"Barcelona" a Barcelona Travel Page by Amareyui

Barcelona, the gateway to Catalunya, is packed with one of a kind museums and architectures, easily assessed Mediterrean beaches, and one of the most vibrant nightlife anywhere.

Barcelona and Madrid were the last leg of our summer trip in 2002. We travelled from Paris to Provence, then finally Spain. The time we spent in Provence was so enjoyable, we really didn't want to move on. Spain, thus in our mind, had become an anti-climax to our vacation. This feeling lingered, and I knew I hadn't enperience the Catalunyan capital as much as I had hoped to.

Two things I won't forget about Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia. The dedication and devotion of Gaudi can be felt by any average passing bys. The second is the great food. My mouth still gets watery when I think about the eateries in la Boqueria. And the tapas! Aside from one or two exceptions, every meal during our five days in Barcelona was gratifying.

Historians believe that the ancient city of Barcelona was founded about 230 B.C. by the Carthaginian leader Harmilcar Barca. He named the city Barcino, after himself. In the 1100's, Barcelona became an important commercial and industrial city. From the 800's to the 1100's, Barcelona was governed by a succession of the counts of Barcelona. In 1137, Barcelona united with Aragon. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona came under French rule in 1640. Spain regained control of the city in 1952. From 1808 to 1814, during Napoleonic Wars, the French again occupied Barcelona. Since then, it has been under Spainish control. In the 1800's, it developed into Spain's leading industrial city. In the mid-1800's, it was the site of many revolts against the Spainish monarchy.
Labour unrest led to violence in Barcelona during the early twentith century. The city was the seat of the Republican government for a time during the Spanish Civil War. The 1992 Olympic summer games were held in Barcelona.