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To start the history of Barcelona, we are going back to 700 BC. At this time, the area of Barcelona, known as Barcino, was inhabited by the Iberians between Llobregat and Besòs rivers. Following the Iberians came the arrival of the Greeks, then the Carthaginians, and the Romans. Subsequently, a series of wars started between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian Empire from 264 BC to 146 BC. As a consequence, death, slavery, and the destruction of Ancient Carthage. Furthermore, the Romans took power and became a dominating force of social, cultural, and economic influence over the western Mediterranean.
In 414 AD, the Visigoths invaded Spain and had overthrown the Roman Republic. Moreover, they made Barcelona, now known as Barcinona, as the capital of the Visigoth Empire. In fact, this lasted for about 300 years until the Moors invaded and conquered Catalonia. Subsequently, Barcelona was taken over by the Franks, who served against the Moors Empire occupying the remaining Spain. Consequently, this lasted until 897, after the death of the Count of Barcelona. Also, around the same time, devout Muslim, Al-Mansur ordered raids against the Christian north, leaving devastating effects. Soon after, Barcelona is declared autonomous.
Over the next few centuries Barcelona saw a union between Catalonia and Aragon. As well as the reconquest of the Balearic Islands, Valencia, Menorca and Mallorca. All thanks to King of Aragon, Jaume I The Conquerer. Moreover, there was the Spanish War of Succession, which is celebrated to this day. Along with political conflicts that weakened the city with plague, war, and the siege of Barcelona. In 1808-1814, Napoleons troops destroyed a large part of the city and taken over most of Spain. In turn, Spain (along with Portugal and the UK), rised up against the French in the Spanish War of Independence.
Barcelona grows within its trade and industrialization.
The city becomes the capital of the new Province of Barcelona.
The first railway line is built and runs from Barcelona to Mataró.
On March 19 the first brick was laid for La Sagrada Familia.
Spain’s first international fair took place from April 8-Dec 9, the Arc de Triomf was built for the fair.
FC Barcelona was founded on November 29.
Park Guell was built from 1900-1914, but does not open to the public until 1926.
On March 19 the first brick was laid for La Sagrada Familia.
Spain’s first international fair took place from April 8-Dec 9, the Arc de Triomf was built for the fair.
FC Barcelona was founded on November 29.
Park Guell was built from 1900-1914, but does not open to the public until 1926.
Construction for Casa Mila started (designed by Antoni Gaudi), and took 4 years to complete.
Outbreak of the first world war, Spain declares neutrality.
The National Library of Catalonia opens to the public.
Barcelona’s Metro began operation.
At the age of 21, Salvadore Dali’s first solo art exhibition opened at Galeries Dalmau on November 14.
Established as the institution of self-government of Catalonia within the Spanish Republic.
Catalonia becomes an autonomous region within the Spanish Republic.
An uprising aimed at overthrowing the countries democratically elected republic, which resulted in mass atrocities.
The Museum of the History of Barcelona opens.
Tourism is starting to bring new life to Barcelona.
The Picasso Museum opens to the public on March 9, being the only one that opened while he was alive.
Catalan becomes an official language of Spain (along with Basque and Galician).
Barcelona hosts the 1992 Summer Olympics, effectively making Barcelona one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
Barcelona declared a bullfighting-free zone, however the spectacle continues on.
Bullfighting officially becomes banned, closing the only bullring in Barcelona.
On November 7, the pope inaugurates La Sagrada Familia. Thus making the church raised to a basilica.
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