When was Barcelona founded? What country is Barcelona in?

Barcelona (Spain) is the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Barcelona with descriptions, guides and maps.

Barcelona city

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is the largest metropolis on the coast Mediterranean Sea with a population of more than one and a half million people and the second largest in the country. Barcelona is a vibrant seaside city and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - Gaudí's masterpieces, beaches and sea, delicious food and entertainment for every taste.

Barcelona's attractions span nearly 2,000 years of history and include a medieval old town, a unique street grid that reflects 19th-century urban planning trends, and many interesting, unusual and even slightly fabulous buildings, most notably the architectural delights of Antoni Gaudí. On the streets of the capital of Catalonia you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval quarters and cathedrals, sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró found inspiration, where you can wander aimlessly through its streets, stumble upon charming corners, listen to street musicians or have a good time in cozy cafes.

Districts:

• Ciutat Vella ( Old city) - the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​the central area right on the Mediterranean coast. This is the main place of attraction where most of the city's historical attractions are concentrated.
• Eixample - modernist quarter, square buildings and street geometry.
• Gràcia - located in the northern part of Barcelona. This once separate city (founded in the 17th century) was annexed to the capital of Catalonia in the 20th century.
• Sants-Montjuïc is the southern outskirts of the city. The port is located here.
• Sant Martí is the eastern outskirts of the city.
• Inland Suburbs - suburbs. Here is the famous Camp Nou stadium and the highest point in Barcelona.

Geography and climate

Barcelona is located on the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the border with France. The city is bordered on the south by the Collserola Mountains and the Llobregat River, and on the north by the Besos River. The highest point is Tibidabo. The city itself lies on five hills, which give the city districts their name.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The hottest period is July and August. The coldest is January. Although even in winter the average temperature is about +10 degrees.

Practical information

1. Population - 1.62 million people.
2. Area - 101.4 square kilometers.
3. Language - Spanish and Catalan (or Catalan).
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. 62% of Barcelona residents are Catalan.
8. 50% of the population professes Catholicism.
9. Avoid walking alone in the El Raval and La Rambla areas late at night.
10. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
11. If you liked the service, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 3-5% of the bill.
12. Tourist offices are located at the following addresses: Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaza Catalunya, Estació de Sant and in the center of the Gothic quarter Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya.
13. VAT is 21%. Tax free can be returned from a purchase of 90 euros.
14. Smoking in public places is prohibited.
15. Holidays: January 1 - New Year, January 6 - Three Kings Day, Good Friday and Easter, May 1 - World Labor Day, June 24 - St. John the Baptist, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, September 11 - Catalan national holiday, October 12 - Spanish national holiday, November 1 - All Saints' Day, December 6 - Constitution Day, December 25 and 26 - Christmas.
16. Barcelona has a metro network that consists of 11 lines. Public transport also includes buses and trams. The Montjuic and Tibidabo hills can be reached by cable car.
17. IN public transport A single ticket is valid. The cost of one trip is 2.2 euros. Tickets can be bought on buses and at metro stations.

Best time to visit

The highest tourist season is July and August. At this time, the city was given over to tourists. Locals mostly leave the city. Some restaurants and shops are closed, and hotel prices are skyrocketing. The most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is the off-season. At this time it is warm here, but not hot. You can come to the capital of Catalonia in winter. During this period there are few tourists here, it is quite warm and dry.

Story

There are several legends about the founding of the city. One of them attributes the founding of Barcelona to the legend of myths - Hercules, the other - to the Carthaginians. It is known for certain that Iberians lived here. Their city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans built a fortification here, the center of which was located near St. Jacob. Thanks to its location and access to the sea, the city grew, became rich and strengthened until it was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Interestingly, the remains of ancient Roman fortifications and structures can still be found on the streets of Barcelona.

After the conquest by the Visigoths, the capital of their kingdom was located here for some time. At the beginning of the 6th century, in the vicinity of Barcelona, ​​a battle took place between the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, in which the latter were victorious. In the 8th century, Barcelona was taken by the Berbers. At the very beginning of the 9th century, the city was conquered by the son of Charlemagne and made it the capital of the Spanish March. At the end of the 10th century, after a raid by Al-Mansur, the Carolingians lost control of the capital of Catalonia, which gained independence.

In the 12th century, Catalonia united with Valencia to form the Kingdom of Aragon, which lasted until the 15th century. In the 1410th century, control of the city passed to the Castilian dynasty. In the second half of the 17th century, after the fall of the Catalan Republic, Barcelona was sacked. At the beginning of the 18th century, Catalonia was conquered by Spain, to which it remains a part to this day. In the 19th century, Barcelona experienced an industrial boom, which contributed to the growth of the city. In the 20th century, the capital of Catalonia turned into one of the most significant and largest cities in Spain. Despite this, nationalist sentiments and tendencies toward political autonomy have historically been strong in the region.

How to get there

Barcelona International Airport is one of the largest in Europe. It is located approximately 12 km from the city and consists of two terminals. Terminal T1 is new and welcomes a number of major international and European airlines. Terminal T2, which is mainly intended for small carriers and charters. You can get from the airport to the center of Barcelona (Plaça Catalunya) by bus A1 (from T1) and A2 (from T2). The trip will take 30 minutes. Buses run from 5.30 to 1.00. A cheaper option is bus 46, which serves both terminals and goes to the stop Plaza de España. The airport is also connected to the city by metro (line 9) and the natural train line.

Barcelona has developed railway connections with Nice, Paris, Marseille, Milan, Zurich, Madrid and other European cities. Bus connections are available to most major cities Spain and European countries incl. London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels, Paris, etc. You can get to Barcelona by sea from Rome, Sardinia, Genoa, Livorno, Algeria.

Shopping and purchases

Barcelona is one of the main shopping centers in Spain. There are more than 30,000 shops in the Catalan capital. The main shopping street is the pedestrian Las Rambla. Most shops and shopping centers are closed on Sundays. Among the markets, the huge La Boqueria, located in Ciutat Vella, stands out. The most fashionable shops and boutiques are located in this area. Souvenirs can be bought in the Gothic Quarter and Las Rambla.

Food and drink

Catalans are proud of their cuisine, but to find a good and inexpensive establishment, we recommend deviating from the tourist path. Traditional Basque cuisine is common in Barcelona, ​​as well as Spanish and Italian cuisine. Catalan cuisine is a type of Mediterranean cuisine that includes soups, salads, meat, fish and seafood. Their traditional dishes are worth trying: paella, pa amb tomėquet (bread with tomatoes), jamon, anchovy sandwich (anchoas de L'Escala), squid ink risotto (Arros negre), garlic pasta (El allioli), grilled sausages with beans (La butifarra), beans with black pudding (Las habas a la catalana), canneloni (Los canelones).In addition, excellent wine is made in Catalonia!

From best restaurants with traditional cuisine we can highlight:

• Can Pineda - Carrer de Sant Joan de Malta, 55
• Ca l "Isidre - C / Flors, 12
• Petit Comitè - Passatge de la Concepció, 13
• Can Valles - Aragó, 95
• Òsties Pedrin - Jerusalem 30
• Bar Angel - Ocata, 2 bis
• El Sortidor de la Filomena Pages

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. Almost every area of ​​the city has its own bars and clubs. But the main place of concentration of such establishments is the port area.

Attractions

The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in the following areas: the Old Town (Ciutat Vella), the Eixample and the port with the Montjuic hill. The Old Town is the oldest part of the Catalan capital. Here you can find evidence of more than two thousand years of history of the city: from the ancient Roman period to the Middle Ages. The port and hill of Montjuic is the seaside part of the capital of Catalonia, where a shipyard and a large park are located. Eixample is a new city designed in the 19th century.

The Old Town is the historical core of Barcelona with an area of ​​about 500 hectares. Until the mid-19th century, it was surrounded by fortress walls. A fragment of the original city fortifications can be found at the medieval shipyard, within the walls of which there is a maritime museum. The district consists of four parts.

The central part of the old city is the Gothic Quarter. This has been the center of the city since Roman times. Here you can see the ruins of Roman buildings and plunge into the labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. In the Gothic Quarter you can discover charming atmospheric places and picturesque quiet squares, enlivened by the emotions of people and the sounds of guitars, and in quaint courtyards you can sit in small cute cafes with terraces.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulampia

Main attractions of the Gothic Quarter:

• Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Eulampia - Cathedral Barcelona, ​​founded in the 13th century, is a Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral was built over 6 centuries. The temple building was built on the site of an early Christian church destroyed by Al-Mansur. Only the baptistery has survived from the ancient building. The main façade and bell tower were completely finished at the end of the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. The inside of the cathedral is very impressive: from the magnificent choir and pulpit to the crypt where the relics of St. Eulampia.
• Santa Maria del Pi is a beautiful Gothic basilica from the 14th century. The vaulted ceiling is one of the highest in Spain and the four stained glass windows are original (the work of Josep Ravella). The cathedral has a high 54-meter tower, which is the tallest medieval building in the Old Town.
• The Town Hall is a building in Piazza Sant Jaume, founded in the 14th century. Located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. The Town Hall has a neoclassical façade, hiding its Gothic past.
• Barcino is a sculptural composition of 7 giant letters located opposite a Roman wall. Depicts ancient name capital of Catalonia.
• The Church of San Felipe Neri is a small religious building hidden in a small square with a romantic atmosphere.
• The Roman wall and ancient aqueduct (Casa de l'Ardiaca) adjoin Plaza Nova. The seat of the church diocese has been here since the 12th century.
• Sant Juste and Pastor is considered the oldest church in Barcelona. It was founded in the 9th century after the Frankish conquest. Unfortunately, practically nothing remains of the Romanesque and Gothic church.
• Ramón Berenguer el Gran Square and Laietana Street - a section of the Roman wall with the Gothic chapel of Santa Agata. This area is a majestic mixture of two different eras: Roman and Medieval. Initially, the city's fortifications had 74 towers. The walls were 16 meters high. The Royal Chapel of Santa Agata was built in the 14th century.
• Plaza del Rey is one of the most charming squares in Barcelona, ​​a true Gothic ensemble. Here is the majestic royal palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Catalonia from the 13th to the 15th century, and the watchtower of King Martí.

La Rambla is a famous pedestrian boulevard that divides the historical center into two parts. This is the busiest street in Barcelona. It was founded in the 18th century following the contours of the medieval walls.

La Rambla is home to impressive historical buildings, a variety of shops, Barcelona's greatest theater and the impressive Boqueria market.

La Ribera is a charming area favored by bohemians. In the past, the richest residents of Barcelona lived here. Now there are museums here, art galleries, restaurants and wine bars.

Port Vell is a medieval shipyard and port. This is the starting point for pleasure boats. The red brick Palau de Mar houses one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona - the Museum of the History of Catalonia.

The Citadel Park was built in the 19th century on the site of a military fortress for the World Exhibition.

The Sagrada Familia (Cathedral of the Holy Family) is the symbol of Barcelona and Gaudí's masterpiece, an impressive basilica and one of the most unusual churches in Europe. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in Europe. The church was started by Gaudí at the end of the 19th century, but has never been completed to this day.

Located in the northern part of Barcelona in the Eixample district. The Sagrada Familia is a wonderful example of surreal architecture in the art nouveau style. During construction, Antonio Gaudi did not have a clear idea and project. He changed the appearance of the basilica in the process of work. The famous Catalan architect planned to complete the work in 10-15 years.

Park Güell is another visiting card of Barcelona. This cheerful and colorful park was created by Gaudí and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Viaducts, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases and other charming places are scattered throughout the space. These creative structures are decorated with colorful ceramic fragments. Opens from the park terrace beautiful view to the city and the sea. Gaudi himself loved this area very much. His home was also located here.

Casa Mila is an avant-garde style residential building in the Eixample district, built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is Gaudí's most famous secular building and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Every line of this amazing natural stone building's façade is curved, with curved windows and metal balconies that curl into the shape of plants. Even the roof has a wavy shape, complemented by decorative chimneys.

Casa Batllo- another masterpiece of Gaudi and one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It is a remarkable example of modernist architecture and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fantastic mansion was designed as a private residence for the prominent textile manufacturer Josep Batlló. With its free-swinging forms and decorative facade, this fairy-tale building looks like a castle from a surreal fairy tale. Most of its design details are a complete departure from any architectural trends.

Montjuic is a hill near the port with the largest park in Barcelona - Tibidabo and the old Jewish cemetery. The beautiful palace houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia, with art collections from the 10th to the 20th century.

Monestir de Pedralbes is a 14th century monastery, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Located in a picturesque small park. The monastery museum houses a magnificent collection of medieval art from the 14th century.

Camp Nou is one of the greatest football stadiums in the world, home of FC Barcelona.

Barcelona - the prosperous Catalan capital makes a grandiose impression. The city boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings and superb museums (dedicated to Picasso, Miro and Catalan art), but the greatest pleasure can be found in the narrow alleys, bars and cafes where you can have fun, eat and drink until late and soak up the local atmosphere .

This largest port and most prosperous commercial center in Spain is distinguished by a complex and dynamic culture, and is ahead of the rest of the country in this sense. Barcelona is one of the outstanding cities, has its own history of development, which differs from all others, which found perfect and eccentric expression in the architecture of Antoni Gaudi.

Arrival, transport and accommodation in Barcelona

The airport, 17 kilometers southwest, is connected by train to Barcelona Sants main station, from where you can take the metro to the city center (line 3 to Ramblas and Liceu). Many trains from the airport also go to Plaza de Catalunya, which is a more direct route to the Barri Gotic area. You can take the Airbus airport bus to the center via Placa d'Espanya, Gran Via and Placa de Catalunya.

Traveling into the center by local taxi is expensive, so it is better to book one (the fastest way to get into the city). Barcelona Sants are in charge Train Station The city is home to intercity and some international trains, and many intercity buses stop here (metro line 3 leads directly from here to the Ramblas).

Spanish and European trains arrive at Estacio de Francia station next to the fortress park (Parc de la Ciutadella) long distance, as well as intercity trains. From Estacio de Francia, you can take metro line 4 from the nearby Barceloneta station or just walk (5 minutes) to the Barri Gotic area along Via Laietana and Calle Jaume.

The main bus station is located at Estacio del Nord (North Station), which is three blocks north of the fortress park near the Arc de Triomf metro station. Boats moor at the Estacio Marítima marina at the bottom of the Ramblas on the Moll de Barcelona.

The best travel agency is located below Plaza Catalunya (daily 9.00-21.00; Catalunya metro station). Other branches are located at Place St. James (metro Jame I), at the train station and at the airport. The branch in Plaza Catalunya provides personal services. The fastest way to travel around the city is by metro (5.00/6.00-23.00/24.00, until 2.00 on weekends), stations are marked with a red crystal sign.

Bus routes (6.30-22.00) are much more extensive, and at each stop there is a map of the city with all routes. A limited number of yellow night buses pass through Plaza Catalunya. For travel by metro and bus there is a single fare of 1.15 euros and a little more expensive on night buses.

If you plan to stay in Barcelona for more than two days, it is better to buy an E-10 or targeta ticket book at the metro station for 6 euros for travel on the metro, buses and some regional train lines within the city (there are also cards for suburban areas ).

There are also daily T-Dia cards (for 24 hours and 5 days) with the right to unlimited travel. The Barcelona Card (one and five days) includes travel to/from the local airport, all city transport, discounts on museums, shopping and restaurants. Tourist buses (Bus Turistic) connect 27 famous attractions in Barcelona, ​​you can transfer at any time.

Tickets can be purchased at the travel agency or at the bus station (they also include discounts when visiting museums, shops and restaurants). Black and yellow taxis are inexpensive, there are many of these cars, and they are very helpful at night. The minimum tariff is 1.15 euros, 1.30 euros after 22.00 and on weekends.

Accommodation in Barcelona is some of the most expensive in the country, and you are unlikely to find a double room for less than 50 euros. The travel agency at Placa de Catalunya can help in this regard, or you can use the Barcelona online service. The old town has a large concentration of hotels and hostales, with the cheapest establishments located in the alleys around the Ramblas.

The closer you get to the port, the noisier and less healthy the surroundings become: in general, the normal establishments are concentrated in the Calle de Escudellers area. The best and cheapest accommodation can be found between the Ramblas and Saint James Square, in the area bounded by Calle de Escudellers and Calle de la Boqueria, near Placa Reial.

Visitors are strongly advised to book at least the first two nights of accommodation as early as possible. Barcelona has one HI hostel and several tourist ones, as well as hundreds of campsites on the coast in any direction (but at least 11 kilometers from the city).

• Barcelona Hotels

1). Hotel Centric– The establishment on a quiet street (but close to attractions) provides good rooms. Metro Universitat. Location: Casanova 13, Eixample;

2). Hotel Gat Raval– This clean, bright and youthful hotel in the hippy Macba district features minimalist design and hospitable staff. Metro Universitat. Location: Joaquim Costa 44, Raval;

3). Hotel Grau– A bright hotel with a good cafe and bar (breakfast 3-7 euros), there is Internet access. Metro Catalunya. Location: Ramelleres 27, Rava;

4). Hotel La Terrassa– A clean and inexpensive establishment with simple single, double and triple rooms (some with private facilities) and a nice terrace. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta del Comerc 11, Raval.

• Hostels in Barcelona

1). Albergue Verge de Montserrat Hostel– The pleasant HI Hostel is located half an hour from the city center (breakfast included in the price). Vallcarca metro station. 23 euros. Location: Pg. Mare de Deu del Coll 41-51, Horta;

2). Hostel Barcelona Mar– New hostel with laundry and internet access near Macba and Ramblas. Metro Paral.lel/Drassanes. Dorms. 23 euros, breakfast included. Location: Sant Pau 80, Raval;

3). Hostel Center Rambles– A very popular hostel near the Ramblas with a lot of amenities, it doesn’t lock. Metro Liceu.Dorms, 16 euros, breakfast included. Location: Hospital 63, Raval;

4). Gothic Point Hostel– A lively place with large bedrooms and good facilities, very popular among young tourists and therefore noisy. Metro Jaume I. 21 euros, breakfast included. Location: Vigaans 5-9, La Ribera;

5). Hostel Itaca– Extremely popular and nice new hostel near the cathedral with internet access, cafe, canteen and book exchange. Metro Jaume I. 18 euros. Location: Ripoll 21, Barri Gotic;

6). Sea Point Hostel– Nice rooms and cafes open onto the terrace. Metro Barceloneta. 21 euros, including breakfast and internet. Location: Pl.del Mar 1-4, Barceloneta.

Sights of Barcelona

The area of ​​perhaps the greatest interest in Barcelona is the old town. These narrow streets above the harbor are easy to explore on foot; the alleys of the Barry Gothic district intersect in the center. On its western outskirts, the old city is divided by the main city thoroughfare - the famous Ramblas.

On the northern edge of the Ramblas there is Plaza Catalunya, or Plaza de Catalanya, on the southern edge there is the harbor and the old port, or Port Veil. To the west of the Ramblas lie the labyrinthine Barrio Chino, or Chinatown ( official name El Raval). Medieval streets run along both sides of the Ramblas, northeast to La Ribera and west to the fortress at the top.

Leads from the hill cable car to Barceloneta, the waterfront area east of the harbour. The modern commercial area begins at Plaça Catalunya and is home to unusual architectural structures, including Gaudí's Sagrada Familia.

• Ramblas and El Raval

Only in a city like Barcelona can a street, or rather streets, be an attraction in themselves. But the Ramblas is not just a street, because here you can find everything from a flower market to fire eaters, street actors, lap dogs. In the evenings, the whole of Barcelona strolls here.

Walking from Plaza Catalunya, you gradually leave the area of ​​​​the luxurious facades of banks and department stores and find yourself in a simpler port area, where the Ramblas comes to the very heart of the notorious red light district. Nowadays, the harbor area is not as dangerous as it used to be: the transformation of the old port means the presence of trendy bars and clubs next to the dubious old establishments.

Don't miss the city's glorious and main food market, La Boqueria, a magnificent gallery of objects and smells, with excellent eateries and bars, as well as a fresh seafood restaurant. The famous Barcelona opera Liceu, restored after a fire in January 1994, is practically adjacent to this building.

Almost opposite is the famous Cafe de l'Opera - a luxurious meeting place for high society, but not as expensive as you might imagine. A short walk north of here is the spectacular Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) with an interesting exhibition of works by foreign and domestic artists.

A little further beyond the arched passage of the Ramblas lies the elegant Plaza Royal (19th century). It is decorated with tall palm trees and forged lamps (designed by the young Gaudi). It's always full of all sorts of eccentric personalities, drinking establishments and everything else. The majestic Palau Guell rises towards the end of Calle Nou de la Rambla.

Gaudí created many of his first creations for his eccentric, wealthy patrons, among whom the most famous was the shipowner and industrialist Eusebio Güell. This building perfectly combines forged supports, marble, ceramics, wood, stained glass and carved glass. Don't forget to go to the roof of this building.

At the end of the Ramblas by the harbor, a statue of Columbus looks out to sea from the top of a grand column called the Mirador de Colon. You can take the elevator to the head of the sculpture and admire the beautiful panorama of the city. Opposite, on the western side of the Ramblas, are the medieval Drassanes shipyards (13th century). The spectacular stone buildings with vaults house the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim), where the most valuable exhibit is a 16th-century royal galleon.

• Gothic, La Ribera and Ciutadella

A surprising number of remarkable medieval Gothic buildings are collected within a few blocks of the Ramblas - in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) district - the center of the old city, which was formed when it reached the height of its commercial prosperity.

In the center of the quarter is the Plaza de Sant Jaume, on one side of which stands the restored town hall. On the square stands the Generalitat Palace, the seat of the Catalan government, which was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style. On the ground floor there is a beautiful vaulted gallery with superb coffered ceilings.

Behind the square is Barcelona's La Seu Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Spain. Magnificent galleries open onto a lush tropical park with tall palm trees and snow geese. In addition to the cathedral buildings, the largest number of historical monuments are collected in the Barri Gothic area next to the Royal Square.

The best ancient Roman excavations in Barcelona were carried out under the Royal Palace (formerly the palace of the Counts of Barcelona), which now houses the Museum of the City's History (Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat). Here, ancient Roman and Visigothic relics are preserved as they were discovered during construction work in the 1930s.

East from Plaza de Sant Jaume the path leads along Via Laietana to La Ribera and Carrer de Montcada, with a number of beautifully restored period buildings. One of them houses the Picasso Museum with one of the world's largest collections of the master's works and the only one of its kind in his homeland. Further on the other side is the wonderful church of Santa Maria del Mar, built on seashore in the 14th century.

Its soaring lines symbolize Catalonia's superiority in Mediterranean trade, and it is closer to the heart local residents even compared to the cathedral. You can take a little break from the bustle of the city in the green and fairly quiet Ciutadella Park near the Church of Santa Maria. The Catalan Parliament meets here, there is a lake, a monumental fountain by Gaudi and the city zoo.

• Port Vell, Barceloneta and Port Olympique (Olympic Port)

The entire area of ​​the Old Port (Port Vel) has been revived, especially extensive complex Maremagnuin, where the path leads from the Columbus monument. When planning the area, attention was paid to a chic shopping center, a huge aquarium, an Imax cinema complex and many bars and expensive restaurants. This is the outskirts of the Barceloneta district with clean Barcelona beaches and fish restaurants.

The cable car leads from here to Montjuic. A kilometer east along the beach is the Olympic Port with a lot of bars and restaurants. In the evenings, the tables are cleared away and the city's liveliest dance scene takes place here. Many bars perform salsa, house and techno music for a chic crowd.

• Sagrada Familia and Park Guell

Barcelona presents - primarily thanks to the works of Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) - the most fantastic and interesting creations of modern architecture in the world. Undoubtedly, his most famous work is the unfinished Temple of the Holy Family, or Sagrada Familia, northeast of Plaza Catalunya.

Its construction is still ongoing, and the interior is a giant construction site. The most interesting thing is to watch how Gaudí's latest plans are being implemented. The place itself is stunning with its eight spiers at an altitude of over 100 meters.

Gaudí considered this a metaphorical representation of the twelve apostles: he planned to build four more above the main facade and add a 180-meter tower at the top of the gallery above the transept, flanked by four smaller towers representing the evangelists.

By elevator or on foot you can climb one of the towers and enjoy the dizzying view of the entire complex, and also try to climb the walls and towers. Inside, in the small Gaudi Museum, you can learn in detail about the architect's career and the history of the construction of the cathedral.

In addition, visit (Parc Guell) - his most ambitious project after the Sagrada Familia. This is a kind of hallucination with huge decorative lizards and a huge Hall of Columns, where there is another small museum with examples of furnishings created according to Gaudí's designs.

• Mountain (hill) Montjuic

Montjuïc has many attractions: five museums, a Spanish village, an Olympic stadium and a castle with magnificent views of the city. If you try to walk up the steep hill from Placa d'Espanya, you come to a building National Palace- the center of the Barcelona World Exhibition of 1929, which now houses one of the best in the country, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.

Its huge collection includes a Romanesque collection - the best of its kind in the world: 35 local rooms are filled with frescoes of the 11th-12th centuries, collected here from a number of small Pyrenean churches and placed in a beautiful exhibition. There is also a significant collection of Baroque and Renaissance works.

Barcelona's renowned Archaeological Museum of Catalonia contains exhibits predominantly from the Roman era, but also houses Carthaginian and Etruscan relics, and is located east of the National Palace.

Next door is the Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona's most active art museum dedicated to the great Catalan artist. The beautiful white building houses a permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings, tapestries and sculptures donated by Miro himself and reflecting the period 1914-1978.

Not far on the other side of the National Palace is the Poble Español, or "Spanish Village", which contains replicas of characteristic buildings from all over Spain and has a lively club scene in the evenings. Prices (especially for products of “authentic Spanish masters” and in bars) are sky-high.

From here the main route climbs uphill to the 1992 Olympic Games arena. The Olympic Stadium itself was originally built for the 1929 World Exhibition, and in 1992 it was completely redone for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

It should be noted that an entire Olympic gallery is dedicated to the opening and closing process of the Olympic Games. Far from the museum complex and sports arenas, Montjuic Castle (18th century) rises on the ruins of the 17th century, offering a magnificent panorama of the city.

Food, drink and entertainment in Barcelona

Barcelona has a wide variety of restaurants that cater to the needs of budget tourists as well. Please note that many establishments are closed on Sundays and in August, and the fixed menu (menu of the day) is only available at lunchtime. For picnic supplies, head to the La Boqueria indoor market off the Ramblas. Hundreds of excellent bars and cafes dot the city centre, including the lively tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter.

Especially a good place near the Picasso Museum: many popular bars are located along Passeig de Born, in the square at the end of Calle Montcada behind the Church of Santa Maria del Mar. North of the center, the mostly student area of ​​Gracia (metro station Fontana) is full of drinking establishments around main square Placa del Sol. Barcelona's nightlife is one of the most interesting in Europe, although it is not cheap: in the most exclusive establishments, beer can cost you ten times more than in the next bar.

Music bars close at 03.00, discos close at 04.00 or 05.00, and some clubs open on weekends between 05.00 and 09.00. Among the more expensive and fashionable places are the high-tech establishments in the Eixample, Calle Ganduxer, Avda Diagonal and Via Augusta, west of Gracia. Quieter and more alternative spots are concentrated in the streets around Macba and to the south, although they are deserted on weekdays in the off-season. For information on current events, see the weekly Guia del Ocio, which is sold in newsagents that provide information on hotels and travel agencies.

• Barcelona Restaurants

1). Arc Restaurant– Students, tourists and artists are regulars at this brasserie bar in the old town, breakfast until 13.00. Metro Drassanes. Location: Carabassa 19, Barri Gotic;

2). Restaurant Can Manel– Cozy good place, daily menu del dia for 8.25 euros. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg.Joan de Borbo 60, Barceloneta;

3). Restaurant Casa Delfin– A bar-restaurant with paper tablecloths that attracts locals menu del dia. Closed on Sundays. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg. del Born 36, La Ribera;

4). Restaurants Comme-Bio & Comme-Bio II– Vegetarian restaurants are the same type as natural food stores. Lunch – 8.50 euros. Location: Via Laietana, La Ribera; Gran Via 603 (corner Rambla de Catalunya, Example, Jaume I metro station);

5). Cran Restaurant– Exceptional service and wonderful Catalan and French food. Location: Avinyo, 9, Barri Gotic;

6). Restaurant L'economic– Great place with three menu options for 8 euros, wine included. Metro Jaume I. Closed on weekends. Location: Pl.Sant Agustti Veil 13, La Ribera;

7). Restaurant Lupino– Elegant restaurant-bar at Placa Gardunya, lunch menu 8.50. Good recommendations. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 33, El Rival;

8). Meson David Restaurant– Nice family restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Wednesdays. Metro Paraliel. Location: Carrates 65;

9). Restaurant Organic– Vegetarian restaurant. Excellent salads, soups, pizza and homemade bread. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta de Comers 11;

10). Restaurant Ovni– Stylish, fantastic vegetarian restaurant where you can eat from 6.60 to 7.95 euros. Free internet access for up to 30 minutes. Metro Jaume I. Location: Via Laietana 32;

11). Ra Restaurant– Bar-restaurant with an exceptional lunch menu for 10 euros. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 34;

12). Restaurant Silenus– Delicious and nutritious food is offered at very reasonable prices at the hippie eatery on the corner of Macba. Closed on Sundays. Metro Liceu. Location: Angeles 8, Raval;

• Cafes and bars in Barcelona

1). Cafe Canigo– Favorite place for locals. Closed on Mondays. Metro Fontana. Location: PI. de la Revolucio, Cracia;

2). Cafe Cereria– Literary cafe with good pastries. Metro Jaume I. Location: Bxda. De Sant Miquel 3, Barri Gotic;

3). Establishment Fira– Only in Barcelona – for lovers of fairground carousels and circuses. Open until 23.00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Metro Provenca. Location: Provenca 171, Eixample;

4). Bar Kasparo– A bar with a terrace in a beautiful park, with good food. Metro Catalunya. Location: PI. Vincenc Martorell, El Raval;

5). Bar Muebles Navarro– Remodeled furniture store with spacious premises and strong drinks. Popular with gay people. Open from 18.00, closed on Mondays. Metro Sant Antoni. Location: Riera Alta 4-6, El Raval;

6). Bar Parnasse– This hippy bar has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You can listen to jazz and drink whiskey or the legendary French absinthe at a modest price. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Metro Jaume I. Location: Gignas 21, Barri Gotic;

7). Cafe Textil– The establishment in the characteristic courtyard from the Middle Ages near the fabric museum has braziers in winter, but the prices for drinks scare off young students from art institutions. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jaume I. Location: Montcada 12, La Ribera;

8). Bar Travel– Popular place, you can have a snack, internet access, and great drinks. Metro Liceu. Location: Boqueria 27, Barri Gotic;

9). Bar Virreina– Great bar with Belgian beer and sandwiches. Location: PI. De la Virreina 1, Cracia.

• Bars and eateries in Barcelona

1). Bar Ba-Ba-Reeba– Typical city tapas bar with good choice food, open until 1.30. Metro Pg. de Gracia. Location: Pg.de Gracia 28, Eixample;

2). Bar Euskal Etxea– The Basque bar specializes in spicy dishes. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jame I. Location: Placeta Montcada 1-3, Barri Gotic;

3). Bar Jai-Ca– Small corner bar with the best snacks. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Ginebra 13, Barceloneta;

4). Bar Taller de Tapas– One of the city establishments where a bar and restaurant operate simultaneously. Quality food in an elegant, relaxing environment. Good recommendations. Metro Jame I. Location: de I'Agreneria;

5). Snack bar Vaso de Oro– One of the city's best tapas eateries, a pleasant bar. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Carrer de Balboa 6.

• Clubs and venues with live music

1). Night club KGB– Diverse club with good alternative rock and pop music. Joanic metro station. Location: Alegre de Dalt 55, Gracia;

2). Loft establishment– A place where you can listen to hard rock. Open only on Friday and Saturday. Metro Bogatell. Location: Pamplona 88, Poble Nou;

3). Nightclub Metro– The Barcelona unconventional club has welcomed everyone from Mark Almond to J.P. Gaultier and is still popular. Universitat metro station. Location: Sepulveda 185, Eixample;

4). Moog Nightclub– A techno-style establishment with the best English and European DJs (the best time to visit the club is on Wednesdays and Sundays). Drassanes metro station. Location: Arc del Teatre 3, Barri Xines;

5). Nightclub Razz– Underground rock and punk. Bogatell metro station. Location: Almogavers 122, Poble Nou;

6). Nightclub Sala Apolo/Club Nitsa– Alternative rock stars perform here, and you can listen to electronic and techno at Nitsa on the weekends. Metro paral. lel. Location: Nou de la Rambla 113, Poble Sec.

• Barcelona on the map of Spain

In contact with

In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by picturesque mountains, is located one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Barcelona. It is the heart of Spanish Catalonia and is also an important industrial, commercial and Cultural Center. The city of the famous Gaudi...

The first written sources about Barcelona date back to the 3rd century BC, although it is likely that a settlement existed here much earlier. There are two versions about the founding of the city and both of them are associated with the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, the father of Hannibal. The first legend says that the city was first founded by the legendary hero of ancient Greek myths, Hercules, and Hamilcar Barca only rebuilt it in the 3rd century BC. In the second version, it was Hamilcar Barca who became the founder of the city, naming it in honor of his family - Barsino.

In the 2nd century BC. the city was conquered by the Romans. Largely due to its convenient location and excellent natural harbor, ancient Barcelona, ​​which initially did not have much significance or influence, soon became a very prosperous city with its own coinage, and subsequently one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean, competing on equal terms with Genoa and Venice.

At the beginning of the 5th century, Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoths and for a time became the residence of King Ataulf. At the beginning of the 8th century, Barcelona came under the control of the Moors, and already in 801 it was conquered by the Frankish Carolingians, becoming the capital of the Spanish March and the county of the same name. The county of Barcelona was able to free itself from Carolingian rule only in 988. Since that time, Catalonia has actually officially traced its history, the political and economic center of which was Barcelona. In the 12th century, Catalonia became part of one of the most powerful maritime and trading powers of the Middle Ages - the Kingdom of Aragon.

The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile in the second half of the 15th century marked the beginning of the unification of Spanish lands. The political center moved to Madrid, and Barcelona lost its influence and gradually fell into decay, which was greatly facilitated by the subsequent numerous wars.

A new era for Barcelona began with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The city grew and developed rapidly. Many new enterprises appeared, and very soon Barcelona became a major center of the textile industry and mechanical engineering. Towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Barcelona experienced a cultural revival. This period is also of exceptional importance for the architecture of Barcelona. The unique masterpieces of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, which so harmoniously combined seemingly the most incredible shapes and colors, have become the hallmark of the Catalan capital and the pride of local residents.

Today Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe by tourists. Among the many attractions of the city that perfectly illustrate the development of the history and culture of Barcelona, ​​it is worth noting the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the works of Gaudi - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Casa Calvet , Palace Guell, etc.

The capital of Catalonia is the main tourist center of Spain. Ancient city, full of amazing architectural sights, ideal for independent and family holidays. Life in the area where Barcelona is located is in full swing, and every guest dreams of staying here forever. Cosmopolitan Barcelona combines different cultures and religions while maintaining Catalan authenticity.

A city that tourists adore

The most beautiful city in the Mediterranean ranks second in population, second only to Madrid. Guests who have already vacationed in the metropolis know exactly where Barcelona is located. The capital of Catalonia, filling with positive energy and giving a charge of good mood, is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The close proximity to the most popular resorts in Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca, Costa Bravo) makes it incredibly attractive in the eyes of tourists.

Where is the metropolis located?

However, for many, the question of where Barcelona is located and in what country is perplexing. It arises even at the stage of considering travel options. But it is enough to remember the geography course to refresh your memory of the school curriculum. Then it will be very easy to answer the question: “Where is Barcelona?” On the map globe you need to find Spain (southwest Europe), and then find the city itself on the Mediterranean coast, at the mouth of the Llobregat River.

Some information about the city

The huge plateau where Barcelona is located is surrounded by the Collserola Mountains in the south, and the Besos River is the border in the north. Since the ancient city is located on a hilly area, its landscape produces unforgettable impression on travelers. Most high point is Mount Tibidado, visible from different corners metropolis. Twenty-five years ago, a television tower was erected on it, created for the Olympics. There are legends that it was from this height that the Devil showed amazing panoramas, tempting Jesus.

The climate here is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Since the territory where Barcelona is located in Spain is located on east coast Iberian Peninsula, the influence of the Atlantic winds means that there is very little rainfall here.

When is the best time to come?

The high tourist season occurs during summer holidays and vacations. Most travelers tired of the cold come here to swim in the warm sea and sunbathe on the beaches. From the end of June to the beginning of September, the city, where the air temperature rises above 30 o C, is crowded with guests, and store and restaurant workers behave quite intrusively. If you are not afraid of the bustle and noise, as well as intense heat, then feel free to plan a trip to Barcelona in the summer.

However, many prefer to take advantage of the unique opportunity to save money on vacation and make an amusing trip in May or autumn, when there are few tourists and prices are pleasant. And even in cool winter, when the average temperature is 10 o C, you can have a great rest. As travelers say, the metropolis is popular 365 days a year.

Treasury of World Culture

The area where the city of Barcelona is located deserves to get to know it in more detail, exploring every corner. The capital of Catalonia, with its unique flavor and special atmosphere, will allow everyone to enjoy every day of relaxation. A true treasury of world culture, attracting millions of guests with its masterpieces, has become the main tourist centre of our planet. The architectural genius of Gaudi worked here, leaving behind many attractions, and his name has long become a symbol of the Catalan capital.

Where to visit?

It is no coincidence that all the neighborhoods are charming settlement(Puchet, Carmel, Monterols, Peira, Rovira) are named after the hills on which they are located. Barcelona is divided into 10 administrative districts, but the Old Town, the historical center of the Spanish pearl, is of greatest interest to tourists. Here is the Gothic Quarter, where you can feel the spirit of real Europe. El Gòtic is more reminiscent of a medieval miniature town where time has stood still. You can even get lost in the colorful labyrinth of narrow streets.

You can't help but visit the Gracia district - a curious place where creative people and students gather. This most interesting corner is distinguished by pretty streets with a non-standard layout. Here the fun continues until the morning, and there are real legends about Bohemian parties. Gracia is adored by shopaholics who enjoy visiting fashion boutiques.

Home tourist street Barcelona is La Rambla - the busiest corner of the metropolis. However, you can go for a walk in any area to feel the spirit of proud Barcelona.

But don’t discount modern attractions either. The new town (Eixample) was built only a hundred years ago, but is incredibly popular as it introduces the main works of the famous architect Gaudí.

In addition, vacationers adore Montjuic Mountain, where you can see many historical and modern monuments. From the top of Montjuïc there are amazing panoramas of the city. Tourists will be able to visit the national art museum, an ancient castle, and see colorful singing fountains.

It’s a beautiful city, best explored on foot, and just perfect for walking. Most attractions are located close to each other, and in a few days you can get acquainted with the main monuments of not only the metropolis, but also the country.

Where is Barcelona, ​​when is the best time to visit it, what to pay attention to - you gleaned all this information from this article. Even a week of rest is not enough to explore important architectural and historical sites worthy of attention. This is a city that is suitable for family holidays; in addition, it is adored by couples who dream of uniting their destinies. The capital of Catalonia, which is the main tourist destination on European routes, will give you many pleasant and unforgettable moments.

HISTORY OF FC BARSALONA

1908-1926

In 1908, one of the club's co-founders and former forward Joan (Joan, Hans) Gamper became president of the club for the first time. This happened when the club was on the verge of collapse: after winning the 1905 Catalan championship, the club did not win any trophies for three years, and its financial situation also deteriorated sharply. Gamper was subsequently re-elected president of the club five times. One of Gamper's main achievements was that he helped Barça acquire their own stadium. On March 14, 1909, the team “moved” to the Carrer Indústria stadium, with a capacity of 8,000 spectators.

Gamper also began a campaign to increase the number of club members, and by 1922 their number exceeded 10,000. Also in 1922, the team changed its home ground again, moving to the Camp de Les Corts stadium (or simply Les Corts); The original capacity of this stadium was 22,000 seats, later expanded to an impressive 60,000 seats.

“FC Barcelona cannot die. And he won't die. If no one wants to take care of the club’s affairs now, I will do it myself. I am sure that I will be supported by those who did not doubt me even when football seemed like an abnormal thing. From this day on, I want to forget the injustice and deception that forced me to retire from the affairs of the club, and I want to fight so that one day we will all get back on our feet again...” (From the speech of Hans (Joan) Gamper at a meeting of the Board of Directors FC Barcelona December 2, 1908).

In 1912, Gamper invited the Filipino-Spanish forward Paulino Alcántara to the club, who would give the team a 13-year career (1912-1916, 1918-1927), scoring 357 goals during this time, becoming the top scorer in the history of the club, and opening a long series world-famous football masters who have ever played for Barcelona.

In 1917, at the instigation of Gamper, the former player of the team in 1912-1916, Englishman Jack Greenwell, who coached the team until 1924, became the coach of Barça. These measures helped improve the situation at the club. As a result, during the Gamper presidency, Barcelona won eleven Catalan Championships, six Spanish Cups and four Pyrenees Cups, this was the club's first "golden age". In addition to Alcantara, the then Barça squad, under president Gamper and coach Greenwell, included players such as Emilio Saguy Lignan (aka Saguy-Barba), Josep Samitier, Felix Sezumaga, Franz Platko and the great goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora. However, after several years of playing at Barça, Zamora moved to the camp of its worst enemy, Espanyol.

1923-1939

In the middle of the club's glorious 1920s, Barcelona began to suffer from unsporting political conflicts that would mark decades of the club's history.

On June 14, 1925, the crowd, during a game in honor of the Catalan Orpheus choir, sang the Royal March - the official anthem of the Spanish Kingdom, abolished under the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. In retaliation, the Barcelona stadium was closed by the authorities for six months (then the period was reduced to three), and Gamper was forced to resign as president of the club. The club's founder committed suicide on July 30, 1930, during a period of depression caused by personal and financial problems.

Although the team still had many good players, such as Josep Escola, the club entered a period of failure, as political conflicts in the country relegated sport to the background in the public eye. Barça faced a crisis on three fronts at once: financial, social (the number of club members was constantly declining) and sports (although the team consistently won the Catalan championship (1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1938), but success at the all-Spanish level from eluded them, with the exception of victory in the Mediterranean League in 1937, but this, however, had already happened war time with all its features).

On August 6, 1936, soldiers of Francisco Franco's army arrested and killed the club's president, Josep Suñol, near Guadarrama. In the summer of 1937, the team, led by head coach Patrick O'Connell, went on a tour of the United States and Mexico, where they were considered envoys of the Second Spanish Republic. At this time, the Civil War was in full swing in Spain. This trip improved the financial position of the club, but after it more than half of the team did not return to Spain engulfed in the fire of war, remaining in search of refuge in Mexico and France.

On March 16, 1938, Franco's aircraft dropped a bomb on the Barça social club, causing great damage. A few months later, the city of Barcelona was occupied by the Francoists, and the club, as a symbol of the "undisciplined" Catalan nationalists, faced a number of serious problems. By that time, the number of club members had dropped to 3,486 people.

1939-1974

At the end of the Civil War, under the established Franco dictatorship, the Catalan language and flag were banned (as part of the fight against separatism). Football clubs were also banned from using non-Spanish names. As a result, the team in 1941 was forced to change its name from the old, English-language Football Club Barcelona to the “correct” Spanish Club de Fútbol Barcelona; The club will exist under this name for 33 years. At the same time, the Catalan flag was removed from the coat of arms.

In 1943, at the home stadium of Les Corts, in the first semi-final match of the Generalissimo Cup (Copa del Generalísimo - this is how the Spanish Cup, also known as the King's Cup, was renamed by the new government), the team defeated Real Madrid with a score of 3:0. Madrid won the return match 11:1.

Despite the difficult political situation, Barcelona was able to achieve great success in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1945, the team won the Spanish Championship for the first time since 1929, the coach of the winning team was Josep Samitier, and such masters as Cesar Rodriguez, Anthony Ramallets and Juan Velasco played for the team at that time.

The team won two more championship titles in 1948 and 1949. Also in 1949 the Latin Cup was won.

Under the leadership of coach Ferdinand (Fernando) Daucik and with the presence of Ladislao Kubala, whom some experts consider the best Barça player of all time, in 1952 the team took five trophies: the Spanish Championship, the Spanish Cup (at that time officially called the Copa del Generalísimo , the Generalissimo Cup, that is, Franco), the Latin Cup, the Spanish Super Cup (“Eva Duarte Cup”, as it was called in those years in honor of Eva (Evita) Duarte de Peron) and the Martini and Rossi Cup. In 1953, the team did a double, winning the championship and the Copa del Rey. In the 1957 season, another victory was won in the Spanish Cup. In 1958 the Fairs Cup was won.

In 1957, the newly commissioned Camp Nou became the club's new stadium.

The string of victories continued under the new coach Helenio Herrera.

The squad by that time was strengthened by the young Luis Suarez, who became the European Footballer of the Year in 1960, and two Hungarians from the legendary “golden team”, Sandor Kocsis and Zoltan Czibor, who left their homeland after the suppression of the USSR and the countries of the so-called. “people's democracy” uprising in Hungary (they were taken to the team on the recommendation of Kubala, who knew them closely). With this line-up, Barça achieved a national double in 1959 (Championship and Copa del Rey), and in 1960 they won the second Fairs Cup in their history and again won the national championship. In 1961, they became the first club in history to knock Real Madrid out of the European Cup, breaking Madrid's six-year "monopoly" on the title. In the Champions Cup final in Bern, the Spaniards lost to the Portuguese Benfica with a score of 2:3.

The 1960s were generally not very successful for a club of this level: two Spanish Cups (1963 and 1968) and the 1966 Fairs Cup. In those years, the Spanish Championship became an “internal affair” of the two Madrid giants - Real Madrid and Atlético; Barça was not able to interfere in their rivalry.

In 1974, the team returned to its original name - Futbol Club Barcelona.

1974-1978

In the 1973-1974 season, a man who was destined to become a new Barça legend, the Dutch forward Johan Cruyff (Cruyff), joined the team. Having already established himself as a master of football during his time at Ajax, Cruyff immediately gained a foothold in the base and soon became the team leader. He quickly became a favorite among Barça fans for his performances, but especially rose in their esteem after he told reporters that he had chosen Barça over their arch-enemy Real Madrid (who were also interested in the Dutchman's services). allegedly because, due to his convictions, he could not play for a club associated with the name of Franco. In addition, he later named his son the Catalan name Jordi. Largely thanks to Cruyff, in 1974 Barcelona won the Spanish Primera League for the first time since 1960, and at the same time defeated Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu with a score of 5:0. Also in his first season for Barça, Cruyff was recognized as the best footballer of the year in Europe. In 1978, Cruyff left the club and went to play in the USA.

1978-1988

In 1978, Josep Luis Nunez was elected president of the club. His main goals as head of the club were to transform Barça into a world-class club and ensure financial stability.

During the Nunez era, Barça won two Cup Winners' Cups - in 1978/79 (victory in the final over Fortuna Düsseldorf in extra time) and 1981/82 (in the final at their home Camp Nou they beat Liege 2-1 "Standard") years; the team also won three King's Cups at this time (1980/81, 1982/83, 1987/88).

Before the start of the 1981/1982 season, the German Udo Lattek was appointed coach of the club, who managed to win the Cup Winners' Cup with the team. In June 1982, the team was strengthened by the Argentinean Diego Maradona, who moved from the Argentine team Boca Juniors for a then record transfer sum of £3 million. However, soon, in 1984, the superstar (who managed to have a hand in winning the 1983 Copa del Rey) was bought by the Italian club Napoli, breaking the world transfer record (£ 5 million).

Before the start of the 1984/1985 season, Englishman Terry Venables was appointed coach of the club. German midfielder Bernd Schuster also joined the club. In the 1984/1985 season, the team confidently won the Spanish Championship. And the next season it reached the final of the Champions Cup, where at the Ramon Sánchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville it lost to the Romanian Steaua (0:2 in the penalty shootout).

In the summer of 1986, English goalscorer Gary Lineker, Welsh striker Mark Hughes and promising Basque goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta joined the club. At the same time, Bernd Schuster left the team, joining the camp of his worst enemy - Real Madrid. Before the start of the 1987/1988 season, Luis Aragones replaced Venables as the club's coach. That season ended with the club's victory in the Copa del Rey (beating Real Sociedad 1-0 in the final) and the players' uprising against President Nunez, known as the Motin del Esperia, which, however, did not prevent Nunez's continued tenure in office. (he remained the head of the club until 2000), but many players were forced to leave the club after this event.

1988-1996

In 1988, Johan Cruyff returned to the club as head coach. The team that he headed received a little later, in the early 90s, the nickname “Dream Team”, by analogy with the legendary US basketball team of those years, which won the 1992 Olympics, which was held just in Barcelona.

At that time, a galaxy of brilliant players came to Barça: Amor, Guardiola, Jose Maria Bakero, Txiki Begiristain, Nadal, Eusebio, Goicoechea, Gheorghe Hagi (“Carpathian Maradona”), Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, Romario and Hristo Stoichkov.

From 1991 to 1994, Barça won the Spanish Championship four times in a row. On the European stage, the team won the 1988/1989 Cup Winners' Cup (victory in the final over Sampdoria 2:0) and the 1991/92 Champions Cup (the same Sampdoria was beaten in a dramatic match at Wembley, the decisive goal was a free kick Ronald Koeman scored in the 111th minute of the match). In addition, the club's trophy collection included the Spanish Cup (1990), the UEFA Super Cup (1992) and three Spanish Super Cups. In 1992, in Tokyo, the team lost in the final of the Intercontinental Cup to the Brazilian club Sao Paulo (1:2).

However, the winning streak soon came to an end. In the 1993/94 Champions League final in Athens, Barça was defeated by Milan 0:4. This was the first serious, major defeat in several years. In 1996, after two not very successful seasons (1994/1995, 1995/1996), Cruyff left the team's coaching bridge. In this post, the Dutchman set two club coaching records: for length of tenure and for the number of trophies won (11). Cruyff's departure is considered to be the end of the Dream Team era; most of the players from that legendary roster also left the team by the beginning of 1997.

1996-2003

After Cruyff left, his place was taken by the Englishman Bobby Robson, who spent only one season in this post (1996/97), but was very successful: the team achieved a “cup hat-trick” (Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and Cup Winners' Cup). Also, during his stay at Barça, Robson managed to acquire the future superstar Ronaldo from the Dutch PSV and utter the phrase that became a catchphrase: “Catalonia is a country, and FC Barcelona is its army.” However, Ronaldo played only one season for the club, leaving for Inter Milan. Robson was replaced as coach by the Dutchman Louis van Gaal. By this time, the club had been strengthened by Luis Figo, Giovanni de Oliveira, Luis Enrique Martinez, Patrick Kluivert and Rivaldo.

In the 1997/98 season, the team did a “double”, winning the championship and the Spanish Cup. True, the performance in the Champions League was unsuccessful, while Barcelona also suffered a major defeat at their home Camp Nou stadium from Dynamo Kyiv 0:4. In 1999 the club celebrated its centenary. The best gift for the anniversary was another victory in the Spanish Championship.

In the same year, one of the club's leaders, Rivaldo, was recognized as the best football player in Europe, becoming the fourth Barça player to receive this award. However, Barca's loss in the semi-finals of the Champions League to compatriots from Valencia was perceived as a failure, especially against the backdrop of the victory of the Catalans' main rivals, Real Madrid, in that tournament; and in the end, all this led to the fact that, despite the club’s great successes in the domestic arena, both long-time president Josep Nunez and head coach Louis van Gaal had to resign from their posts. In the same unlucky year for the club, one of its key players, fan favorite Luis Figo, left for Real Madrid. Joan Gaspar's short presidency (2000-2003) was not marked by a single trophy won.

2003-2008

In 2003, after Gaspard resigned, the club was headed by a new young president, Joan Laporta, and a young coach, Frank Rijkaard, a former star of Ajax and Milan, took the helm of the team.

Under his leadership, the team began to gradually, step by step, return to its former glory. Players who came to the club included world champions Ronaldinho and Edmilson, Olympic champion Samuel Eto'o, leaders of the French Monaco Rafael Marquez and Ludovic Giuly, Champions League winner Deco, striker Henrik Larsson, defenders Belletti and Van Bronckhorst, and also fully revealed their At this time, their own students who had previously played for the club had their own talent: goalkeeper Victor Valdez, defender Carles Puyol (who received the captain's armband), midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta and striker Lionel Messi.

In Rijkaard's first season (2003/04), the team came second in the championship, and already in the second (2004/05) they confidently won the Primera Division and took the Spanish Super Cup. In the same season, Ronaldinho, the leader of Barça's attacks, became the best football player in the world according to FIFA and received the Golden Ball.

In the 2004/05 Champions League, the team faced failure: already in the first round of the playoffs, after a home victory (2:1) over Chelsea, they were beaten away at Stamford Bridge 4:2.

In the 2005/06 season, the team enjoyed triumph.

In November 2005, Barca beat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu; that match became a benefit performance for Ronaldinho, who was applauded even by the home team's fans. Also, that match was the second victory at the Bernabeu for Rijkaard, he became the first in the history of the blue garnet coach to defeat Real Madrid away from home twice.

That season, Barça easily won the Spanish championship, then took the country's Super Cup, twice beating another bitter rival, Espanyol. But the apogee of success came on May 17, 2006, when Barcelona defeated London's Arsenal 2:1 in the Champions League final in Paris at the Stade de France. That match initially went poorly for the Catalans (gunner Sol Campbell opened the scoring in the 37th minute), but then the removal of London goalkeeper Jens Lehmann in the opening of the match had an impact, Arsenal went on the defensive, and towards the end of the match, Barça -they finally put the pressure on the opponent, Eto'o and Belletti scored, both times they were assisted by substitute Henrik Larsson.

At the 2006 Club World Cup, Barça took second place, losing in the final to the Brazilian Internacional 0-1 (Adriano Gabiru scored a goal in the last minutes for the Brazilians). And in the European Super Cup the team was beaten by Sevilla with a score of 0:3.

The 2006/07 season was not so successful for Barça, even though in the off-season the club strengthened with new players - world champion Gianluca Zambrotta, vice-world champion Lilian Thuram and Icelandic Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. During the pre-season tour of the USA, leading forwards Messi and Eto’o were injured and were out for a long time. The club could not find its game for a long time during the season, but in the end it still achieved second place in the championship (scoring the same number of points as the winner, but losing in additional indicators), which, however, against the backdrop of previous victories, was regarded by many as a failure. In the Champions League, Barça was eliminated already at the 1/8 stage, losing on the away goal rule to Liverpool (1:2, 0:1).

Before the 2007/08 season, striker Thierry Henry, defender of French Lyon Eric Abidal, Juvarian midfielder Yaya Toure and central defender of Spanish Zaragoza Gabriel Milito, who were bought from London Arsenal for € 24 million, joined the team, which, coupled with the already existing composed of masters gave great hope for success. But, alas, the season turned out to be a failure. The team turned out to be uncompetitive in the national championship, losing not only to Real Madrid, but also to Villarreal and took only third place in Primera, and even then not without difficulty. In the Champions League, Barça lost to Manchester United in the semi-finals (0:1 on aggregate). At the end of this unsuccessful season, Frank Rijkaard was fired from the club.

2008-2012

In the summer of 2008, the team was led by its legendary player Pep Guardiola, and with his arrival the team began to be updated. Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram, Edmilson, Deco, Esquerro, Ronaldinho left the team. To replace those who left, Barça acquired six players, including Daniel Alves, Seydou Keita, Alexander Hleb, and Gerard Pique.

At the end of the season, the team won the title of national champion for the 19th time. In the Copa del Rey final, held on 13 May 2009 at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Barcelona won the title for the 25th time, beating Athletic Bilbao 4–1. To Gaizka Toquero's goal, scored in the 8th minute of the match, the Catalans responded with four - performed by Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi. The victory at the Mestalla was Barça's 100th title in the club's more than century-long history.

Among other things, during the national championship the club defeated its eternal rival, Real Madrid, twice: with a score of 2:0 in Barcelona and 2:6 in Madrid. The latest result was a record for the number of goals scored by Barcelona against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On May 27, 2009, Barcelona won the Champions League at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final. The goals were scored by Eto'o and Messi.

Thus, the club made a triple, winning the King's Cup, the Spanish Championship and the Champions League in one season, which no Spanish club has ever achieved.

In a two-round clash for the Spanish Super Cup, the team defeated Athletic Bilbao. On August 16, 2009, the blue garnets won 2:1 at San Mames, and a week later at the Camp Nou, Barcelona celebrated their victory with a score of 3:0.

In the match for the UEFA Super Cup, held on August 28, 2009 in Monaco at the Stade Louis II, Barcelona beat Shakhtar Donetsk with a score of 1:0. In the 115th minute, Lionel Messi's pass was used by Pedro, who sent the ball almost from the penalty spot to the left corner of the Shakhtar goalkeeper.

On December 19, 2009, Barcelona in the final of the Club World Cup won a strong-willed victory over the Argentine Estudiantes in extra time with a score of 2:1 (the winning goal was scored in the 110th minute of the meeting by Lionel Messi). Thus, Barcelona won all six tournaments in which they took part, and became the first football club in the world in history to achieve such a result.

Before the 2009/10 season, Barcelona strengthened with left-back Maxwell from Inter. The Brazilian replaced Sylvinho, who, having become a free agent, moved to Manchester City. Then representatives of the Catalan and Milan clubs announced a new high-profile transfer. Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic moved to Barcelona, ​​and Samuel Eto'o went to Inter. In addition to the Cameroonian forward, Barcelona paid an additional €46 million for Ibrahimovic, making the Swede the club's most expensive acquisition and one of the most expensive in the world. The loan of Alexander Gleb was also considered part of the deal, but the transfer fell through, and instead of Inter, Gleb went to the German Stuttgart.

In the 2009/10 season, the “blue garnets” again won the Spanish championship, and they also showed good results in the European arena. The team made it to the Champions League playoffs from first place in the group and reached the semi-finals, where it was stopped by Inter Milan, which subsequently won the tournament. Barcelona also defended the Spanish Super Cup in a confrontation with Basque Athletic (5:1).

The off-season before the 2010/11 season was marked by minor changes in the blue garnet camp. Players such as Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez (both to the New York Red Bulls), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Dmitry Chigrinsky (Shakhtar) left the team. Zlatan Ibrahimovic went to Milan on loan with an option to buy for €24 million, but he never found an understanding with Josep Guardiola. However, the team made several acquisitions. Immediately after the end of Primera 2009/10, one of the leaders of the Spanish national team, David Villa, joined the team. Barcelona paid Valencia €40 million for his transfer. The Brazilian Adriano was also acquired from Sevilla to replace Rafa Marquez. Closer to the start of the new season, the captain of the Argentina national team, Javier Mascherano, transferred from Liverpool.

The 2010/11 season began for Barcelona with the defense of the Spanish Super Cup. Having lost the first match to Sevilla (3:1), in the return match the Catalan club defeated the opponent with a score of 4:0.

In La Liga of the 2010/11 season, a sensation occurred already in the second round - Barcelona lost at home to the modest Hercules with a score of 0:2. On November 29, El Clasico took place at the Camp Nou. Real Madrid, led by Jose Mourinho, was in first place after 12 rounds and was defeated 5:0. The match was nervous, replete with clashes between the players, who were shown 12 yellow cards and 1 red card. Jose explained his team's crushing defeat this way: Barcelona played their best football on the field, while Real did the opposite. This match did not work out for the team. But we must not forget that I have been leading Real Madrid for only a few months, while Guardiola has been coaching Barca for several years and everything is clearly set out for them.”

On January 16, after a match with Malaga, in which the Catalans won with a score of 4:1, Barcelona became the winner of the first round with 52 points, which is a La Liga record. On February 5, in a home match with Atlético Madrid, Barcelona won their 16th consecutive victory in the championship, thereby breaking Real Madrid's record of 15 consecutive victories, set 50 years ago. Barca's winning streak was interrupted by Sporting Gijon (1:1).

On May 28, 2011, Barcelona defeated Manchester United in the 2010/2011 Champions League final with a score of 3:1, goals scored by Pedro, David Villa and Lionel Messi.

After lengthy negotiations in August 2011, London's Arsenal agreed on the terms of the transfer of their captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, ​​the deal amounted to €40 million. In addition, the team was joined by Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez, who moved from the Italian Udinese for €26 million .

On August 26, 2011, in the UEFA Super Cup match, Barcelona beat Porto 2:0. By winning this trophy, the Catalan club surpassed Real Madrid in the number of titles won for the first time since 1964: it was Barça's 76th official trophy, which is one more than Madrid.

On December 18, 2011, Barcelona again became the world champion among clubs, defeating the Brazilian Santos with a score of 4:0 in the final, Messi scored a double, and Xavi and Cesc Fabregas scored another goal each.

On May 25, 2012, the Catalan club won its 26th Copa del Rey, beating Athletic Bilbao 3:0 in the final match. The goals were scored by Pedro (2) and Lionel Messi.

On April 27, 2012, head coach Pep Guardiola announced that he was going to leave the club. According to him, the reason for leaving was fatigue from work and a desire to relax. The result of his work on the coaching bridge - 14 trophies in four seasons - became a record figure, and Guardiola became the most successful coach in the history of the club, surpassing Johan Cruyff, who had 11 titles.

2012-2014

In the summer of 2012, after Guardiola left, the team was headed by his assistant, Tito Vilanova. The squad underwent minor changes during the summer transfer window. Left back Jordi Alba was bought from Valencia for €14 million, replacing Eric Abidal, who suspended his career. Alexander Song Bilong was also bought from London's Arsenal, replacing Seydoux Keita, who left for the Chinese Dalian Aerobin.

The start of the season was not the best for the new coach. In the fight for the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona lost to its main rival, Real Madrid, according to the away goal rule (3:2, 1:2). However, the start of the championship turned out to be the best in the history of Examples. The first loss of points followed in the 7th round, where the Catalans shared points at home with Real Madrid (2:2), but this was the only game in the first round where Barcelona did not take three points.

During the first round, Tito Vilanova's team scored a record 55 points. The first defeat in the championship occurred in San Sebastian, where the “blue garnets”, leading 2:0 during the meeting, lost to the middle team of the championship “Real Sociedad” with a score of 3:2. On February 26, Barcelona was eliminated from the Spanish Cup. After the first match with Real, a 1:1 draw was recorded, but then the Madrid team confidently beat the Catalans on the road with a score of 1:3. In the 35th round, Barcelona became the champion of La Liga, winning the Spanish title for the 22nd time in its history and scoring a record 100 points. In the final match of the Catalan Cup, Barcelona defeated Espanyol in a penalty shootout (1:1, 4:2 on penalties), winning this trophy for the first time since the 2006/07 season. On July 19, 2013, during a press conference between club president Sandro Rossell and Catalan sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, Vilanova's resignation as head coach of Barcelona was announced due to health problems.

On July 23, 2013, the name of the new coach was announced on the official website of the Catalan club: he was fifty-year-old Argentinean Gerardo Martino, who had previously successfully worked with the Paraguay national team and the Argentine club Newell's Old Boys. The contract is for two years. In the off-season, Barcelona made a high-profile transfer: the club was joined by the striker of the Brazilian national team and the Santos football club Neymar. According to various sources, the young talent cost the Catalan club between 57 and 72 million euros. At the same time, David Villa, who moved to Atlético Madrid, Thiago Alcantara, who left for Bayern, and Eric Abidal, who signed a contract with Monaco, left Barcelona.

Gerardo Martino made his debut as Barcelona coach on August 2 in a friendly match for the Joan Gamper Cup against Santos, in which the Catalan club defeated the Brazilians with a score of 8:0. On August 29, Barcelona won its first and, as it turned out, only title of the season - the Spanish Super Cup. Having drawn both matches with Atlético Madrid (1:1, 0:0), Barcelona won this trophy thanks to an away goal in the first meeting of these clubs; newcomer Neymar scored the only goal for the Catalans. This Spanish Super Cup was Barcelona's 11th in history.

The team under the leadership of the Argentine coach began the Spanish Championship with 8 victories in a row, and Gerardo Martino himself became the first specialist in the history of the club who was able to win victories in the first 7 meetings of Examples. In addition, Martino became the third coach in the history of the Spanish championship to achieve such a result.

The first defeat of the season came in the Champions League group stage match against Ajax, in which Barcelona lost to the Amsterdam team with a score of 2:1. After failure in the Champions League, the blue garnets also lost in the national championship - away to Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona left the group in the Champions League with 1st place. In the round of 16, Barça had a meeting with Manchester City. In the first match away, the blue garnets won 2-0, thanks to goals from Messi (from the penalty spot) and Dani Alves. A 2-1 victory was recorded at Camp Nou, with the Argentinean and Brazilian scoring again. As a result, Barcelona defeated Manchester City with a total score of 4-1. On March 23, in the next El Classico, held at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid with a score of 3-4, Messi scored a hat-trick. Thus, Barcelona interrupted Real's unbeaten streak of 35 matches (Real's last loss was recorded at the Camp Nou, which Barca won 2-1). In the quarterfinals of the Champions League, the Catalans lost on aggregate to Atlético Madrid (1:1, 0:1).

On April 16, 2014, in the final of the Copa del Rey, Barcelona lost to their eternal rival Real Madrid with a score of 1:2.

On May 17, 2014, Barcelona lost the Spanish championship, playing in a draw with Atlético Madrid, which later became the champion. Head coach Tata Martino resigned after this match and left the post of head coach of the team. Luis Enrique, who previously headed the Celta Vigo club, was appointed as the new head coach.

2014-2017

On May 19, 2014, it became known that former Barcelona player Luis Enrique was appointed head coach, and with his arrival, the renewal of the roster began. Victor Valdez, Jose Pinto, Oyer Olazabal, Cesc Fabregas, Jonathan dos Santos, Alexis Sanchez, Isaac Cuenca, Bojan Krkic left the team. Players such as Ibrahim Afellay, Alexander Song, Christian Tello, Gerard Deulofeu were loaned out, and club captain Carles Puyol also ended his playing career. To replace those who left, Barcelona acquired Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu, Douglas, Thomas Vermaelen, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez. In addition, Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez were promoted from Barcelona B to the main team.

On October 25, Barcelona lost away to Real Madrid with a score of 3:1. This match ended the dry streak of Barca newcomer Claudio Bravo, who did not concede for 776 minutes.

On January 11, 2015, the Catalans beat the current champion Atlético Madrid (3:1) at home; Neymar, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez scored goals. On May 17, Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium (the only goal scored by Messi) and became the 23-time champion of Spain.

In the Champions League, Barcelona took first place in its group (they beat Cypriot APOEL twice (1:0 and 4:0) and Amsterdam Ajax (3:1 and 2:0), defeat and victory in two matches with PSG (2:3 and 3:1)). In the round of 16 against Manchester City in the first away game, the Catalans won with a score of 2:1 (Luis Suarez scored a double). In the return match, Barcelona won a minimal victory - 1:0 (Rakitic) and advanced. In the quarterfinals, the blue garnets again met with Paris Saint-Germain. In both meetings, Barcelona won 3:1 and 2:0. Neymar scored three goals, Luis Suarez scored twice more. In the semi-finals, Barcelona played Bayern Munich under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. In the first match at the Camp Nou, Barca won 3:0, Lionel Messi scored a brace and Neymar scored one goal. In the return match, the “blue garnets” lost to Bayern - 2:3 (Neymar scored a double), but on aggregate, three years later they reached the final of the tournament.

On May 30, Barcelona won the Copa del Rey for the 27th time in its history, beating the Basque Athletic with a score of 3:1 in the final match (Messi scored twice, Neymar scored another goal) and became the first team since 1954 to win the all matches of the Spanish Cup in one draw. In addition, the goals scored by Messi and Neymar in the final made the Messi-Suarez-Neymar club's strikers, with 120 goals, the most successful trio in the history of Spanish football. The previous scoring record belonged to Real Madrid players Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, who scored 118 goals in the 2011/12 season.

On June 6, the club beat Juventus Turin with a score of 3:1 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin (goals from Rakitic, Suarez and Neymar) and won the fifth European Cup in its history, gaining the right to keep it forever. This final was the last match for the club of one of the Spanish veterans, Xavi, after which he continued his career in the Qatari club Al-Sadd. As a result of this tournament, Lionel Messi, along with Crishitano Ronaldo, became the top scorer in the history of the European Cup/Champions League. Having won three major titles this season, Barcelona became the first club in history to achieve the Treble twice.

In the 2015/2016 season, Xavi and Pedro left the team and moved to Chelsea; Martin Mantoya was also sent on loan. In place of those who left, Barcelona acquired midfielder Arda Turan from Atlético Madrid and defender Aleix Vidal from Seville. Because Barcelona were subject to a player registration ban, they could only make their debut in January.

Barcelona started the season with a match for the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla (5:4), Pedro scored the winning and final goal for Barça in the 115th minute of the match. Later, in the match for the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona lost to Athletic Bilbao.

In the 1/8 of the Champions League, Barcelona met with London Arsenal - 2:0, 3:1. In the quarter-finals, Barcelona lost to Atlético Madrid 2:1, 0:2.

On May 14, in the last round, Barcelona, ​​beating Granada 3:0, became the champion of Spain for the 24th time. Luis Suarez scored all three goals, simultaneously becoming La Liga's top scorer and Golden Boot winner.

In the 2016/2017 off-season, Barça was again active in the transfer market; many new, young players joined the team, but only French defender Samuel Umtiti was able to truly meet expectations, who almost immediately reserved a place in the main squad. Due to the large arrival of newcomers and their not the best play, Barcelona was unstable all season, losing points against not the strongest clubs, which led to the fact that on March 1, Luis Enrique announced that he would leave the post of head coach of the team at the end of the season. The piquancy of the situation was given by the fact that this information appeared a week before the return match of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League, in which the Catalans needed to perform a miracle to advance to the next round (they lost the first match to PSG with a score of 0:4). Later, the coach admitted that he was not going to lead another team, but just wanted to rest.

On March 8, Barcelona defeated PSG 6-1 and entered European Cup/Champions League history as the first team to advance to the next round of the playoffs despite losing the first leg 0-4.

In the quarter finals, Barcelona's opponents were Juventus. The Catalans lost the first away match with a score of 0:3. The return game took place at the Nou Camp on April 19 and ended 0:0. Juve advanced to the semi-finals.

In the Spanish Championship, Barcelona lost the title to Real Madrid, which became champions for the first time in 5 years.

On May 27, 2017, during the Copa del Rey final, Luis Enrique played his last match as head coach of Barcelona. The team comfortably beat Alaves 3-1 to win the Copa del Rey for the third time in a row and the tournament for the 29th time in history. And Luis Enrique himself became one of Barca's most titled coaches, winning 9 out of 13 possible trophies.

2017-present

On May 29, the name of the new coach was officially announced: Ernesto Valverde, who previously coached Athletic Bilbao. The official presentation was on June 1st. The first match under the leadership of the new coach, Barca beat Juventus with a score of 2-1 in the International Champions Cup, also beating Manchester United and Real Madrid, Barcelona became the winner of this tournament for the first time in history.

On August 3, 2017, Barcelona officially announced the departure of striker Neymar for a world football record 222 million euros (this amount of compensation was specified in the Brazilian’s contract). The player moved to PSG. The club was joined in the summer transfer window by Gerard Deulofeu, Nelson Semedo, Paulinho, and young promising player Ousmane Dembele, who transferred for a then-record €105 million for the club (excluding bonuses).

Despite a good showing in friendly games, Barcelona started the season with a defeat in the Spanish Super Cup, losing to Real Madrid by an aggregate score of 5-1 (3-1 at home, 2-0 away). Afterwards, Barca had an incredible stretch without defeat, which ended on January 17, 2018, in the away match of the 1/4 of the Spanish Cup against Espanyol (1-0), but in the return match Barca won 2-0 and advanced. In the Spanish Championship and Champions League, Barça was still invincible. During this period, Barça beat such large teams as Juventus in the group stage of the Champions League (3-0 - at home; 0-0 - away), and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 17th round of the Spanish Championship (3-0, Suarez, Messi, Vidal). Barcelona's game has changed, it has become more pragmatic and ball control is not as important an aspect of the game as it was before, and due to the departure of Neymar and the injury of Dembele, Barca began to play more often in a 4-4-2 formation instead of the usual 4-3- 3, also the departure of Neymar helped left back Jorda Alba to join attacks more often, which ultimately made him one of the most productive defenders of the European season. Also, Barca's newcomer, the Brazilian Paulinho, began to show a good game, whose transfer at the beginning of the season was assessed negatively by everyone, since the 30-year-old player, bought for 40 million euros from the Chinese Championship, in the opinion of many was not a player of Barcelona's level. However, the Brazilian began to benefit the team from the first matches and quickly fell in love with Barca fans, he quickly adapted to Barca’s game, and found a good understanding on the field with Messi and Suarez, which allowed him to become the team’s 3rd scorer during the season.

On January 23, 2018, it was announced that after seven and a half seasons in Barcelona, ​​Javier Mascherano was leaving the team, he moved to the Chinese Hebei China Fortune. Also leaving the team were Arda Turan, who moved to Istanbul, and Rafinha Alcantara, who moved to Inter Milan. Instead of those who left, Barca acquired the young Colombian central defender Yerry Mina, who became the tallest player in the history of the club, along with Ibrahimovic (both 195 cm), and the famous Brazilian Coutinho, who moved from Liverpool for 140 million euros and became the second most expensive transfer in the history of the world football, and the first in the history of the club. Barca actively wanted to sign Coutinho back in the summer, but were unable to reach an agreement with Liverpool, and the player spent half a season in England before his transfer finally took place. Due to the fact that he was played for Liverpool in the Champions League, he could no longer help the new team in the same tournament. His debut took place on January 25 in the return match of the 1/4 Copa del Rey at the Camp Nou against Espanyol (2-0). He received number 14, as many media reported - number 7, vacated after Turan's departure, was reserved for another star player whom Barca wants to buy in the summer.

The evolution of Barcelona's kit

Wikipedia materials were used in preparing the article