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
Granada has a diverse range of delicious cuisine to choose from. It’s a great city to experiment with different flavor profiles and traditional cuisine from many cultures. However, if you are interested in trying Arabian foods and drinks in particular, Granada is the place to go.
Brief History of Moors in Granada
Moors arrived in Spain beginning in 711 A.D. Within a few years, they had successfully seized control of most of the Iberian Peninsula, renaming it al-Andalus. They remained in al-Andalus for centuries, though the amount of territory they controlled was greatly reduced during the Reconquista in the Middle Ages. They held more power in southern Spain, and in Granada especially. Granada was home to the last taifa kingdom (basically kingdoms ruled by Muslims) before the city was captured by the Christians in 1492. Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609.
Throughout the roughly 900 years Moors and Arabs inhabited Spain, they greatly contributed to the rich cultural scene present in the peninsula. Granada in particular features a lot of Arab and Moorish influence, particularly in art, architecture, and food. Here are a few examples of Arab influence in Granada’s cuisine:
1. Teterías
Teterías, or tea houses, in Granada are famous for serving tea, other drinks, and light foods that provide a taste of Arab culture. From Turkish lemonade and coffee to traditional Arab meals and sweets, these tea shops have everything you could think of. While there are some pricier locations, there are also some very nice budget-friendly options perfect for students with limited spending ability.
For a list of recommended teterías and their reviews, click here.
2. La tortilla del Sacromonte
La tortilla del Sacromonte is a type of omelet unique to Granada. Traditionally, the most important ingredients are the sheep brains and testicles; however, it is now being made with pig or cow brains and testicles as well, though some say it’s not la tortilla del Sacromonte if it’s not made with sheep. This dish is thought to have originated in the cave-dwelling village of Sacromonte in Granada. Muslims established the neighborhood after being exiled from Baza in the 1500s.
For a recipe of la tortilla del Sacromonte, click here. For more information about the village of Sacromonte, click here.
3. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a type of cold tomato soup. It also includes peppers and cucumbers, and it’s typically served with bread. Gazpacho’s cold nature pays homage to the warm Mediterranean climate found in Granada. Granada also has a special variety: beans and dried cod are typically added to the soup. Gazpacho is pretty easy and inexpensive to make – perfect for students wanting to eat a homemade meal.
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!
No, this isn’t a literal giant ring of iron around Bilbao, but it is something almost as cool. The city of Bilbao has a long and storied history in the course of Spanish internal conflicts. This city has been besieged in the past 200 years not once, not twice, but three separate times. But why is that? The city of Bilbao lies in the northern Basque country. The Basque country just so happened to also be the heart of the Carlist Wars.These wars were a conflict over the Pragmatic Sanction of 1833, and the Fueros, traditional privileges that belonged to the Basque and Catalan privileges. The Carlists, the side in favor of the pretender Don Carlos, as well as the Fueros, had their support bases in the rural countryside of the Basque and Catalan territories. Bilbao, in fact, was the only major Basque city to side with the Isabellist government, and as a result was besieged twice during the Carlist wars.
But why are these prior sieges relevant to these clearly modern fortifications? In the Spanish Civil war, from 1936-1937, the city of Bilbao sided once again with the central government, now of the Spanish Republic. However, the Carlists once again rose up during the civil war, specifically from the Navarre region. The city of Bilbao was, for the third time, besieged by the very same rebels it fended off twice before, but now in a much more modern context. Gone were the days of line formations and pitched battles with lines of muskets, and here was the era of modern industrial warfare.
The Iron Ringwas a vast tunnel network built by the briefly independent Basque government when it seceded at the start of the Spanish Civil War, and was a vast, labyrinthine series of tunnels, trenches, and bunkers designed to defend the city. Yet, much like the French in the same period, the defenses were built to World War One specifications, and remained undermanned. Built for 70,000 men, it held 30,000, less than half that number.
Worse still, they got a monarchist to design the fortifications for them, Alejandro Goicoechea, because clearly getting someone from the political group you’re opposed to to build the defenses you’re using against the very same group is a great plan. Almost needless to say, he defected to the Nationalists, the military insurrection against the Republic. Shortly after he defected, the city of Bilbao fell to the Carlist Requetes. It only took three tries and a decline into almost complete irrelevance, but the Carlists finally got the city.
The fortifications, or at least part of them, still stand today, and you can visit them just outside of Bilbao. Now, these defenses stand as a reminder of not just the siege they were built for, but the many sieges the city had to endure during the century of Spanish instability from the 1830s to the 1930s. They also stand as a reminder not to let Carlists make anti-Carlist fortifications. This series of fortifications can be used in a trip to discuss a variety of topics, from military strategy, to regionalism in multinational countries, and ideological disputes between regionalism and unitary governments, and conservative vs liberal concepts of nationhood.
Bibliography
Tromans, Nicholas. “J. F. Lewis’s Carlist War Subjects.” The Burlington Magazine 139, no. 1136 (1997): 760–65. http://www.jstor.org/stable/887780.
Parker, A. A. “Carlism in the Spanish Civil War.” Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review 26, no. 103 (1937): 383–98. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30097437.
Silva, Milton M. da. “Modernization and Ethnic Conflict: The Case of the Basques.” Comparative Politics 7, no. 2 (1975): 227–51. https://doi.org/10.2307/421550.
Heiberg, Marianne. “Insiders/Outsiders : Basque Nationalism.” European Journal of Sociology / Archives Européennes de Sociologie / Europäisches Archiv Für Soziologie 16, no. 2 (1975): 169–93. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23998600.
Woodworth, Paddy. The Basque Country : A Cultural History. Digital ed. [England]: Andrews UK, 2012.
Tapas are small plates of food that are served in bars and other restaurants when a customer orders alcohol. They’re kind of like snacks, in a way, very delicious snacks.
Tapas History
Tapas can be traced back centuries in Spain and in Granada specifically. There are multiple origin stories of the tapa, but two of the most common versions include flies, drunkards, and kings – oh my!
The first version of the tapa’s story is not very glamorous. According to some people and sources, the tapa originated from the practice of bartenders and tavern owners placing a piece of bread – or a plate – over the top of a bar glass in order to keep the flies from landing in them. Gross, but practical. Of course, as time went on, and bars and restaurants got more sanitary, barkeeps began to get creative and place toppings on the bread (or plate), like olives, jamón (a type of Spanish ham), and chorizo (Spanish sausage). Eventually, those small plates grew to contain the rich, flavorful, and delicious variety of food served today. From slices of fish and mushrooms to tortellini and meatballs, Granada has all the tapas you can eat!
The second tapas origin story claims that the practice originated in the 13th century. According to this tradition, King Alfonso X ordered bars to serve small plates of food with the sale of any alcoholic beverage so that the customers didn’t get too drunk and cause problems.
What’s Special About Granada’s Tapas?
Well, Granada has a special tradition when it comes to tapas: they’re completely free! Amazing, right? Tapas are perfect or any college students that want to go out but, as it typical, don’t necessarily have a ton of money to spend. Plus, tapas are served at all bars and restaurants with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, so it’s perfectly manageable to find a cheaper bar to visit.
Tapas are also designed to be enjoyed over conversation and consumed with others. One of the main points of tapas, if you go by the King Alfonso explanation, was to prevent overindulgence so that patrons could continue chatting with their friends. So, tapas are a perfect way for students, and teachers, to have conversations amongst themselves and even meet new people. They’re also a good way to destress after a long day of teaching. Or studying. Just saying.
Are you in Granada and want to go tapas crawling? Here is list of recommended bars from National Geographic.
Do you want to learn more about Granada? Click here to see further information!
≈ Comments Off on Spain’s Comfort Food: Tortilla de patata
Tortilla de patata is both delicious and ubiquitous in Spain. As you can see from the picture below, it is a dish made primarily of potatoes and egg. Among Spaniards, however, you can spark a debate about whether or not to add onion as well (grocery stores offer it premade both with and without cebolla). Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong either way.
