Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: This fountain plays an important role in Barcelona. It combines the need for water and art into the fountain known as the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This fountain is historically significant to Barcelona for multiple reasons. The first is that it was a reliable water source in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in Barcelona. Secondly besides historic reasons to visit there was a light festival held in the 1980s and is incorporated into many events that happened. It was featured in the Olympics when Barcelona held them.
This fountain is significant because it is not just a water source, it is also a significant art piece as well. –No pun intended. Performances are held in front of this fountain. There are over three-thousand jets with over fifty colors attached to this fountain and it contains many lights. Often in the modern times,pop music is often played when the light festivities are going on. It is truly a beautiful site to see.
The fountain was originally constructed in 1929. One of the most devastating things that happened to this fountain is that it was destroyed during the Spanish Civil war. It is currently restored. It was restored by the Universal Expedition in the 1980s, which is roughly fifty years after the Spanish Civil War.
Many individuals tour this fountain on the weekend. This fountain has a myth that many people believe in. The myth allegedly is that if you drink the fountain water, the person who drank the water will immediately fall in love. This is so romantic. You can party, learn about history, and fall in love on the same weekend!
Barcelona Pavilion: This building plays a significant role in Barcelona as a historical site and a tourism attraction. It was first constructed in 1928 and finished in 1929 by the architects Mies van der Rohe and Lily Reich; this Pavilion has another name and can be referred to as the German Pavilion. This building is home to many art pieces that have meaning, it was designed in the twentieth century and contains many modern art pieces.
It was built with both German and Spanish influences. Many plans that Mies first wanted were rejected by the Spanish monarchy. Once there was a plan that they both agreed, construction of the Pavilion began. The Museum is home to minimalistic art and in the twenty-first century it includes many marble slabs and art pieces.
Rohe wanted this to be “tranquil” and for people to enjoy.* The museum that Rohe built was disassembled in 1930 and in 1983, they rebuilt the building and construction was finished in 1986. The Architect was Oriol Bohigas of the reconstruction. The building people see when they go visit the art Pavilion by Bohigas and the modern building is on top of the old site.
People should visit the Pavilion because it is a beautiful site full of many art pieces that are calming, historic, and relaxing. It allows the individual to explore an art museum quite like no other.
Bombas is a traditional tapas dish that originated in the neighborhood of Barceloneta, located on the Western coast of Barcelona. Specifically, the dish was created by María Pla Segura, co-owner of the restaurant, La Cova Fumada. This dish was a huge hit and has now become common in almost every bar in Barcelona. According to the legend, they are called Bombas because the first person who ate one in 1955 said they were “the bomb.” Bombas are balls of fried mashed potatoes filled with spicy beef. María wanted a spice that was perfect for the dish, and received a gift of cayenne pepper from Kenya, which became the official spice of the dish. The sauce used on top is an “all I oli” and a spicy sauce that gives it the spice customers crave. If you are ever at a bar and in dire need of a snack, bombas are the perfect pick.
Spain’s resourcefulness and ability to minimize food waste are evident in this fish stew, Suquet de Peix. This fish stew originated in Barcelona and a few other cities located on the Costa Brava, the coastal region in the northwest of Spain. Suquet de Peix was created when fishermen had leftover fish, squid, shrimp, offal, and any other kind of seafood that did not sell in the market. They would make the stew using fish stock, wine, and other vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes. This dish was originally a type of meal reminiscent of leftovers, but nowadays, it has been elevated to be featured in fine dining restaurants around the city, such as Els Pescadors. The key with this dish is to be adventurous and unafraid of the seafood items that are not commonly used.
Barcelona is famous for the ingredient-rich dishes, but their simplest may be one of the best. Pa Amb Tomáquet is merely stale bread, tomato, and olive oil. Farmers would make this dish to avoid wasting the stale bread and softer tomatoes. It is called Pa Amb Tomáquet, and not Pan Con Tomate, because this dish originates from the Catalan language. This dish is served in restaurants throughout the region as an appetizer and in nearly every home as a common snack. Normally, it is served with a side of various cuts and styles of serrano ham; however, the best versions of this meal feature roasted garlic spread on the bread before the tomatoes. If you’re ever in the mood for a light and simple snack, this Barcelona staple will fulfill your needs.
When you are craving a sweet treat, there is nothing more perfect than Crema Catalana. This dish is silky and creamy and is similar to a crème brûlée; however, there are key differences that make this traditional Barcelonian dish better than its cousin. This dish dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest custard-style desserts in Europe. It is typically served around St. Joseph’s Day in March, which is why it is also known as “Crema de Saint Joseph”. The egg custard itself is infused with accents of lemon and cinnamon, which give it a distinctly Mediterranean taste. The top is sugar that is either torched or broiled to give it the crunch that perfectly complements the silky custard.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Sagrada Família for short) is an architectural masterpiece, functional church, and popular tourist attraction located in Barcelona. In 2005 it was even made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, demonstrating its significance as a design. Yet perhaps the most interesting thing about the Sagrada Família is the fact that it hasn’t even been completed yet!
Indeed, the Sagrada Família has been a work in progress for over a hundred years. Construction began in 1882, based on the plans of Francisco de Paula del Villar. Only a year later, Paula del Villar resigned and Antoni Gaudí took over the project. Gaudí is the one who would go down in history as the creator of the church.
Gaudí worked on the church until his death in 1926. Construction continued, but was disrupted during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Even more than disrupted, the Sagrada Família was vandalized. Components of the building were destroyed, and the original Gaudí plans were burned.
After the war, the Sagrada Família project resumed. Efforts have continued to this day to complete the church, although it still remains unfinished today. Yet, it has received recognition for its grand presence and story, as well as for its beautiful design.
The Sagrada Família is impressive, complex, and has an even more vivid history than summarized above. It is truly a worthy site to visit and to learn more about.
Image courtesy of the Sagrada Família official website’s photo gallery.
Barcelona serves as the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia. Reflecting this regional tie is the fact that Barcelona is home to two languages: Catalan and Spanish. Travelers to Spain are certainly aware of the usage of Spanish, but how many know in advance about the regional languages? Or the significance of the regions at all? Let’s brush up on some essential facts about Catalonia and the language of Catalan.
A Comunidad Autónoma (Autonomous Community) Regional affiliation in Spain is not just a matter of identity, it’s also a matter of government. The autonomous communities of Spain have the right to self-government (manifest as unique, local/regional government bodies), and as a whole possess their own culture, foods, and languages. These autonomous communities have had to fight for recognition of their individual importance multiple times in history, even before the concept of ‘Spain’ existed.
Catalonia, for instance, has had fluctuating autonomy ever since the time that Rome controlled the Iberian Peninsula. The most notable instance of regional suppression came in the 1900s with the dictatorship of Franco. The fascist government suppressed regional identity and nationalized governmental control. It wasn’t until 1979, several years after Franco died, that regional power was restored to Catalonia.
Other regions regained access to the same freedoms around this time as well. Catalan has retained its right to self-governance and cultural identity ever since.
The Languages of Barcelona Usage of Catalan has suffered in recent years, but this decline certainly does not mean the language is irrelevant. Far from it — it indicates a necessity for appreciation and preservation.
When visiting Barcelona, don’t just practice Spanish to keep up with the locals! Consider looking into common Catalan phrases, too. Immerse yourself in Spain’s culture and Catalonia’s culture; they fought well to ensure their culture is still seen today.
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.
A fan depicting the siege of 1714, one of the numerous sieges Barcelona endured
One of the most notable historical moments for Barcelona occurred in the early 18th Century during the War of the Spanish Succession. Both the Habsburg 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-Habsburg 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 Habsburgs. The Alliance then successfully stopped a Bourbon counter attack.
The Tide Turns on the Habsburgs!
A sight becoming more and more common as the war dragged on. Here, Lord Galway surrenders his British 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 Habsburg 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 Habsburg stronghold defeated, the War of the Spanish Succession was effectively over. The recapture of Barcelona marked the end of two centuries of Habsburg 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
A view showcasing over 200 years of the castle’s history. A 20th century artillery piece juxtaposed against the 18th century architecture.
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.
The Fossar de Les Moreres
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!
Thomson, M. A. “Louis XIV and the Origins of the War of the Spanish Succession.” Transactions of the Royal Historical Society, vol. 4, 1954, pp. 111–134. https://doi.org/10.2307/3678854
