The district of El Born, which is also known as the medieval quarter of Barcelona, is a special part of the city to those who live there and to those who come to visit. Dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, El Born was a well to do quarter that was close to the sea. El Born housed some of the most wealthy and prestigious figures of Barcelona, particularly Carrer Montcada. The residences of these people had large atriums which were surrounded by their living quarters. Today El Born is identified by the various structures and cultural sites located within it. The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum are among the most visited sites in El Born. Although not to be overlooked, the mass grave of Catalan soliders who lost their lives in the War of Spanish Succession stands tall next to the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, and the flame atop the monument burns throughout the day and through rain and sunshine. The War of Spanish Succession marked an important time in Barcelona's history because of the aftermath that was caused by the battle. The two fighting sides of the war were the Bourbon monarch Phillip V and the Hapsburg Charles, who the Catalans supported although their efforts were crushed by the Bourbon. After the fighting ceased Phillip V implemented various changes to Barcelona which created unrest. One-third of the city was destroyed and left many homeless so Phillip V built Barceloneta as a grid design full of identical structures to house those left homeless. Phillip V also built La Ciutadella, also known as the star fort, which many people despised. Probably the most intense change that was implemented was the denationalization of Catalonia. Phillip V sought to unify Spain by ruling from Madrid and forcing the people of Spain to only speak Spanish. The monarch created the Decreto de Nuevo Planta (New Plan Decrees) which set the foundation for the political and economic changes that would come about. Conclusively, Phillip V's victory of the War of Spanish Succession had an everlasting impact on Spain which can still be seen today.
The district of El Born, which is also known as the medieval quarter of Barcelona, is a special part of the city to those who live there and to those who come to visit. Dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, El Born was a well to do quarter that was close to the sea. El Born housed some of the most wealthy and prestigious figures of Barcelona, particularly Carrer Montcada. The residences of these people had large atriums which were surrounded by their living quarters. Today El Born is identified by the various structures and cultural sites located within it. The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum are among the most visited sites in El Born. Although not to be overlooked, the mass grave of Catalan soliders who lost their lives in the War of Spanish Succession stands tall next to the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, and the flame atop the monument burns throughout the day and through rain and sunshine. The War of Spanish Succession marked an important time in Barcelona's history because of the aftermath that was caused by the battle. The two fighting sides of the war were the Bourbon monarch Phillip V and the Hapsburg Charles, who the Catalans supported although their efforts were crushed by the Bourbon. After the fighting ceased Phillip V implemented various changes to Barcelona which created unrest. One-third of the city was destroyed and left many homeless so Phillip V built Barceloneta as a grid design full of identical structures to house those left homeless. Phillip V also built La Ciutadella, also known as the star fort, which many people despised. Probably the most intense change that was implemented was the denationalization of Catalonia. Phillip V sought to unify Spain by ruling from Madrid and forcing the people of Spain to only speak Spanish. The monarch created the Decreto de Nuevo Planta (New Plan Decrees) which set the foundation for the political and economic changes that would come about. Conclusively, Phillip V's victory of the War of Spanish Succession had an everlasting impact on Spain which can still be seen today.
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