A Catalan Tartane, one of the ships of the Catalan Navy which helped enforce “The Book of The Consulate of the Sea”
Or maybe we are! One of the most interesting aspects of Barcelona’s history was its contribution to Medieval Mediterranean Maritime Law (Say that five times fast) In the fourteenth century, a book titled the “Book of the Consulate of the Sea” was compiled. Though the book was published in Valencia, the organization enforcing the laws in the book adopted the Maritime laws of Barcelona. As the crown of Aragon gained territory in Italy, Greece, and modern day France, other places began to adopt the Barcelona laws. This effectively made the “Consulate of the Sea” the primary set of laws enforced on the Mediterranean Sea. These laws even became printed and distributed in the late 15th century (1494). Interestingly, many of the stipulations in the book refer to the conduct of armed warships and the legality of defending oneself against pirates. There is no doubt that Piracy was rampant in the Mediterranean, but researchers have also uncovered that there were also government sponsored privateers wreaking havoc on the cargo of their enemies.
However, these seas won’t wreak havoc on an enjoyable, and educational study abroad lesson. The oceans that opened trade routes to Aragon’s empire now can open the minds of your students! Plan lessons on piracy, the Catalan Navy, or Aragon’s oversea empire complimented by the breathtaking sights of the Mediterranean!
See the city, the ports, and the waters that defined the rules of seafaring today by scheduling a trip to Barcelona!
Kelleher, Marie A. “The Sea of Our City”: Famine, Piracy, and Urban Sovereignty in Medieval Barcelona.Mediterranean Studies, vol. 24, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5325/mediterraneanstu.24.1.0001.
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
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
The Historic Taula de Canvi in Barcelona is regarded as one of Europe’s first centralized banks. The bank, which has been around since the early 15th century served as Barcelona’s primary public bank until its closure in the late 19th century. The Bank itself was created on demand of the council of 100, who called for a centralized bank for the city. After its establishment in 1401 the bank served as the largest source for government funding. In addition, taxes and public expenses were recorded through the Taula’s system. The Taula de Canvi also played a vital role in the economy of the Crown of Aragon. Medieval economy flourished on centers of trade with merchants from all over the Mediterranean Sea setting up shop in the port of Barcelona. Of course, that meant that some sort of standardized currency exchange had to be created. In stepped the Taula. (In fact, that’s how it got the name, Taula de Canvi translates to table of conversions)
After the Catalan Civil War, the Taula underwent significant reforms. The biggest one of these reforms was that the bank could no longer fund the government or public officials. Though documents from the 16th century are few and far between, 17th century sources indicate that the bank remained in operation with these policies.
One of the biggest blows to the bank occurred at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. The Bourbon victors stripped the Taula of most of its actual powers, and the bank became a figurehead with limited monetary authority until 1867, when the bank was officially dissolved.
A visit to the former Taula is a wonderful treat that students of business and finance would enjoy. Observing one of Europe’s most successful banks (Especially one that’s not associated with the name Medici) can easily complement study abroad lessons. Stand in a building and a bank older than the United States! See what makes the world go round by studying abroad in Barcelona!
