It is Trivia Wednesday! (Or was it on Tuesday?) Well, the truth is that we felt like launching this little game and challenging you through these Barcelona curious facts: how much do you know about the city? Or how much do you think you know? ;-)
This Barcelona curious facts quiz will reveal how much of a Barcelona lover you really are:
- 10 correct answers: You REALLY know all the secrets of the city.
- 8 to 9 correct answers: You know the city PRETTY WELL.
- 6 to 7 correct answers: You know the city ENOUGH.
- 4 to 5 correct answers: You still have A LOT TO DISCOVER:
- 0 to 3 correct answers: You might think you know the city but the truth is YOU DON’T.
Barcelona curious facts quiz
1. Why are FC Barcelona victories always celebrated in Canaletes?
It has an explanation: at 13 Rambla street there was from 1933 a popular newspaper called La Rambla. On Sundays, journalists from La Rambla used to place a blackboard outside to show the results of the matches, and many people gathered there to check them. So whenever FC Barcelona won, they used to celebrate the victories of their local team right there, at Font de Canaletes. If you want to get more details on this story, check out our article Canaletes Fountain: Why do FC Barcelona victories are held there?
2. Barcelona stories involving the US: Does Barcelona have its own Statue of Liberty?
Indeed. Some of the Barcelona curious facts also wink at the United States ;-) Barcelona has had its own Statue of Liberty for 122 years so far. It is located at the oldest public library in Barcelona, Biblioteca Arús. This replica has an inscription which says “‘Ànima llibertes”, soul’s freedom.
3. Why is Barcelona known as “Ciudad condal”?
In the 19th century Northern Catalonia was a territory divided in many counties. But the operation center where all actions and decisions were made was Barcelona, the Barcelona county. And from that: Barcelona, ciutat comtal (county city).
4. Did you know that la Barceloneta was an island during medieval times?
It was called “Isla Maians” and it existed until the 15th century. It was an island of sand, located a hundred meters from the coastline. Instead of that island, in this same place we find today the Estació de França and Pla de Palau.
5. Have you crossed “Pont del Bisbe” knowing the story it hides?
Among Barcelona stories, legends of the city are always present. For instance, this particular bridge. Located near Plaça Sant Jaume Pont del Bisbe hides a mysterious story: this bridge was built in the 20s, and a skull pierced by a dagger was placed on top of it. So legend has it that if the daggle is removed, Barcelona would sink. Also, this bridge holds this second legend: if you cross the bridge fixing your eyes on the skull while walking backwards, if you make a wish, it will come true.
6. What is the story behind the rounded window called “El torn dels orfes” (the lathe of the orphans)?
Among Barcelona curious facts, this is probably one of the saddest ones. If you walk the Ramelleres street at number 17 you will notice a rounded window on the wall. This window was part of “Casa de Misericordia”, an ancient convent which housed homeless children. That window that is still preserved was a revolving window through which mothers abandoned their sons. Having a baby as a single mothers was frowned upon until 1931.
7. Do you know that Barcelona has a couple of ghost subway stations?
Up to 12 ghost subway stations, to be precise. The most known is the one located under “Correos” post office in Via Laietana. As a result of the modifications on the subway system over the years, some of the subway stations were closed.
8. Do you know that Plaça Felip Neri hides a sad story?
Probably the most peaceful square in the city. Kind of an oasis in the middle of the crowd. Depending on when you visit the square, you might find little children playing since there is a primary school right in this place. But if you observe some of the walls of this square you will notice they have bullet marks on them. A tragic episode of History happened in this square: hundreds of people died in 1938, as a consequence of a bombing during the Civil War.
9. Did you know that there is a Roman aqueduct in Barcelona?
It was built to carry water from the Besos river to the city center. It is located near Portal de l’Àngel street. In 1988 were found its remains when an old building was being demolished. Instead of building new constructions, this wall was left uncovered and today this roman aqueduct can be seen:
10. Mar Bella, Sant Sebastià, Bogatell… Has Barcelona always had beach areas?
It is difficult to imagine Barcelona without its current beach life: sunbathing in Mar Bella, people playing volleyball, surfers and paddle-surfers playing with the waves, eating ice-cream while walking the seafront… Well, you might be a little surprised if we say that Barcelona has a relatively recent “beach life”: before the Olympics in 1992, Barcelona had no beaches.
Do you know other Barcelona stories? Feel free to send them to info @ americansinbarcelona.com. We will be happy to write a Barcelona curious facts part 2 article ;-)