People interested in discovering the history of the capital of Catalonia in a different way, guided by a great communicator who is both a historian and journalist, as well as the author of books and radio programs that bring history to everyone.

This history module consists of four itineraries through the city of Barcelona under the guidance of journalist and historian Enric Calpena, who is currently the director and presenter of the radio program En guàrdia (broadcast on Catalunya Ràdio since 2001, and winner of several awards).

Calpena is also the author of books that bring history to the general public, such as En guerra, El primer capità, and Barcelona. A biography. He has been a professor at the Blanquerna School of Communication for more than twenty years.

Reference links and further information:

Enric Calpena's profile on Wikipedia

"En guàrdia" program (3Cat)

Author's catalog at Grup 62

1. The birth of Barcelona, the walls, and the Roman world.

   Barcelona was born with the founding of a Roman colony, Iulia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino, and Roman Barcelona has deeply marked the evolution of the city. Today it is still possible to find the Roman footprint in many of today's streets. To immerse ourselves in those centuries, we will begin the tour in front of the Porta Bisbal and there we will observe the two types of towers found in the city. Afterward, we will go to the remains of the Temple of Augustus, visit the Sant Jaume and Sants Just i Pastor squares, and head to the Pati Llimona and the Portal de Mar.

2. The War of the Spanish Succession.

   It was one of the decisive moments in the city's history. The sieges of the War of the Spanish Succession, especially the last one, were decisive in shaping Barcelona and Catalonia for the next three centuries. We will start the tour at the Sant Antoni Market, where we will see the bastion located there; we will then go to the Hospital de la Santa Creu, and we will pass by the Sant Agustí church, the Pla de la Boqueria, and the Born.

3. The construction of the Eixample.

   Since the mid-19th century, Barcelona has dreamed of growing and expanding beyond its walls. The Eixample is a key element of the city's character. We will visit the so-called 'Quadrat d'Or', the 'Mansana de la Discòrdia', and continue on to the Dreta de l'Eixample.

4. The Civil War.

   Barcelona was the focus of worldwide attention during the Civil War of 1936-39. The uprising, the revolutionary impulse, the hardships of the war, the May Days, the bombings, and the entry of fascist troops down the Diagonal are events that have left their mark on the city. We will visit several key locations and relive the scenes of some of Agustí Centelles' photographs that document that period.

5. Extras included in this module:

• During the tours, Enric Calpena will provide graphic and textual materials.

• On two occasions, he will be accompanied by other historians who will contribute their knowledge along the route, in an enriching and shared conversation.

• Attendees of these itineraries will receive on the last day, as a gift, a signed copy of Enric Calpena's book Barcelona. A Biography.