Why Did Philip V Of Spain Destroy Parts Of Barcelona?

Philip V of Spain destroyed parts of Barcelona to build a citadel for military, also called the Ciutadella. To build the citadel, king Philip of Spain demolished half of the portion of merchant's quarters. His intention behind building the citadel was to control and punish the rebel city. The king also forbade the rise of Catalan language and all the traditional Catalan institutions were made to cease functioning.

It was the war of succession that made the king destroy the city. The war of succession was a major conflict in Europe that arose after the death of Spanish Habsburg king, Charles II. He made Philip, duc d'Anjou his successor who therefore being called Philip V of Spain. Others thought of protecting their dynastic claim and that lead to the war of succession.