HISTORY

There is evidence that Barcelona existed 4,000 years ago at the end of the Neolithic period, but was not founded as a city until Roman times. It has been inhabited by many peoples, such as Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Jews, Muslims and Christians. All of them have left their mark on the city.

A panoramic view of Barcelona
A panoramic view of Barcelona

Since it was founded, Barcelona has evolved into one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean. During the Middle Ages, many Catalonian counties united, and the city became the capital of the Crown of Aragon. Ever since the Crowns of Aragon and Castile were united, Barcelona has always played an important role in Spain.

At the end of the 19th century, with the demolition of the city’s constrictive medieval walls, the construction of the Eixample district, the emergence of an industrial bourgeoisie and the modernist movement, Barcelona took a giant step towards modernisation and development. Today, largely as a result of hosting the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona has become a major business, financial and cultural centre and an internationally acclaimed tourist destination.

Barcelona is an innovative, cosmopolitan and welcoming city that receives all visitors with open arms.