I was already at the airport and was mesmerized by the history of Barcelona city I learned so much about these last few days during my Barcelona Lisbon adventure.
While waiting to board the plane to Lisbon, I was just going over places I visited the day before. I took so many pictures! Christopher Columbus’s monument was the first to pop up in my mind. Oh, I adore stories about explorers! (I couldn’t wait to “meet” Vasco da Gama in Lisbon!)
I smiled thinking that I walked around the monument when I went to the marina trying to take a photo but it just couldn’t fit into the camera. It’s 59 meters tall. The best view was from that terrace on the way to Montjuic.
Parallel to the sea and cutting through this square is a modern motorway known as Ronda Litoral. It goes underground, leaving a wide promenade Moll de la Fusta on the surface. You will find cafes, terraces, and a nice view of the port. There is also the Maritime Museum, hosted by one of the best-preserved buildings in the city dating back to the 13th century.
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History of Barcelona City
Carthaginian Name
Here is an interesting fact I didn’t know of when it comes to the history of Barcelona city. It was fully finished when constructing its parts for the Olympic Games in 1992. Some districts were polished and thus the present Barcelona became a city open to the sea, returning to its Phoenician origins. They were the first traders to reach the Catalan coast. The majority of historians agree that it was the Carthaginians who named the city.
The great Carthaginian leader Hannibal wanted to pay homage to his father Hamilcar Barca, giving the name Barcino to the city.
Discovering America
Barcelona fell into the hands of the Arabs in 716 and the independence of the city was born out of the fight against them. It roused to its splendor afterward with a large number of buildings and walls springing up. These constructions are now the nucleus of the city. This splendor culminated with the great adventure of discovering America. A large number of ships were constructed right in the shipyards of Barcelona.
Barcelona Fountain Montjuic
A very touristy spot, but still interesting, is la Font Magica (Magic Fountain) in front of the Palau Nacional. A masterpiece of engineering applied to every possible combination of water and light!
Also, try not to miss Plaza de Toros Monumental when in this part of the city. There is also the Passeig Maria Cristina and the fountain at one end of it, in Placa d’Espanya, dedicated to the three seas. This is also a significant monument dedicated to the history of Barcelona city.
This area is perfect for strolling and catching a breath or two, before moving on. At Placa d’Espanya, you will find a bus or subway train to any part of the city. But if you want to see the Magic Fountain display, you have to check the timetable.
Arc de Triomf Barcelona
There is another thing to visit and enjoy. This time, it is a park with greenery and a lake. As if that wasn’t enough, you will find one of the fountains (Cascada Monumental) Antoni Gaudi worked on at the beginning of his career. Also, there are a few museums and a huge arch.
So, go to Passeig de Luis Comanysto find Arc de Triomf. Stroll down and you will get to La Ciutadella. This area was converted into a beautiful area of museums, gardens, and a zoo for the Universal Exhibition in 1888. The bricked arch was the main entrance to the Exhibition area.
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I already mentioned a large lake and the Cascada Monumental. The Parliament of Catalunya building is situated in the park, now converted into the Museum of Modern Arts. The Museum of Natural History is not very far from here. And so on, and so on…
This is a perfect spot to end my travel story from the Catalan capital and pay tribute to the history of Barcelona city – by going through the Arc de Triomf. Such a marvelous city, Gaudi’s work I will always remember, Montjuic, tapas, paella, La Rambla, etc… And oh – flamenco.
My next post will be from Lisbon, I am getting there shortly, so stay tuned!
The End
The Full Barcelona Lisbon SERIES
12 responses
Barcelona is beautiful but it is full of scam and pickpocketers. I had an encounter with a mustard scammer at that grotto fountain – I was minding my own business when all of the sudden, I was covered in yellowish stinky stuff. Miraculously, a gentlemen behind me had a stack of tissue and he offered me to help cleaning out his shit all over me, but I knew better – so I took his stack of tissue and told him not to get closer to me. I smelled like mustard for the rest of the day, and I was pissed off.
Anyway, thanks for sharing – travel safe!
So sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience in Barcelona. Luckily, it all ended well! Have to say, I only have nice memories from the city. Thanks for sharing!
Barcelona is one of these cities you can never get enough of it so you keep coming back!
Feel the same way about it! 🙂
Barcelona is a gam! 🙂 Park Guell is number one for us! It’s a city of Carlos Ruis Safon and his novels. We read them all and were amazed to see the city we got to know through the words. Magical.
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Glad there are more Gaudi fans out there. 😉 I read Safon after I went to Barcelona, so my impression was somewhat reverse. 🙂
Loved Barcelona. The city, the beach, the views, what more do you want. Loved the magic fountain at night and the flamingos show. Trying to get back there.
Hehehe, the same here. 🙂
I lived in Barcelona for three months a few years ago and I couldn’t have described the city as well as you did.Beautifully written article.This brought back a lot of memories.I used to hang out near the arc of triumph almost every day and watch the dancing fountains at night.I’m sure a lot of people will find your article helpful when visiting this city.
Oh, thank you for your kind words! Hope it is helpful for those who visit for the first time. 🙂
Barcelona is a spectacular city which offers a wide range of possibilities! Great post!
So true, love the city. Thanks! 🙂