Introduction

Due to the alliance of all the counts and to the marriage between Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, that took place in 1469, Spain became more powerful which resulted in the victory over Muslim invaders. By the end of the 15th century the last Moors were dispelled from southern Spain.

The Period of the Spanish Inquisition

These events had some significant consequences. In the new united Spain the Christian church, which were suppressed for centuries, got a huge power and from suppressed it became suppressor. In that period was established the Spanish Inquisition which is famous for its cruel and bloody activity. The aim of this institution was to fight against the “enemies of the Catholic church’. Numerous people charged with heresy were condemned tortured and killed. Moreover, the non-Christian communities were persecuted. Jews and Muslims either converted to Christianity, left Spain or were killed.

Naturally, also Catalonia was affected by the Inquisition. That is how the huge and significant Jewish community who lived once in Barcelona and in the nearby towns, such as Girona, disappeared (for additional information – Jews in Barcelona). Today you can see remains of them in Barcelona in Barrio Judio (Jewish Quarter). The most fascinating and important attraction in this neighborhood is Sinagoga Major de Barcelona (Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona) which is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. If you are interested in this topic you can join a day trip to Girona where you can visit other remains related to the Jewish community of Catalonia.  

Besides the cruel persecutions, the period of the Inquisition had influence also on the architecture. According to the leading position of the church, there were constructed mainly religious buildings. In fact, most of the religious buildings in Barcelona were established then.

Discovery of America

Besides the power of the church, there was another great event that influenced the situation of Barcelona, namely the discovery of America by Columbus. When Columbus returned from his journey, he arrived to Barcelona to report to the king and to the queen about the new continent and its inhabitants. The famous Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument), located near Port Vell, was built in the memory of this event. Additionally, in the basement of Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Eulalia) you can find a painting that illustrates Columbus coming and telling Ferdinand and Isabella about the inhabitants of America.

If you are curious about this period you can also visit Girona and admire the remains situated there.

Nevertheless, discovery of America did not boost the economy of Barcelona. Port Vell lost his significance mainly because its eastern location was not favorable for the trade with the new western world.

On the one hand discovery of America made Spain a great and rich empire, on the other hand this event caused a serious economic recession in Catalonia and Barcelona.

Conflicts between Catalonia and Castile

Besides this, with some generations after Ferdinand and Isabella serious conflicts started between Spanish rulers and Catalonia. In addition to the unfavorable position of Port Vell that made trade with the new world difficult, the government of Castile did not give her permission to Catalonia to trade with America, moreover it forbade this activity.

The first real conflict between Castile and Catalonia took place at the beginning of 17th century when Philip IV forced Catalans to fight with him against France. Since Catalonia had a good relationship with France and a great number of Catalans lived in French territories, Catalonia refused the request of the king. Moreover, a group of Catalan farmers planned to kill the Count-Duke of Olivares, the chief minister of the king. The national anthem of Catalonia, titled “Els Segadors”, which means “The Reapers”, originates from the decades of this revolt.

The War of the Spanish Succession

An important milestone was the War of the Spanish Succession that took place at the beginning of the 18th century, between 1702-1715. In this war Catalonia fight together with French, English and Austrian troops against the mainly Spanish groups of Philip V.

When Philip won the war in September of 1714, he abolished all the privileges and the autonomy of Catalans, started to control Catalonia politically, forbade the Catalan language and closed the university.

Moreover, he rebuilt and enlarged the Montjuïc Castle (which served as a fortress) and constructed another fort, in the area of the partially destroyed La Ribera district, which actually served as a prison. Later, in the 19th century, the situation of Catalans became better (for additional information – Barcelona in 19th and 20th Century) and they wanted to get rid of this prison because for them it was the symbol of suppression. The fortress was rebuilt and a beautiful park was created around it, Parc de la Ciutadella (Citadel Park) (“Ciutadella” refers to the fort that stayed once in the area of the park).

When going to a football match held in Camp Nou, do not be surprised if you hear the fans of FC Barcelona screaming the word “independencia” (which means “independence”) in the 17th minute and 14th seconds of every hour. 17:14 refers to the year 1714, when Catalonia was an independent state (for additional information – Football in Barcelona).

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