The Badalona city
Badalona is one of the oldest towns in Catalonia. Just 9 km from Barcelona with typical Mediterranean climate and a five-kilometer long beach, Badalona has an exceptionally good location, between the sea and the mountains.
Origins of Badalona go back to the Roman age (100 B.C.) with the foundation of the town of Baetulo.
The most important remains of this era include the Roman Baths in the Museum, the House preserved in Lladó street, a piece of water pipe in Pujol street, and the remains of the wall oh the Hort de les Monges, as well as sculptures (the Venus of Badalona), wall paintings, mosaics and the Tabula Hospitalis.
In the Middle Ages, the urban settlement (Dalt la Vila) grew and a rural settlement was developed, formed by the surrounding farms. There are a few old villas from this period and the medieval monastery of Saint Jeroni de la Murtra, said to be the place where the Spanish Catholic King and Queen met Columbus, before his trip to America.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, many very good buildings were erected, among them the outstanding Pavillard house. It was built by Joan Amigó i Barriga in 1906, and is considered the best modernist work in town.
The main festivities take place in May. The most important celebration is the day before Saint Anastasi day when, at night, people gather at the maritime promenade to participate in the popular Cremada del Dimoni (The devil's burning), similar to the famous Valencia Fallas.