Barcelona is a city rich in culture and tradition. The past and present collide vividly no matter where you look. This is one of Europe’s, and the world’s most popular vacation destinations, but it’s taken a long time for this city to arrive at this prosperous day. Its journey goes back several thousand years, when the Roman Empire first envisioned a bright community. It first began as Barcino, a Roman settlement.
This is Barcelona.
Barcelona as Barcino was ruled by Emperor Augustus around the year 15 AD. Barcino bestowed many benefits on the Romans, one of the most important being its port location. It allowed Rome to construct sea walls for defense and security, as well as allowed the Romans to expand their territory to the Iberian Peninsula. It also allowed the neighboring region of then Tarraco, today’s Tarragona, to see commercial successes. It was because of its defensible positioning that Barcino was able to protect neighboring regions and allow fair trade, which worked best for Tarraco and neighboring Caesaraugusta, today’s Zaragoza’s economic expansion.
Barcelona was initially a military base, and it was due to this positioning that allowed Barcino to survive and thrive, becoming today’s Barcelona. Barcino’s local population’s income came from such endeavors as farming and wine-making – incidentally, Barcelona is still famous for its vineyards and food production capabilities. The foundations of Barcino are still visible, and offer insight into the blueprint that became Barcelona. If you’re considering a trip to this historic city, one of the first places you must see is Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
There is a lot of historic importance regarding the Gothic Quarter. You’ll see architecture from various historica; periods ranging from medieval times to the Roman occupation to present day. The best place to view the walls of the once mighty Barcino is Placa Nova. Its placement next to the Cathedral of Barcelona is perfect. There are two towers built by the Romans in the 300s that still stand today. These two towers were the northern entrance into Barcino and lead to more portions of the settlement that are still visible today.
Great Vacations reviews the history of beautiful Barcelona and other great destinations around the world! Are you excited to learn more about Barcelona than just what meets the eye?
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