Civil War, Franco & Modern Times

Anarchism & Civil War (1936–1939)

Barcelona was the center of Spanish anarchism and the labor movement. During the Civil War (1936–1939), the city was a stronghold of the Republic. George Orwell fought here and wrote "Homage to Catalonia" about his experiences. The city was bombarded by Franco's troops — the bullet holes on Plaça Sant Felip Neri are a reminder to this day. On January 26, 1939, Barcelona fell to Franco.

Franco Dictatorship (1939–1975)

Under Franco, Catalan was banned again — in schools, administration, and public life. The Catalan flag (Senyera) was not allowed to be displayed. FC Barcelona became a symbol of silent resistance: Camp Nou was one of the few places where Catalan could be spoken. "Més que un club" — more than a club — became the motto of an oppressed nation.

Democracy & Olympics (1975–1992)

After Franco's death in 1975, the Transición (transition to democracy) began. In 1979, Catalonia received an autonomy statute with its own parliament and government. Catalan became an official language again. The 1992 Olympic Games transformed Barcelona: The beach was created (previously there were factories and tracks), Montjuïc was redesigned, and the fishing district Barceloneta was renovated. Barcelona became a global city.

The Independence Movement

Since the 2010s, the Catalan independence movement has grown significantly. The (illegal) referendum on October 1, 2017, and the subsequent images of police violence against voters shook Spain and Europe. The Catalan government unilaterally declared independence, Madrid suspended autonomy, and President Carles Puigdemont fled into exile. The question of Catalan independence remains a complex and emotional issue — as a visitor, you should be informed but refrain from hasty judgments.