History
 History
Catalonia has a history stretching back over one thousand years, shaped by hugely varying landscapes between the Pyrenees and the coast. Its cities and towns conceal a wealth of surprises, and its people, places and traditions reflect the balanced combination of a unique sense of identity and a traditional openness to the influences of many other cultures.
To discover the rich history of Catalonia, we propose exploring the following links:
 Cultural tourism in Catalonia
Political history of Catalonia
Museum of the History of Catalonia
Cultural tourism in Catalonia
Catalonia has a history stretching back over more than a thousand years, a unique language and culture, and a rich architectural and artistic heritage to be discovered. Of the many routes that will give you in-depth insights into historic Catalonia, we particularly recommend the following:
Ruta dels Íbers (The Iberian Route)
In recent years, a number of important discoveries have been made in relation to the Iberian peoples, who populated Catalonia between the 6th and 1st centuries BCE. A visit to archaeological sites such as Ullastret, Olèrdola and Ciutadella de Calafell, for example, is an interesting way to learn more about the ancient culture and beliefs of the Iberians.
Further information from: Archaeology Museum of Catalonia.www.mac.es  
Romanesque Catalonia
In the 3rd century BCE, the wars against Carthage led the Romans to settle in the former Greek settlement of Emporion (today Empúries). From here they extended their dominion over what is now Catalonia (www.mnac.es ). In recognition of its wealth of archaeological remains dating back to Roman times, in 2000, the city of Tarragona was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Further information from: Tarragona Tourism. www.tarragonaturisme.es/
Romanesque Catalonia
Over 2,000 Romanesque churches, monasteries and civil buildings have left us a unique legacy in the form of alfresco paintings and tableaux, now mostly conserved in the National Art Museum of Catalonia (www.mnac.es). We also recommend a visit to the Pyrenean villages in Vall de Boí, whos Romanesque architectural remains have been declared World Heritage.
Further information from:Vall de Boí www.vallboi.com
El Camí dels Bons Homes (The Route of the Good Men)
The Cathars crossed over the Pyrenees from Occitania between the 11th and 12th centuries, fleeing persecution by the Albigensian Crusaders and the Inquisition. The road followed by the Cathars is reproduced in the GR-107 long-distance route over the Pyrenees which connects the Sanctuary of Queralt, near the town of Berga in Catalonia, with Montsegur Castle, in the French Ariège region, taking in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park on the way.
Further information from:El camí dels bons homes www.camidelsbonshomes.com
Jewish Catalonia
Jewish communities played an important role in the the social, economic and political life of Catalonia from around the 10th century, until they were expelled from Spain in 1492. In recent years much of their cultural legacy has been rediscovered, and the Call de Girona is undoubtedly one of Europe's most interesting Jewish quarters.
Further information from:Red de Juderías de España www.redjuderias.org , Ajuntament de Girona www.ajuntament.gi/call.
La Ruta del Císter (The Cistercian Route)
Three Cistercian monasteries - Santes Creus, Poblet (a World Heritage site) and Vallbona de les Monges - shape a route that also includes a number of important mediaeval villages and towns.
Further information from:Ajuntament de Girona www.ajuntament.gi/call
Domus Templi - La Ruta del Temple (The Route of the Templars)
From the Moors, the Knights' Templar conquered important Catalan towns in strategic locations, such as Tortosa and Lleida. Their legacy is evident in fortified houses, towers and towns, and in castles of great historical value, such as Miravet and Gardeny.
Further information from:Domus Templi www.domustempli.com
The Modernism Routes
Catalan Modernism, which developed around the turn of the 20th century, was a broad-based cultural movement that embraced music, literature, painting, sculpture and architecture. Apart from the internationally renowned Antoni Gaudí, the Modernist movement was represented by figures of the stature of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Josep Maria Jujol.
Further information from:Rutes del Modernisme
www.rutadelmodernisme.com/default.aspx?Idioma=es
The Dalí Triangle
Dalí's works can be viewed in the Teatre-Museu Dalí de Figueres, the Castle of Púbol and the Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí at Portlligat, near Cadaqués, all in northeastern Catalonia. The 100th anniversary of the artist's birth was commemorated in 2004 and marked by a number of important events.
Further information from: Salvador Dalí www.salvador-dali.org
Political history of Catalonia
Catalonia is a nation that dates back to early medieval times. It has its own language and a cultural, political and legislative culture which makes it unique and which has shaped the personality of its people over time.
To discover the rich political history of Catalonia, we propose exploring the following link:
History of Catalonia www.gencat.net/catalunya/cat/historia.htm
Museum of the History of Catalonia
The aim of the Museum of the History of Catalonia is to reveal Catalonia's contribution to our common heritage by describing its history, preserving objects of relevance to Catalan history, and enhancing the identification of the people of Catalonia with their country's history. The museum functions on the basis of a historical narrative that incorporates the museum's collections. It also organises activities to publicise and promote knowledge of Catalan history and cooperates in research into Catalan history.
Further information from:www.mhcat.net/
Pl. de Pau Vila, 3 (Palau de Mar)
08003 BARCELONA.
Tel: 93 225 47 00 | 93 225 47 26 | 93 225 47 32
Fax: 93 225 47 58
mhc.cultura@gencat.net.
Updated May 2007 |
