Description of Civil War & Castles
Catalonia is a land that has been fought over throughout the centuries leaving a series of fortresses, castles, bunkers and prisons in strategic locations. Discovering Catalonia's historic past through it s castles is enchanting and sometimes a light workout that often ends with some breath taking views.
Catalunya is on the frontier of the Spanish kingdom where the border with France has moved several times. As a result of this the Girona region of Catalunya has many frontier fortresses. Additionally, Catalonia has a long coastline, so almost every coastal town and port has a medieval castle. The Romans also built fortifications everywhere they settled (conquered). See the Roman Ruins theme page for more about the Roman settlements.
Brief history of rule in Catalonia
- Roman Rule 200BC to 400AD: The first notable power to conquer Catalonia was the Romans. The principal cities were Tarragona (Tarraco) and Barcelona (Barcino), both being fortified and walled cities.
- Visigoth and Muslim rule 410AD to 9th Century: the Visigoths (Germanic Tribes) held Tarragona and many other cities in Northern Spain until about the 8th Century. Muslims from the South also conquered parts of southern Catalonia and Barcelona and held it till about the 9th Century.
- Carolingian conquest: The reconquest of Spain by Christian forces drove the Muslims out of Catalonia and by the 9th Century Most of Europe was ruled by counts and kings. The first reference to Catalonia is during the rule of Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona in early 12th Century.
- Dynastic union with Aragon 1137: Through marriage ( Ramon Berenguer IV m. Petronilla of Aragon), the provinces of Catalonia and Aragon were ruled by one dynasty known as Crown of Aragon which came to dominate a maritime empire that extended across the western Mediterranean after the conquest of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Sardinia and Sicily. During this period the reconquest of Muslim held territory continues.
Click on a photo bellow to find out more about each installation.
Happy Exploring!