One of the most notable historical moments for Barcelona occurred in the early 18th Century during the War of the Spanish Succession. Both the Hapsburg and Bourbon Families laid claim to the Spanish throne and decided to settle things the good old fashioned way, through international war. As more and more countries joined the fray, a Bourbon alliance of France, Bavaria and Pro-Bourbon Spain fought the Grand Alliance of Pro-Hapsburg Spain, Britain, and the Holy Roman Empire (sometimes referred to as Austria).

Early in the war, Barcelona was under Bourbon control. In 1704, the Grand Alliance sent a combined English and Dutch fleet in an attempt to take the city. However things did not go to plan. The Allies, expecting a local uprising to make things easier found that the revolt had not happened. As such. the allies were forced to retreat. However, the British were able to capture Gibraltar. One year later, the Allies landed once again. Under the command of Lord Peterborough, they were successful at claiming the city for the Hapsburgs. The Alliance then successfully stopped a Bourbon counter attack.

The Tide Turns on the Hapsburgs!

A sight becoming more and more common as the war dragged on. Here, Lord Galway surrenders his army to a French Bourbon army led by the Duke of Berwick

In just under a decade, the fortunes of war had changed its course. By 1713, it was quite clear the conflict was going in the Bourbon’s favor. The Treaty of Utrecht was signed ending involvement in the war for the British, Dutch, Portuguese and most of, if not all of the non-Spanish members of the Grand Alliance. However, one last Hapsburg stronghold remained: Barcelona. A mostly French and Spanish Bourbon army led by the Duke of Popoli laid siege to a Barcelona defended by the armies and militias of Catalonia. (Depicted in the photo of the fan) The Bourbons were initially unsuccessful as they had to wait for artillery. Once more howitzers arrived, the Bourbons tried again and again, only to be repelled by the Catalan defenders. On September 11th, 1714, the Bourbons finally broke through the city walls and engaged in fierce combat against the defenders. However, it became clear to the Catalan forces that the fight was unwinnable and as such, they laid down their arms and surrendered. With the last Hapsburg stronghold defeated, the War of the Spanish Succession was effectively over. The recapture of Barcelona marked the end of two centuries of Hapsburg rule in Spain and the beginning of Bourbon rule, which brought sweeping reformations. Below, we mention some of the historical landmarks relating to the war.

Montijuc Castle

Here is a historical landmark students and professors will love. Montjuic Castle was one of the key fortresses captured by the Grand Alliance in their conquest of the city in 1705. Montjuic castle offers stunning views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean sea and is open to the public. Students can explore the history of the castle and observe genuine artifacts in the visitor center/museum while professors can schedule educational lessons and tours for their groups!

However, the castle is not limited to just lessons on the war of Spanish Succession. On a more serious note, the castle became infamous from the late nineteenth century through the end of the Spanish civil war for its housing of political prisoners. Much of the graffiti drawn on the walls by these prisoners remain prompting insightful and reflective discussion opportunities for college students and professors.

Fossar de Les Moreres

One of Barcelona’s key landmarks is a memorial to the defenders who perished in the siege, called the Fossar de les Moreres. the memorial is built over a cemetery where the Catalan defenders were buried. In addition, September 11 is a day of remembrance in Catalonia, as tribute is paid to those who lost their lives in that fateful battle.

Students, professors, and tourists alike can learn much about and reflect on this period of turmoil in Spain’s history through a visit to the memorial.

A wealth of opportunities awaits with a study abroad trip to Barcelona! Book your visit today!

Eaude, M. (2022). A people’s history of Catalonia. Pluto Press. https://public.ebookcentral.proquest.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=7098862

Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Fan depicting the Siege of Barcelona, 1714. Royal Collection Trust. https://www.rct.uk/collection/25088/fan-depicting-the-siege-of-barcelona-1714

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2025, March 28). War of the Spanish Succession. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/War-of-the-Spanish-Succession

Thomson, M. A. (1954). Louis XIV and the Origins of the War of the Spanish Succession. Transactions of the Royal Historical Society, 4, 111–134. https://doi.org/10.2307/3678854