Barcelona

Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second-most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the province of Barcelona and is home to around 5.3 million people, making it the fifth most populous urban area of the European Union after Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid and Milan. It is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range.
barcelona

Some of the key events about Barcelona

  • 1714
    The city fell to Bourbon forces after a long siege during the War of Spanish Succession.
  • 1808
    Napoleon's troops occupied Barcelona during the Peninsular War.
  • 1835
    Anti-clerical riots resulted in the burning of convents and churches.
  • 1888
    The Barcelona Universal Exposition showcased the city's industrial and technological progress
  • 1909
    The iconic Sagrada Família church began construction, becoming a symbol of Barcelona's architectural heritage
  • 1909
    A week of violent confrontations known as the "Tragic Week" occurred between the working classes and the authorities.
  • 1929
    The International Exposition in Barcelona led to significant urban development and the creation of Montjuïc's gardens
  • 1938
    Barcelona was heavily bombed during the Spanish Civil War, causing significant destruction and civilian casualties.
  • 1939
    The city fell to Francoist forces, marking the beginning of a long period of repression.
  • 1952
    The Barcelona Metro system was inaugurated, greatly improving public transportation in the city
  • 1977
    A terrorist attack at a crowded shopping center killed 21 people and injured 45 others.
  • 1987
    A terrorist bombing at a supermarket killed 21 people and injured 45 others.
  • 1992
    Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics, transforming the city's infrastructure and boosting its global profile
  • 1999
    The city was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture and urban design
  • 2004
    The Universal Forum of Cultures was held in Barcelona, promoting dialogue, cultural diversity, and sustainable development
  • 2009
    Barcelona became the first city to be awarded the Royal Gold Medal for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects
  • 2014
    The city was named the European Capital of Innovation by the European Commission
  • 2017
    Barcelona implemented its innovative "superblocks" urban plan to reduce traffic and pollution in the city center
  • 2017
    A van attack on Las Ramblas killed 13 people and injured at least 130 others.
  • 2019
    Violent protests erupted following the sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders, resulting in significant property damage and injuries.

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Barcelona Latest news

Europe's Tourist Hotspots Grapple with Overtourism Backlash

Europe's Tourist Hotspots Grapple with Overtourism Backlash

Popular European destinations face growing anti-tourist sentiment as post-pandemic travel surges. Cities implement new measures to control visitor influx, balancing economic benefits with residents' quality of life.

Society, Culture • September 21 2024, 02:01 PM  •  284 views
London's Oxford Street Pedestrianization Plan Gains Government Support

London's Oxford Street Pedestrianization Plan Gains Government Support

London Mayor Sadiq Khan proposes pedestrianizing Oxford Street to boost shopping. The plan, backed by the Deputy Prime Minister, aims to revitalize the area post-pandemic and create economic growth.

Society, Business, Politics • September 17 2024, 05:20 PM  •  494 views
Brazilian Bossa Nova Pioneer Sergio Mendes Dies at 83

Brazilian Bossa Nova Pioneer Sergio Mendes Dies at 83

Renowned Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes, who popularized bossa nova globally, has passed away at 83. The Grammy-winning artist left a lasting impact on the music industry over six decades.

Society, Culture • September 6 2024, 08:28 PM  •  742 views
Rome Mulls Trevi Fountain Access Limits Amid Tourism Surge

Rome Mulls Trevi Fountain Access Limits Amid Tourism Surge

Rome considers restricting access to the iconic Trevi Fountain as it prepares for the 2025 Jubilee. Officials propose a reservation system and potential fees for non-residents to manage the expected influx of 32 million visitors.

Society, Culture • September 5 2024, 10:35 AM  •  345 views
Global Tourist Taxes Surge: Cities Combat Overtourism with New Fees

Global Tourist Taxes Surge: Cities Combat Overtourism with New Fees

Tourist taxes are on the rise worldwide as destinations combat overtourism. From Venice to New Zealand, authorities are implementing or increasing fees to protect local environments and infrastructure.

Society, Economics • September 5 2024, 05:40 AM  •  817 views
Spanish Singles Ditch Dating Apps for Pineapple-Powered Supermarket Romance

Spanish Singles Ditch Dating Apps for Pineapple-Powered Supermarket Romance

Spanish singles are turning to an unconventional dating method involving pineapples in supermarkets, eschewing dating apps. This TikTok-inspired trend reflects growing dissatisfaction with online dating platforms.

Society, Culture • September 4 2024, 07:47 PM  •  205 views
Spain Shifts Tourism Strategy: Luxury Hotels In, Short-Term Rentals Out

Spain Shifts Tourism Strategy: Luxury Hotels In, Short-Term Rentals Out

Spain, facing record tourism, encourages luxury hotels while restricting short-term rentals. Barcelona and Tenerife lead efforts to attract high-end visitors, sparking debate over tourism's impact on local communities.

Business, Economics, Culture • September 3 2024, 07:32 AM  •  3247 views
Senegalese Youth Risk Lives for European Dreams Amid Fishing Crisis

Senegalese Youth Risk Lives for European Dreams Amid Fishing Crisis

Senegalese youth continue dangerous Atlantic crossings to Spain, driven by economic hardship. EU efforts and Spanish diplomatic missions aim to address root causes of migration from West Africa.

Society, Economics • August 26 2024, 07:56 AM  •  1124 views
Former ETA Leader "Txeroki" Transferred to Spanish Prison

Former ETA Leader "Txeroki" Transferred to Spanish Prison

Miguel de Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubin, ex-military chief of disbanded Basque separatist group ETA, has been moved from a French prison to Spain. The transfer marks a significant development in the post-ETA era.

Society, Politics, Culture • August 23 2024, 07:57 AM  •  358 views
Global Snapshots: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Challenges

Global Snapshots: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Challenges

A visual journey through diverse global events, capturing religious observances, sporting moments, and environmental challenges. These images offer a glimpse into the complex tapestry of human experiences worldwide.

Society, Sports, Culture • August 15 2024, 07:55 PM  •  526 views
Seville Cracks Down on Illegal Holiday Rentals with Water Cut-off Threat

Seville Cracks Down on Illegal Holiday Rentals with Water Cut-off Threat

Seville's mayor's office announces strict measures against illegal holiday rentals, including potential water cut-offs. The city aims to curb the spread of short-term lets amid local anger over housing affordability.

Society, Politics, Culture • August 14 2024, 02:52 PM  •  7336 views
Exiled Catalan Leader Puigdemont's Brief Return Sparks Manhunt in Spain

Exiled Catalan Leader Puigdemont's Brief Return Sparks Manhunt in Spain

Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan president, made a surprise appearance in Barcelona before evading arrest. His brief return has reignited tensions between Catalan separatists and Madrid, challenging Spanish authorities.

Society, Politics • August 9 2024, 11:18 AM  •  3629 views
Kotor Grapples with Tourism Surge: UNESCO Site Seeks Balance

Kotor Grapples with Tourism Surge: UNESCO Site Seeks Balance

Kotor, Montenegro's coastal gem, faces challenges from overtourism. Local authorities consider raising cruise ship visitor fees as the town struggles with congestion and environmental concerns.

Society, Culture • August 9 2024, 10:22 AM  •  359 views
Catalan Leader Puigdemont Returns to Belgium After Barcelona Rally

Catalan Leader Puigdemont Returns to Belgium After Barcelona Rally

Carles Puigdemont, Catalan separatist leader, has returned to Belgium after a public appearance in Barcelona, evading arrest. His party confirms his safe return following the risky visit.

Society, Politics • August 9 2024, 08:24 AM  •  321 views
Global Security Threats and Political Tensions: A World Brief

Global Security Threats and Political Tensions: A World Brief

Austrian authorities thwart a terrorist plot targeting Taylor Swift concerts. Ukraine launches a rare incursion into Russia, while Japan issues a megaquake warning. A Catalan separatist leader makes a brief appearance in Barcelona.

Society, Business, Politics • August 8 2024, 11:07 PM  •  1889 views
Exiled Catalan Leader Puigdemont Makes Surprise Return to Spain

Exiled Catalan Leader Puigdemont Makes Surprise Return to Spain

Former Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont returned to Spain after nearly 7 years in exile, despite pending charges. His brief appearance in Barcelona stirred supporters and may complicate regional politics.

Society, Politics • August 8 2024, 09:12 AM  •  972 views
Exclusive
Catalan Separatist Leader Returns to Spain After Years in Exile

Catalan Separatist Leader Returns to Spain After Years in Exile

Carles Puigdemont, former Catalan president, has returned to Spain after nearly seven years in self-imposed exile. His reappearance challenges Spanish authorities and may reignite tensions over Catalan independence.

Society, Politics • August 8 2024, 08:16 AM  •  16934 views