9 Interesting And Fun Facts About Barcelona Spain
1. Barcelona did not want the Eiffel Tower
As I mentioned in my facts about Paris Post, the Eiffel Tower was not always popular. Not only Parisians did not like the monument, Barcelona did not even want it. Before Gustav Eiffel presented his design to Paris, he proposed it to Barcelona for the Exposición Universal in 1888. However, this proposal was rejected by the organizers of the event, as the aesthetics were not considered suitable.
2. No beach until 1992
Barcelona is known for its beautiful beaches, but they are artificially arranged. Before 1992 there was no beach in Barcelona. The beaches were only created for the Olympic Games, which took place in Barcelona in 1992.
3. Barcelona is older than Rome
Barcelona is supposed to be older than Rome. Today, one is still not sure about the exact origin of the city. Legends say it was founded 400 years before Rome by Hercules. Others say Hamilkar Barkas founded the city.
4. Valentine's Day books
Rather books on the day of St. George. Differently than in many countries, in Catalonia one does not celebrate the Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Instead, on the 23rd of April, one celebrates the Saint George’s Day that is considered as a holiday of love. This holiday is known under the name Día de la Rosa (Day of the Rose). Traditionally, people give their loved ones a rose on this holiday and, since 1923, books as well. This was an initiative of the booksellers. This new tradition attracted attention and led to the foundation of the World Book Day.
5. 9 World Cultural Heritage
Barcelona boasts nine monuments protected by UNESCO. Park Güell, Palau Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Crypt of the Church at Colonia Guell, Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau.
6. Medal for Architecture
Barcelona is the only city to have been awarded a gold medal for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
7. Walt Disney has tried to buy all the exhibits of a museum
The Museo de Autómatas del Tibidabo was inaugurated in 1909 and is part of the amusement park Tibidabo. The museum exhibits over 40 automatons from the end of the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Walt Disney made an offer to buy all the automatons, but this was declined. Still today this museum can be visited in the park Tibidabo.
8. Las Ramblas consists of 5 different streets
The world famous Las Ramblas actually consists of five streets. Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins and Rambla de Santa Mònica.
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