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History & Culture |
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Barcelona was likely founded by the Carthaginians in 230 BC and was ruled relatively peacefully until the invasions of the Visigoths in 416 BC. Barcelona remained an integral port in Spain even during the occupation of the Moors and later the Arabs. These two cultures left their mark on the city and its culture and testaments to this colorful history can still be seen when traveling in Barcelona today. In the late 8th century Louis, son of Charles the Great, was sent to Barcelona to restrain the city. After a long battle, Louis was successful and assumed leadership. It is during this time that Barcelona became the official Spanish capital. The city would fall into the hands of the Arabs once more following the death of Charles the Great, and during this time the city of Barcelona flourished commercially and economically. During the early 12th century the city benefited greatly from the fall of the Muslim caliphate, Cordoba. The economic success of Barcelona was so great it rivaled that of Genoa and Venice as a trade leader on the Mediterranean. The empire of Barcelona stretched to far as Greece and included Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. Following the devastation of the plague and stiff competition from Genoa, the empire ultimately fizzled and following an unsuccessful rebellion against King Joan II, Barcelona was annexed to the kingdom of Castile. There was much resentment and discord among the people of Barcelona and the Catalan region so during the War of Spanish Succession Catalunya sided with Britain and Austria in an attempt to overthrow the French efforts to proclaim Felipe V ruler of the Spanish thrown. Unfortunately the efforts would be their undoing and a raging battle in 1714 left the city of Barcelona devastated, the Cataln language banned and the resentful king Felipe went so far as built the Ciutadella to watch over the ungrateful Barcelonians. But progress was made in 1778 when the city was permitted to reestablish trade with America and the European Romantic movement is credited with the rescue of Catalan culture and language. The ensuing years fostered the construction of many of the spectacular gothic structures that mark the city today. Barcelona has long been an intellectual center and has served as an integral liaison between the European and Muslim scientific and intellectual communities. The arts have also fared well in under the great patronage of the people and scholars of Barcelona. Mid- 15th century Barcelona saw the catholic monarchs capture Granada, which was the last of the Moorish regions to conquer. This coincides with Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, for which he was rewarded with the gift of the Royal Palace in Barcelona which continues to attract travelers to Barcelona today.
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The City of Barcelona |
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Barcelona is the fashionable city along the eastern coast and has an enormous amount to offer travelers of all ages. It is a particularly friendly and enchanting place to visit. Enjoy the plethora of Barcelona''s attractions, museums, events and festivals and do be sure to indulge in the delicious fare you find here. Barcelona is also a convenient starting place for your tour of the Costa Brava and the Cataluna region. You can set out from here to explore Pamplona, Tarragona, Valencia or even Perpignan, France.
The city of Barcelona is divided into several distinct districts, the following you may find intriguing:
Port Vell & Olympic Port - Popular spot for enjoying a variety of entertainment.
Las Ramblas - The primary artery of the city that hosts a variety of great shops, museums and cafes.
Placa de Catalunya - The heart of Barcelona and home to many exclusive shops and boutiques.
Montjuic - The most spectacular views are found here.
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Shopping |
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Barcelona is the shopping capital of Spain. If you are searching for the perfect gift for yourself or anyone else you will surely find it here in this expansive coastal city. One of the worlds most stylish places you will find everything from high end designers to antique markets as you travel the streets of Barcelona. Antiques, furniture, decorative ceramics, home accessories, fashion, perfume arts and crafts can all be found here. Regional specialties include handcrafted leather accessories, coral jewelry and ceramics to name only a few. The best shopping in Barcelona is found in and around the old streets near the upper exchange of the Ramblas. Also, check the Placa fr Catalunya in the Eixample and the streets of c/Muntaner, c/ de Balmes and Via Augusta. Shops in Barcelona are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and reopening at 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. through 8:00 in the evening. As with all of Spain weekend hours are limited, and many shops will not be open on Monday morning. You will however, find many of the designers and department stores offer extended hours in the city while small locally owned and operated shops close for a lengthy ‘siesta’ during mid-day.
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Food & Drink |
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Barcelona''s prime location on the Mediterranean has much influence on the cuisine offered in the city. A remarkable mix of tradition and innovation, land and sea, produce the fine authentic culinary treats found in Barcelona. A variety of fresh, in-season ingredients from mushrooms, tomatoes, leeks and spinach to pork, prawns, sole, chicken and chorizo culminate in a most sophisticated cuisine. For authentic cuisine while traveling in Barcelona, do be sure to try:
Can Fabes - Calle Sant Joan, 6. Traditional meets innovation on the menu at this deluxe establishment. The romantic ambience and terrific selection of fine wines add greatly to the overall experience.
Hispania - Carretera Real, 54. For fabulous Catalan bourgeois cuisine, this is the place to be. A great location and the chef''s attention to detail will leave you pleased you came!
Jean Luc Figueras - Calle Santa Teresa, 10. The neo-classical palace is the perfect host to this chef and his wonders in the S
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