walls were 16 meters high. The Royal Chapel of Santa Agata was built in the 14th century.
• Plaza del Rey is one of the most charming squares in Barcelona, ​​a true Gothic ensemble. Here is the majestic Royal Palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Catalonia from the 13th to the 15th century, and the watchtower of King Martí.

La Rambla is a famous pedestrian boulevard that divides the historical center into two parts. This is the busiest street in Barcelona. It was founded in the 18th century following the contours of the medieval walls.

La Rambla has impressive historical Buildings, many shops, Barcelona's greatest theater and the impressive Boqueria market.

La Ribera is a charming area favored by bohemians. In the past, the richest residents of Barcelona lived here. Now there are museums here, art galleries, restaurants and wine bars.

Port Vell is a medieval shipyard and port. Here is located a starting point for pleasure boats. The red brick Palau de Mar houses one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona - the Museum of the History of Catalonia.

The Citadel Park was built in the 19th century on the site of a military fortress for the World Exhibition.

The Sagrada Familia (Cathedral of the Holy Family) is the symbol of Barcelona and Gaudí's masterpiece, an impressive basilica and one of the most unusual churches in Europe. Included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO. It is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in Europe. The church was started by Gaudí at the end of the 19th century, but has never been completed to this day.

Located in the northern part of Barcelona in the Eixample district. The Sagrada Familia is a wonderful example of surreal architecture in the art nouveau style. During construction, Antonio Gaudi did not have a clear idea and project. He changed the appearance of the basilica in the process of work. The famous Catalan architect planned to complete the work in 10-15 years.

Park Güell is another visiting card of Barcelona. This cheerful and colorful park was created by Gaudí and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Viaducts, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases and other charming places are scattered throughout the space. These creative structures are decorated with colorful ceramic fragments. Opens from the park terrace beautiful view to the city and the sea. Gaudi himself loved this area very much. His home was also located here.

Casa Mila is an avant-garde style residential building in the Eixample district, built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is Gaudí's most famous secular building and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Every line of this amazing natural stone building's façade is curved, with wraparound windows and metal balconies that curl into the shape of plants. Even the roof has a wavy shape, complemented by decorative chimneys.

Casa Batlló is another Gaudí masterpiece and one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It is a remarkable example of modernist architecture and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fantastic mansion was designed as a private residence for the prominent textile manufacturer Josep Batlló. With its free-swinging forms and decorative facade, this fairy-tale building looks like a castle from a surreal fairy tale. Most of its design details are a complete departure from any architectural trends.

Montjuic is a hill near the port with the largest park in Barcelona - Tibidabo and the old Jewish cemetery. IN beautiful palace The National Art Museum of Catalonia is located with collections of art from the 10th to the 20th century.

Monestir de Pedralbes is a 14th century monastery, a fine example of Catalan Gothic style. Located in a picturesque small park. The monastery museum houses a magnificent collection of medieval art from the 14th century.

Camp Nou is one of the greatest football stadiums in the world, home of FC Barcelona.

In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by picturesque mountains, is located one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Barcelona. It is the heart of Spanish Catalonia and an important industrial, commercial and cultural centre. The city of the famous Gaudi...

The first written sources about Barcelona date back to the 3rd century BC, although it is likely that a settlement existed here much earlier. There are two versions about the founding of the city and both of them are associated with the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, the father of Hannibal. The first legend says that the city was first founded by the legendary hero ancient greek myths Hercules, and Hamilcar Barca only rebuilt it in the 3rd century BC. In the second version, it was Hamilcar Barca who became the founder of the city, naming it in honor of his family - Barsino.

In the 2nd century BC. the city was conquered by the Romans. Largely due to its convenient location and excellent natural harbor, ancient Barcelona, ​​which initially did not have much significance or influence, soon became a very prosperous city with its own coinage, and subsequently one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean, competing on equal terms with Genoa and Venice.

At the beginning of the 5th century, Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoths and for a time became the residence of King Ataulf. At the beginning of the 8th century, Barcelona came under the control of the Moors, and already in 801 it was conquered by the Frankish Carolingians, becoming the capital of the Spanish March and the county of the same name. The county of Barcelona was able to free itself from Carolingian rule only in 988. Since that time, Catalonia has actually officially traced its history, the political and economic center of which was Barcelona. In the 12th century, Catalonia became part of one of the most powerful maritime and trading powers of the Middle Ages - the Kingdom of Aragon.

The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile in the second half of the 15th century marked the beginning of the unification of Spanish lands. Political center moved to Madrid, and Barcelona lost its influence and gradually fell into decline, which was greatly facilitated by the subsequent numerous wars.

A new era for Barcelona began with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The city grew and developed rapidly. Many new enterprises appeared, and very soon Barcelona became a major center of the textile industry and mechanical engineering. TO end of the 19th century- The beginning of the 20th century marks the cultural revival of Barcelona. This period is also of exceptional importance for the architecture of Barcelona. The unique masterpieces of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, which so harmoniously combined seemingly the most incredible shapes and colors, have become business card the Catalan capital and the pride of local residents.

Today Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe by tourists. Among the many attractions of the city that perfectly illustrate the development of the history and culture of Barcelona, ​​it is worth noting the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the works of Gaudi - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Casa Calvet , Palace Guell, etc.