The Spanish region of Catalonia

The Spanish region of Catalonia Catalonia, has left the northe border with the countries of Andorra and the French Pyrenees. The Mediterranean Sea, which forms the border with the easte race of the south-west to the region of Valencia. The easte border is shared with the region of Aragon. Throughout the history of Catalonia has fought for greater autonomy in its relationship with Spain. To try to win full independence, has more chance of revolt. Shortly Catalan today aspire to have a real independence, but the expectations of the struggle for greater autonomy within Spain continues.History - Greeks and Romans established trade along this part of the Mediterranean coast. In Medieval art and literature Catalan thriving coastal trade and created the light merchants become very powerful rival those of Venice and Genoa. Catalonia in 1461 stood up in protest for his alliance with Aragon, the rebellion, but was crushed. Then, by the union of Aragon Catalonia Castile side aligned. Trade routes have been displaced, revenues decreased, famine and epidemics have contributed to its decline. But the desire for Catalan independence continues. It rose against Philip IV during the Thirty Years' War 1618-48 and followed the side of taking the Archduke Charles, the War of Spanish Succession against Philip V. It 'been a center of social influence at the tu of the 19th century. 1931 saw the Catalans the creation of a govement that won independence from Spain in 1932 Cortes. Two years later, a revolution for independence failed, but within 2 years of independence has been restored. In the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, Catalonia, once again chosen the wrong side of Franco, and after the victory over the Republicans, the region has suffered badly and the popular Catalan language was forbidden in public life. In 1978 it was restored and is now an official language of the region, and the Castilian or Spanish. It 'the first elected parliament as an autonomous region in 1980. By the mid-1990s, the Catalan nationalists had become a force in both the region and the nation politics.Catalonia is composed of four provinces, Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona and Lleida, all are called after capitals.Girona or Girona is located north the river Onyar. Dating to pre-Roman, the old city has retained its medieval appearance. Girona was considered by the Moors from 714 to 797. During the war of 1808-09, the city has resisted the French forces of Napoleon. Today the production of chemicals, machinery, paper making and textiles. Outside the city and the mantle of beaches and bays around Begur and Palafrugell attractive. Or take a sunrise at Cape crues, most east of Spain. Just south is the charming village of Cadaques white built around a rocky bay. The artist Salvador Dali spent the holidays of his youth and later lived in the village of Port Lligat. Banks naked and strange rock formations and desolate moonscapes so typical of his paintings can be seen in abundance throughout the area. The Teatro-Museo Dalí is located in the city of Figueres and contains a large number of works by the artist. The Pyrenees in the north, offer many opportunities for walks and hikes, the National Park Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici be one of the most beautiful areas. There are several ski slopes in winter months.The is evidence of settlement in the region, dating back to 15th century BC, but Barcelona is known for taking its name from the powerful Barca family of Carthage, which established the basis for the city as the know it today. Under the Romans, Visigoths and the city thrives. In the 8th century it fell to the Moors in 801 and was taken by Charlemagne, who included it in the Spanish March. The Sea became independent under the leadership of the powerful counts of Barcelona in the 9th and 10th centuries, who conquered the land from the Moors in the south, and has acquired all of Catalonia. In 1137, after the marriage of Count Raymond Berengar IV to the heiress of Aragon, the two regions became united. Barcelona became the capital, as the future king of Spain. In Barcelona, determined to expand trade in the Mediterranean. Its industrial structure has flourished and became a powerful center of commerce and banking. Around 1400 saw the culmination of his wealth, the decline followed the rest of Catalonia. The French occupied the city on three occasions in 1640-52, 1808-14 and 1715. Focused on separatism Catalan in Barcelona and the city was the scene of many insurrections. He rebelled against Philip IV of Spain from 1640-52. He also became the center of the Spanish Socialist and other radical political doctrines in 1900. Barcelona is the capital of the Autonomous Region Govement 1932-39. During the Civil War, the Spanish Loyalist govement Saturday in Barcelona, until he fell to Franco in the early months of 1939 the forces. The region has seen demonstrations against the Franco dictatorship in 1950. Today Barcelona is Spain the second largest city and the directions for the country of the cultural center. And 'the capital of Catalonia and over one third of the region's population reside. Barcelona is also the largest port in Spain and its main commercial center of banking and inteational finance houses. This is an important industrial center and production includes aviation, chemicals, electrical equipment, foundries, locomotives, machinery, textiles and vehicles. The city itself is mode, with wide streets, the bustling traffic and striking new architecture. However, the old well-preserved Roman city walls are still visible, is full of narrow streets and ancient structures, including a cathedral, several churches, City Hall and the Lonja or exchange. Barcelona is home to a famous opera house, the Musée d'Art Contemporain, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Catalunya and the Picasso Museum. In 1992, it hosted the summer Olympics. The rest of the province of Barcelona is largely hilly and mountainous. But it is also home to some very fertile plain where cereals, grapes and olive production. The province also produces one third of Spanish wine. Much of the area of power is produced by hydroelectric power plants built on the river Ebro rivers Cinca and Segre. The coastline, which stretches almost 400 km has many good ports and marine, fisheries and tourism excellent dynamics. West of Barcelona, are the vineyards of the Penedes region. The mountain of Montserrat, one day, the peak at 1236m above sea level offers views of the mountains to the north and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands in the south east.Tarragona sits on the mouth of the river on the Mediterranean Francoli. E 'was formally known as 218BC and the Roman Tarraco was captured by forces. Was built fortifications against attack by the Carthaginians. The remains of Roman walls and an aqueduct still. Fell in both the Visigoths and the Moors in 5th and 8th centuries, respectively. Christians took over in the 12th century, but when he was captured by the market, or areas of Barcelona and Valencia, has fallen into decline. In 1903, the monks settled in the city after being expelled from the Grande Chartreuse in France. Their famous liqueur produced here so far. Today, it is important both as a commercial center and port. Industries mills, a refinery of oil and wine production and export. Some of the greatest wines in Priorat are close region.Lleida is on the river Segre. Officially known as Llerda, Julius Caesar defeated the generals of Pompey in 49 BC. The Muslim invasion of the South has been fall in Lleida 714th He was released by the Christian forces in 1149. Traditionally strategic, fortified city, Lleida has become a key point in the defense of Barcelona in the Spanish Civil War. He finally fell to the forces of Franco in April 1938, after allowing for nine long months. A castle, whose walls enclose a Romanesque cathedral, which dominates the old part of town. Lleida is the center of a fertile agricultural area and agriculture predominates. There is little in terms of production industry.Ken Jones start guide in Spanish.   More information about Catalonia can be found here.   Search for hotels and Spanish property for rent and sale in our Spanish directory.