Perpignan - its Growth and Development in toursim!
As far as population goes, Perpignan has grown in recent times. It now is inhabited by over 110,000 people. Some of the popularity is thanks to the Perpignan City University, which is home to approximately 10,000 students. This is an extremely large ratio of students in comparison to the Catalan population and provides a cash boost for the city.
The University of Perpignan started like any other; with extremely basic courses. Nowadays students can gain knowledge on all types of courses including the likes of Literature, Science, Geography and all Business/Law/Finance related subjects.
As mentioned previously, Perpignan is an extremely traditional city. Like many other cities in the Catalan Region, a lot of the economy in previous years was derived from the markets. Perpignan has a great market : The Saint Charles Market. This is unique in a way that it is actually the bigger fruit and vegetable based market – in the whole of Europe!
The grand scale of the Perpignan market is actually breath taking; a lot of tourists can not even comprehend the size until they actually visit. In fact, the market includes over 550 dealers who pitch up on, in excess of 20,000 acres. This is a huge boost for the locals, as the market employs over 9,000 people (and counting!).
For people that are interested in history, Perpignan actually has an extremely interesting story to tell. People originally started to settle here back in the Roman Times. Whilst there is not official record of the first settlement date here, it is certain that it begin during the 10th century.
The first documented settlement was in villa Perpiniarum in 927. Over the years it soon gained popularity with many people to settle. Its main significance became apparent in 1276. This was an important time for both Spain and France. James the Conqueror alongside both the King of Aragon and the Catalan Count of Barcelona did something special; they put Majorca on the map!
Unknown to many all three thought Perpignan had a lot more significance than anyone thought possible. They actually named the city as the capital of all the mainland territories.
Perpignan has and will be known for many things. It is known for being multi cultural, a market place, a place of extreme Catalan architecture and one that values its history. It is a great tourist destination as it helps people to understand a lot of what goes on in surrounding Catalan areas.
The University of Perpignan started like any other; with extremely basic courses. Nowadays students can gain knowledge on all types of courses including the likes of Literature, Science, Geography and all Business/Law/Finance related subjects.
As mentioned previously, Perpignan is an extremely traditional city. Like many other cities in the Catalan Region, a lot of the economy in previous years was derived from the markets. Perpignan has a great market : The Saint Charles Market. This is unique in a way that it is actually the bigger fruit and vegetable based market – in the whole of Europe!
The grand scale of the Perpignan market is actually breath taking; a lot of tourists can not even comprehend the size until they actually visit. In fact, the market includes over 550 dealers who pitch up on, in excess of 20,000 acres. This is a huge boost for the locals, as the market employs over 9,000 people (and counting!).
For people that are interested in history, Perpignan actually has an extremely interesting story to tell. People originally started to settle here back in the Roman Times. Whilst there is not official record of the first settlement date here, it is certain that it begin during the 10th century.
The first documented settlement was in villa Perpiniarum in 927. Over the years it soon gained popularity with many people to settle. Its main significance became apparent in 1276. This was an important time for both Spain and France. James the Conqueror alongside both the King of Aragon and the Catalan Count of Barcelona did something special; they put Majorca on the map!
Unknown to many all three thought Perpignan had a lot more significance than anyone thought possible. They actually named the city as the capital of all the mainland territories.
Perpignan has and will be known for many things. It is known for being multi cultural, a market place, a place of extreme Catalan architecture and one that values its history. It is a great tourist destination as it helps people to understand a lot of what goes on in surrounding Catalan areas.
