Tarragona is the second most important city for Catalonia after Barcelona. This is one of the most amazing historical sites and is of particular interest to tourists. One of the oldest cities with a huge heritage of the Catalan nation in the form of a variety of architectural monuments, it is a majestic structure of Ancient Rome, many of which have turned into ancient ruins. Modern buildings in combination with ancient Roman ruins create an incredible atmosphere of mystery and fascinate with their landscapes.
The most picturesque places of Tarragona
The historic city of architecture reveals its sights at every step. Tarragona is primarily famous for the unforgettable Roman amphitheater bowl, erected in the 2nd century. Archaeologists managed to find it only in 1952.
The monument is located in one of the most picturesque corners - under a hill called the Mediterranean balcony of Tarragona. The viewers' rows, the gates leading to the arena, as well as the stage itself with an area of about 2.5 square kilometers, have been well preserved from the building. The oldest elliptical structure could hold up to 15,000 spectators.
A majestic amphitheater was erected with the aim of holding fierce gladiatorial battles here for a general spectacle. As the story goes, during the exile of the followers of Jesus, it was in the Tarraco arena that the execution of three followers of Christ took place. Later, Christians erected a church on the stage of the amphitheater in memory of the first martyrs, which, unfortunately, could not survive to this day.
Next to the ancient building there is the Mediterranean Sea and a picturesque park that cascades down in the form of terraces to the ruins of antiquity.
The ancient walls of the city of Tarraco, erected by the Romans, are among the main attractions of Tarragona. The fortress walls, or rather its remains, are considered one of the oldest architectural monuments, which have been perfectly preserved to our times.
The structure was built in the II century BC, with the aim of marking the boundaries of the city of Tarraco and protecting it from possible attacks. The wall stretched for 3.5 kilometers. The remaining part of one kilometer now bends around the quarters of the modern city.
A tour of the historic city touches on the most remarkable surviving fragments of the fortress building in the form of stone boulders folded without a binder solution, where the famous towers of Minerva and the Archbishop, the Roman Gate of the Intercessor, the Bastion of St. Dominic and other structures of antiquity are located nearby.
Another of the most significant and famous architectural monuments of Tarragona is the oldest historical building - the Cathedral of St. Thecla and St. Mary, made in a combination of two styles - Gothic and Romanov. It began to be erected back in 1171, and it took its complete form only in 1350. The central portal of the historic building is decorated with a carved bas-relief depicting the Last Judgment paintings.
A majestic oldest staircase leads to the entrance of the cathedral.
Inside the building, near the main altar, you can see images of scenes from the life and suffering of Saint Thekla. 
Visitors can see majestically towering pointed and semicircular arches, Gothic-style benches and religious sculptures.
One of the most remarkable figures of the cathedral is the Archangel Michael, trampling the Devil with his foot with a smile on his face.
Part of the architectural monument is the diocese museum, located in the eastern part. It is famous for its rich collection of the oldest bells, cast in the 14th century.
Visitors to the historic city of Spain should definitely take a stroll along the amazing Ramblas.
It starts from the Imperial Tarraco bus station square and ends at a cliff called the Mediterranean Balcony. The Rambla is only 700 meters long, but it has collected many monuments and beautiful fountains. The pride of the boulevard is the famous sculptural composition of the Castells and the Fountain of the Century, which we will discuss further.
Tarragona, whose attractions are endless, never ceases to amaze visitors with its unique monuments. One of these is the Tarragona tower Als Castells, made of bronze in the form of a pyramidal sculpture of 219 human figures.
It is dedicated to castelliers who hold castells competitions twice a year. The essence of the game is to build a higher living tower from the participants.
The author of this creation was the Spanish sculptor Francesc Angles. The monument, which has become one of the main attractions of the city, was erected in 1999. The tower is about 11 meters high and weighs 12 tons.
At the top of the monument is the figure of a child waving, while bronze musicians and the leader of the construction process are located near the sculpture. Among the figures that are part of the monument, you can see such outstanding creative personalities as Pablo Picasso, Juan Antonio Samarancha, and even the author of the sculpture himself is here.
On one of the boulevards, there is one of the most beautiful fountains, called the Fountain of the Century. It was erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the New Rambla in 1954. The creator of the project was the famous sculptor Juzel Viladumat, who was the creator of many monuments located in Barcelona and Reus.
Near the fountain, there are several sculptural compositions in the form of male figures of different races. Each of them is a symbol of the continent or part of the world.
Fountain "Boy with a Goose"
The Greek sculptor Boeth of Chalcedon is the author of the monument in the form of a boy with a goose. The fountain, personifying childhood and love for animals, gained worldwide popularity, and copies of it spread throughout the world.
It is noteworthy that not only people come to the fountain to admire the sculpture, but also pigeons often visit this place, who are not averse to sitting in a sculptural composition.
Walking along Placa dels Sedassos in Tarragona, you can contemplate a house with an illusory facade. The artist Carles Arola became the author of the painted wall. The building was painted using a special technology trompe-l’œil ("optical illusion"). On the balconies of the house, the master depicted popular Spanish characters, and on the penultimate balcony he painted himself with his wife.
Optical illusion creates the illusion for the observer that all the depicted characters are in three-dimensional space.
Royal square
One of the most picturesque streets in Tarragona is called the Royal Square. The square got its name in the 15th century during the reign of King of Aragon, when the Praetorian fortress was called the "Royal Palace" and was the residence of high-ranking officials of that period. Since then, the territory adjacent to the palace has become known as the Royal Square.
This part of the city contains unique archaeological buildings. Among them are the Roman Circus, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Praetorian Fortress, which houses the Museum of Roman History.
One of the most interesting archaeological sites of value is the Roman circus of Tarragona.
The majestic building was erected in the 1st century AD and is considered the last building of the Flavian era.
From the circus have survived stands designed for an audience of 30 thousand spectators, underground corridors, dilapidated and dilapidated vaults, as well as some remains of gravestones from that century. Here is the "Pilate's palace" - the tower of the Roman praetorium, connecting the lower city with the Provincial Forum. Once inside the tower, an amazingly picturesque panoramic view opens up - from here you can contemplate the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea, the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, as well as the cathedral. There is also something to see inside the palace - this is the hall with the sarcophagus of Hippolytus and the Gothic hall.
Museum of Roman Culture
While walking around the Royal Square in Tarragona, do not forget to visit the museum dedicated to Roman culture. Here are collected all the preserved monuments of ancient Rome, which are an integral part of the World Cultural Heritage. The world treasury has about 25 thousand of the most valuable exhibits that are associated with the history of an important period for the city in terms of cultural and economic development.
Visitors can get not only aesthetic pleasure from viewing the main exhibition: there is a unique opportunity to descend into the underground arcades, where the burials of the first Christians are located.
Next to the Museum of Roman History is another unique museum with the most valuable exposition - the National Archaeological Museum. The building is the oldest building in Catalonia, dating back to the 19th century.
The museum is the custodian of archaeological excavations that have been found over the past century and a half.
Here are collected items from the Roman amphitheater, various sculptures, mosaics, as well as some details of ancient architectural buildings.
Roman aqueduct Ponte del Diable - "Devil's Bridge"
A few kilometers from the city is the Ponte del Diable Roman aqueduct, which is a building stretching for 217 meters. The building with a height of 27 meters was built in the 1st century BC, during the time of Caesar Augustus.
The "Devil's Bridge" was built to supply the city with water and was used for this purpose until the 18th century.
This historic building is part of the cultural world heritage, which was included in the UNESCO list in 2000.
Tarragona - city of cultural heritage
Heading to Spain, be sure to visit the picturesque resort town of Tarragona, whose atmosphere is completely imbued with the historical spirit.
Here, antiquity and modernity intertwined, creating amazing landscape panoramas.
This is one of the most unique places on the planet with the richest archaeological complex.
The heart of the Costa Dorada and the capital of the province of the same name in the Kingdom of Spain is the city of Tarragona, which attracts tourists with its historical sights. In 2000, it was rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to its historical value, the city is a major port, industrial and commercial center. Located 98 km from Barcelona, Tarragona attracts tourists hungry for a touch of the history of the Roman Empire, as well as sun and beach lovers.
A long time ago, many centuries ago ...
The first mentions of the inhabitants of Tarragonese lands date back to the end of the 6th century. On the hills of the current pearl of the Costa Dorada, an Iberian tribe lived in a settlement called Kesse. In 218 BC. NS. this settlement was conquered by the Romans under the leadership of Publius Cornelius Scipio.
At the place where the tribe lived, a fortification was built, which was named Tarraco, which means Fortress in Spanish. In 45 BC. NS. Julius Caesar gave the city the status of the capital of the province of Near Spain, which already in 27 BC. NS. was called Tarracon Spain.
National flag of Spain and the autonomous region of Catalonia
The period of the city's revival was 25-26 BC. NS. This is the time when Octavian Augustus was in the capital of the Roman Empire. The industry of the former province took off. They erected defensive walls, an amphitheater, two forums and an aqueduct. The population of the city increased to 40 thousand inhabitants. The fall of Tarraco coincided with the fall of the Roman Empire.
More than one generation of modern Tarragona had to endure wars and battles. Today the largest seaport is located there, and the tourism industry is developing.
View of the cruise port of Tarragona How to get to Tarragona
We will describe how you can get (several routes) to the historic center of Costa Dorada - Tarragona.
From Barcelona
There is a direct bus from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona from Terminal T1 every hour. The fare is 14.95 euros. Travel time is 1 hour.
There are direct buses to Tarragona and from Barcelona bus station, they go a little longer - 1.5 hours. But the ticket price is lower - 10 euros. You can order travel receipts from the comfort of your home on the official website busbud.com.
Barcelona North Bus Station Estació del Nord The most comfortable form of transport that will take you to the historic center of the Costa Dorada is by train. It enters Tarragona from Sants train station.
You can buy tickets at any time of the day using the travel document selection service rodalies.gencat.cat... There are many flights in the timetable, which take between 62 and 89 minutes. The ticket price will be approximately 8 euros.
Barcelona Sants / Sants Estació Train Station If you are not used to traveling by public transport, a taxi is at your service. The distance from Barcelona to Tarragona is 98 km. The car covers this path in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Payment - according to the counter and is approximately 132 euros.
Tarragona beaches
View from the Balcony of the Mediterranean (to the left): the city beach is located below The 15 km long coastline of the city makes it possible to locate a huge number of beaches in Tarragona. You will learn about the ways of getting to them and their features from the table:
| Beach name | Transport | Beach features |
| Platja Del Miracle / Comandància | Bus number 10 ("Port Esportiu") | The length of the beach is 500 m, there are showers and toilet cabins, as well as bars and cafes on the territory. |
| Cala fonda | Bus number 19 or 97 (stop "Mas Rabassa" - Camping Las Palmeras) | Wild beach 200 m long, |
| Platja De L'arrabassada | Bus number 1, 19 or 97 | The length of the beach is 550 m. A standard set of services: toilets, showers, bars, cafes |
| Cala Romana O Dels Capellans | Bus number 1, 19 or 97 | The length of the beach is 60 m.Standard set on the territory: toilets, showers, bars, cafes |
| Cala De La Roca Plana for nudists | Bus number 19 or 97 | The length of the beach is 205 m. Standard set for vacationers: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. Protected area |
| Platja De Tamarit | Bus number 97 | The length of the beach is 1750 m. A standard set for those who like to bask in the sun: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. Protected area |
| Platja De La Móra | Bus number 97 | The length of the beach is 520 m. The standard set of tourists: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. Protected area |
In order for a trip to Spain and a vacation in Tarragona to bring positive emotions, you need to study in advance so that the weather is sunny and warm without precipitation.
If you are lucky enough to visit Tarragona in winter, we recommend visiting the world famous carnival, which takes place from February 14 to 21.
You can watch an overview of the most popular resorts in Spain.
Cuisine and restaurants
The geographical location of the city makes it possible for the owners of restaurants and all kinds of cafes to offer tourists the gifts of the Mediterranean Sea, which are caught on the day of preparation.
If you decide to dine in the fishing area of El Serrallo, you can enjoy the taste
There are also seasonal dishes in catering establishments. For example, calçotada is served from January to April. This exotic name is given to sweet green onions cooked over an open fire with Romesco sauce.
Tarragona hotels
In Tarragona, as in any other tourist center, the hotel business is well developed. The owners offer accommodation for every taste and budget. There are 84 hotels in the city center, the rest are within a radius of 8.7 km. We present some of the hotels in Tarragona in Spain in the table below:
| The name of the hotel | Service / service | Room rates | Location |
| Husa Imperial Tarraco 4 * | 24-hour front desk, press delivery, express check-in / check-out, safe, luggage office, laundry, breakfast in the room, currency exchange, car rental, tour agency, Internet, paid parking | The most economical room for two will cost from 3800 rubles. Lux room for two will cost within 7,700 rubles | Center |
| SB Express Tarragona 3 * | Elevator, Safe, car rental, laundry, tour agency, fax machine, photocopying | The cost of a standard room for two is about 3100 rubles | Not far from the center |
| Mercure Atenea Aventura | Facilities for disabled guests, 24-hour front desk, smoking is prohibited on the territory and in the hotel, elevator, smoking areas, non-smoking rooms, currency exchange, room service, organization of excursions, parking lot | The cost of a standard room - from 2800 rubles | 8.6 km from center |
| Hostal Noria hostel 2 * | Internet, room service | Single room cost from 1500 rubles | 553 m from center |
Tarragona hotels are renowned for their good service for a relatively low price... In general, the cost of the rooms is kept practically at the same level.
Prices rise significantly in March, and, on the contrary, decrease in October. 40 days before the trip, you can book a hotel room with a 37% discount.
Shopping
The central part of the city is built up with various shops and various shops. It sells clothing, footwear and accessories from European and American manufacturers.
Along with everyone else, Spanish manufacturers present an assortment of the most famous clothing brands such as Roberto Verino, Armand Basi, Massimo Dutti, Pikolinos, MIRTO, Mayoral and many others. The most affordable are Spanish goods under the brands Bershka, Zara, Mango, Springfield, Oysho, Stradivarius.
The most favorable time for this is the second half of the day, when the sun is no longer so bright. The main Shopping Centers are Park Central and El Corte Inglés. They are located in the center, 5 minutes walk from the bus station. Prices in stores are reasonable for almost all income levels. 
Discounts (rebajas) in the country are both summer and winter. The peak of discounts falls on the summer, when the goods can be purchased 70-80% cheaper.
conclusions
When traveling to Spain, do not forget to include the city of Tarragona in your itinerary. After all, it was here that two currents were able to intertwine: modernity and antiquity. The atmosphere filled with historical spirit and a variety of panoramic landscapes will not leave you indifferent.
Holidays in Tarragona will be remembered for the mass of positive emotions, beautiful tan and hundreds of colorful photos.
You can get acquainted with the impressions of experienced tourists about the rest and sights of Tarragona in the reviews of tourists.
The dawn of this city fell on the era of Ancient Rome. It was from here that the reign of Julius Caesar, Octavian Augustus and Septimius Severus extended throughout the empire. For his long life this city managed to visit the capital of Near Spain. Today it is the largest Spanish Mediterranean port and a popular tourist destination. It has its own main Rambla, its famous Cathedral, its amphitheater, its museums, bridges, monuments and sculptures. Unusual and bright, always glad to have guests!
Tarragona attractions (Tarragona)
A beautiful city in its own way. On the one hand, it is traditional for Spain with the usual "set" of standard attractions for a tourist. On the other hand, this city is full of its own nuances and characteristics.
It has its own old town, where you can see ancient architecture, colorful elements of buildings, buildings that look like fortresses and castles.
The main and most important objects for tourists are geographically close to each other. Therefore, the sights of Tarragona (Spain) can easily be bypassed in one day.
I will try to briefly tell you about the most popular and "popularized" objects that are usually visited by guests of Tarragona. These include a couple of museums, the ancient Devil's Bridge, the main street of the city - the Rambla, the Cathedral, the Roman amphitheater and the walls of the ancient Roman fortress, and, of course, the park of words about local beaches. A map of the sights of Tarragona in Russian will facilitate your perception of my notes, and in the future will help you plan your own travel itinerary.
Roman amphitheater (Anfiteatro romano)
Having your own Roman amphitheater is an honor for the Tarragonese. Ancient Roman builders partially saved building materials and cut down the amphitheater with one side in the rock. Then, in the second century, the stands could simultaneously accommodate 14,000 people.
The amphitheater has a classic shape - an ellipse. Dimensions: 109x86 meters. Gladiator fights, theatrical shows, and, the sad truth of life, executions were held here.
Today, tourists see only the ruins of that majestic building, which gathered thousands of Romans.
A neat park stretches up the hill from this attraction. Therefore, here and on ancient architecture you can see and arrange a walk in the park area. At the very top of the hill is one of several observation decks called the Mediterranean Balcony. And very close to the highway leading to Rome. This is especially convenient for motorists who decide to explore the sights of Tarragona on their own.
Roman walls (Paredes romanas)
If Roman military architecture has preserved its most striking examples, then they are located here. These are the so-called Roman walls. These walls of the old fortress are now part of the most unique archaeological complex. If you decide to devote your excursion time exclusively to archeological monuments, then the Roman walls will definitely be included in your route.
The walls are perfectly preserved. Once they were part of a powerful fortress wall. It was built by the Romans around the city in the 2nd century BC. Of course, the main goal is defense and defense against enemies.
The original length of the wall was 3.5 km. Today we can only see 1.1 km of fortifications that surround the oldest urban areas.
Cathedral (La catedral)
The style is Romanesque Gothic. In Catalonia, this Cathedral of St. Thekla is considered one of the most beautiful. Construction started in the 12th century and completed in the first half of the 14th century. The foundation is based on the Roman Temple of Jupiter. As you have already noticed from my "traveler's notes", the ruins of Roman temples or fortress walls became in Spain an excellent foundation for many buildings that have survived to this day.
The first thing you will be gazing at here in the cathedral is the beautiful altar. Compositions of sculptures based on biblical motives are also interesting. Pay attention to the tombstone of the Infante Juan of Aragon. It is very skillfully designed. And, of course, do not forget to hold your gaze on the western facade of the building with eleven statues of the apostles and a rose window.
What else can you say about the Cathedral? It can be noted its advantageous geographical position - at the highest point of the city. However, the cathedral is not alone on this hill. It is part of a complex of ancient buildings. In addition to him, the statue of St. Paul, the House of Canons, the Chapel of St. Tekla, Cathedral Square, etc. are worthy of attention of tourists here. In the guidebooks one can get acquainted with the full list of the sights of the “near-cathedral” territory. It contains all the photos and descriptions of the sights of Tarragona.
Tower Als Castells (Castells)
This is an amazing and unusual bronze monument located on the central Rambla Nova boulevard. I'll tell you about this street a little later, but for now, more about the monument. The unusualness of the object, first of all, in the composition itself. It is rare to see such non-standard monuments. This is a whole story, plot, event, captured in bronze.
The pyramid of 219 human figures is impressive at first sight.
At first it may seem that this is a monument to something tragic. In fact, the sculptors depicted a traditional Tarragonese fun called Castells. In Catalonia, competitions are regularly held among the best teams in this kind of fun. The task of the participants is to pile up on each other so that your living tower is higher than that of your rivals.
Sometimes the number of such living floors reaches a dozen, and the base (foundation) of the tower is built by as many as hundreds of people.
The height of the bronze composition itself is 11 meters. It weighs 12 tons.
However, the monument has one more amazing zest - in the faces of its characters you can see, Miro, Casals and others famous people... And one of the figures is a "self-portrait" of the sculptor himself, Francesc Angles.
Devil's Bridge (Pont del Díable)
The eerie name hides a popular local landmark. This bridge is a witness of the rule of the Roman Caesar Augustus in these territories. This is one of two bridges over which water was brought to the townspeople in those distant times. By the way, water was brought along it until the 18th century. The height of the bridge is 27 meters. The length is about 220 meters. Below it is a deep gorge.
According to local legend, the devil himself was the builder of the aqueduct. In return for his "good deed", he demanded the soul of the one who first settled and drank water there. The honor of becoming the first settler fell to the donkey. The people called the bridge the Devil. This name stuck and became official.
Pont del Díable is valuable not only as an ancient architectural object. Tourists love to do great photo shoots here. There are paths above the gorge, along which you can walk on foot and "snap" great shots.
And around the bridge itself, a vast park was created with an ecological and historical bias.
House of Canals (Casa de canales)
This object belongs to the list of interesting sights. The mansion looks majestic. It breathes with antiquity and aristocracy.
At the same time, several eras have merged in the architecture of this building. The ruins of Roman walls from the 2nd century BC are the foundation for the foundation. In Spain, you can often find such old houses, which are based on the remains of the fortress ruins of the times of the Roman Empire.
And the first floor of the Canalls House is already the ruins of a building dating back to the 14th century.
The interior of the premises dates back to the 19th century. Living rooms in blue tones are amazing. The bedrooms are all pink. Mirrors faded with old age with gilded frames, old canvases on the walls - in everything you can see the imprints of history.
Step out onto the Canalls Terrace and admire the beautiful cityscapes of Tarragona.
House with a false facade
All kinds of wonderful houses you will not meet while traveling the world: curves, oblique, upside-downs. This is a House known far beyond the borders of Spain with a false facade. The four-story building has become a popular local attraction, which has been included in many excursion routes. The technique of painting the facade is called “trompe-l’œil” (trompe l'oeil). The artist tried to paint the house according to the traditions of the 19th century. On the balconies covered with flowers, he placed legendary Spanish characters - a harlequin, a doctor and a captain.
On the third floor of the facade, there is an image of the author himself with his wife, who is watering the flowers. Optical illusion allows passers-by to perceive all the characters depicted as three-dimensional figures. That is, they do not seem flat, but convex, almost natural. Note that for this you need to look at the house, being on Plaça dels Sedassos. Actually, where this outlandish house stands.
In fact, the painted facade is nothing more than a blank wall of the house, which overlooks the adjacent square. Not so long ago, in 1995, Carles Arola painted an unsightly facade, drastically changing the fate of this building.
Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
This museum is considered one of the most visited and noteworthy in the city. Its expositions are dedicated to the works of contemporary authors. The museum began its work in 1976. There were so many works that the museum workers were given three old mansions that had undergone reconstruction at once. Among the exhibits are mainly sculptures and paintings by Catalans. Salvador Martorell, Ramon Carrete, Luis Saumels and others are the authors of the exhibited works. In addition to paintings and sculptures, visitors can also see here the works of jewelers, all kinds of furniture and tapestries.
The earlier centuries (12-19th centuries) are dated by ceramic products, which are presented here in abundance.
National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (Museo Arqueolgico Nacional)
Lovers of archaeological and architectural artifacts should love this museum. There is a rich collection of exhibits that were collected at the end of the 19th century. In general, the museum is considered almost the oldest among its kind in Catalonia.
Five halls present various exhibits, united thematically and historically.
There are elements of ancient Roman buildings, a library of the same clock, a mosaic depicting the head of Medusa, old coins, clothes and dishes, and a lot of interesting things ...
All this is the result of the work of archaeologists over the past century and a half.
Tarraco Plaza Arena
The arena is quite old and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It was built in the late 80s of the 19th century. The resemblance to the ancient Colosseum and, at the same time, the design in a modern style give the object a special piquancy. In the period 2006-2010, the arena was closed for a large-scale restoration.
After that, the object acquired an even more attractive appearance from the point of view of tourist attention. The city spent 20 million euros to build a hefty sliding dome over the Tarraco Plaza. Its weight is about 1,000 tons, and its diameter is 80 meters. Full opening time of the dome is 12 minutes.
The whole embarrassment or "irony of fate" is that the opening of the renovated stadium coincided with the introduction of a ban on bullfighting in Spain. The local authorities had to adapt the facility to host theater shows, concerts and sports events.
Boulevard Rambla Nova
I will not be original if I say that the Rambla is the main street of many Spanish cities. And here, in Tarragona, Rambla Nova is the central city boulevard for walking, shopping and street entertainment.
The boulevard stretches from the Mediterranean Balcony (observation deck) to the Imperial Taracco Square, penetrating almost the entire city.
In addition to everything that can be seen on such boulevards, there are also the most interesting monuments of Tarragona. Usually tourists are brought to the bronze tower of Castells, which I mentioned above. This is a must on all routes passing through the Rambla.
Right there, on the sides of the pedestrian zone, you can see Art Nouveau mansions, monasteries and churches, the building of the central city market and so on. Each of these objects deserves special attention due to its history, fate and amazing architecture.
Here, like on the Rambla in any other Spanish city, life is raging almost around the clock. Buy flowers and souvenirs, watch a mini-concert of street musicians and artists, become a participant in city holidays, just relax on a bench - all this can be done on Rambla Nova boulevard.
Tarragona beaches
Who does not know, the Mediterranean coast, passing through Tarragona, is called "behind the eyes" the Gold Coast. Almost all local beaches have golden-colored sand. Amazing beaches here stretch along the sea for as much as 15 km. The sea is crystal clear. The entrance to the water is shallow and safe even for children. All this makes Tarragona beaches a favorite and popular holiday destination for both local residents and visitors.
Actually, the usual civilized beaches, as they should be in a resort town. All the relevant infrastructure is present: sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, showers, ice cream sales, cafes, sports equipment, and the like. You can safely rest here with the whole family.
A testament to the excellent condition of the local beaches (both coast and sea) - the blue flags awarded annually! And the reviews of tourists about beach vacation the most positive. Come and be sure - everything is on the level here!
Tarragona is the main city on the Costa Dorada. There are cities in the world whose grandeur and glory have remained in the distant past, and today they only enjoy the "dividends" of their legendary past, thanks to which they have turned into a tourist Mecca. This is precisely the fate of Tarragona. In the era of Ancient Rome, Tarragona was the capital of one of the largest Roman provinces - Tarragona Spain. Today, it is a quiet, calm, resort town located on the Costa Dorada. Only ancient ruins, picturesquely inscribed in the modern face of the city, remind of the glorious past of Tarragona.
Geography
Tarragona is located in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula in the autonomous region of Catalonia. The city stretches on the left bank of the small river Francoli (Riu Francoli) on low hills that provide beautiful protective characteristics in ancient times, but now they allow you to enjoy beautiful views. Accommodation on the seashore created all the conditions for organizing trade - now Tarragona is one of the largest Spanish ports with a large turnover of goods, despite the rather small population - just under 150 thousand people. But there are several times more tourists every year. The maritime location has provided the city stretching along the coastline with numerous beaches. The Mediterranean Sea is visible from almost anywhere in Tarragona, and the golden sands can be quickly reached from anywhere in the city. After a little reconstruction, the city was divided into two parts by Rambla Nova street, on one side of which is located the old part with architectural monuments, on the other hand, it is newer and more modern. All districts of Tarragona have developed historically and, practically unchanged, have passed into the modern administrative structure. In relation to the prime meridian, the city is in the time zone UTC + 1 in winter, and UTC + 2 in summer.
Climate
The weather in Tarragona pleases tourists and locals with excellent conditions for recreation. The climate is Mediterranean with minimal continental influences, warm and pleasant. There are practically no really cold months, even in winter the temperature rarely drops below + 10-12 ° C, which allows you to travel comfortably around Catalonia. Spring and autumn are rather weak, as the weather changes only slightly. The only difference is a little more rainfall. It usually rains in winter in early spring and late autumn. Then there may be storms and small hurricanes - the influence of the nearby sea affects. Summer in Tarragona lasts from May to September, when there is stable hot weather with temperatures ranging from + 22 ° C to + 31 ° C. But the heat is not felt strongly, since the sea air masses cool the air a little and you will not feel discomfort. As in all of Spain, it is customary to arrange a siesta here during the hottest hours of the day - this is from 13:00 to 17:00, when it is better to hide in the shade. You can go to Tarragona at any time of the year for those who wish to visit the sights and beautiful surroundings. Sea lovers from all over Europe come during the season from late May to early September - the sea is warm, the weather is gentle - sunbathing on the city's beaches, and walking at night is a pleasure.
History
The founding of the first settlement on the site of Tarragona dates back to the end of the 5th century BC, when local Iberian tribes settled here. In 218 BC. Roman troops occupied the settlement and established an outpost here for further expansion. By 27 BC. Tarracon, the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula, grew greatly and became the starting point for conquests. The city was the capital of one of the provinces and one of the largest settlements, with imperial palaces, an amphitheater, a circus for chariot competitions, shopping districts, an aqueduct, thermal baths and other buildings. All surviving Roman buildings and quarters have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the collapse of the empire, until 1117, Tarragona was ruled by the Moorish Caliphate, and then temporarily became the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. Tarragona has always been of great commercial importance, since the port was founded by the Romans and united the city with the entire Mediterranean. After the unification of Spain, the city retained the status of the capital of the region, before it was moved to Barcelona, as well as the title of the main port in the northeast.
In the Middle Ages, the Cathedral was founded, one of the largest at that time. It was erected on the site of the first Christian church, which was in Tarragona, and which was burned by the Romans, persecuting the believers. Tarragona flourished along with Spain, remaining an important cultural and commercial center. The industrial revolution affected the city, where various manufactories and factories appeared, transport and tourism developed. It is thanks to its long beaches and pleasant climate that Tarragona has become a kind of center of the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast), which attracted aristocracy and the middle class from all over Europe. In modern times, Tarragona occupies an important place in tourism and culture, is an important commercial and industrial port of Spain, an obligatory stop for cruise ships, a center aquatic species sports, a city with a rich heritage and history. All this attracts millions of tourists, both antiquity lovers and beachgoers, party-goers, families with children.
Tarragona landmarks
- The city of Tarragona in Spain attracts many tourists thanks to its unique attractions. One of the main attractions of Tarragona is the walls of the ancient Roman city of Tarraco. Ancient examples of Roman architecture have survived to modern days, and are an architectural masterpiece included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Roman walls are available for viewing by every visitor. It is worth taking a walk along the "Archaeological Route", and guests will discover a unique architectural splendor. The majestic walls have been preserved in excellent condition, although their length has decreased by almost 2.5 thousand meters.
- Another attraction of Tarragona is the Cathedral of Saint Thecla. The construction of the cathedral began in 1171, on the site where the shrine of the Roman god Jupiter once stood. The Cathedral passed the sacrament of consecration in 1331. The Cathedral of St. Thekla is an example of architecture that combines Romanesque and Gothic cultures. The entrance leads through a gallery and a cool shady garden. Immediately behind the gallery, in the eastern part of the cathedral, is the diocese museum, which is famous for its many valuable exhibits. A staircase is laid to the cathedral near the central facade, its walls are decorated with elements of a carved bas-relief, which depicts episodes of the Last Judgment. The cathedral is richly decorated with carvings and stained glass windows.
- The Centenario fountain is considered the pearl of the city - this landmark of Tarragona was built in 1954. The architectural object combines several directions of various styles - Catalan Baroque, Art Nouveau and directions in Greek sculpture. These styles were combined by the sculptor Josep Viladomat, who was an evolutionist who brought many masterpiece projects into reality.
- The Ramblas is a wide boulevard, traditional for Spanish cities, going down to the sea. There are two of them in Tarragona - Old and New, and they run in parallel. The old Rambla on the coast ends with an observation deck - "Balcony of the Mediterranean".
- Curious that modern road running along the sea is the former Roman "Via Augusta". In ancient times, there was a paved gangway leading from Cadiz to Rome. At the beginning of the street there is a marble statue of the Emperor Augustus, which the Italian Benito Mussolini gave to Francis Franco.
- Once a year, the modern Catalan city of Tarragona turns into the ancient Roman Tarraco. Lovers of historical reenactments from all over the world come here and put on shows. It is within the old part of the city that the holiday takes place. Shows like these bring ancient ruins to life. Participants restore Roman robes with great care. Each of them knows very well what the soldiers were wearing and how to wear this or that ammunition. The price of such a hobby is quite high - an average cost of a legionnaire's suit will cost the same price as a good car.
Events and festivals
The Spaniards love to relax and have fun, and especially the Catalans. Tarragona has such a rich historical past that the city boasts a large number of different fairs and festivals dedicated to different holidays, such as Christian, national or ancient Roman. Therefore, at any time, whenever you visit the city, there is a chance to get to the next celebration. The most ambitious and famous are:
- end of February - beginning of March (dates change every year) - the famous Carnival in honor of the end of winter. Several days of processions, celebrations, fairs with ritual burning of an effigy;
- early April - International Jazz Music Festival - for a whole week in all cafes, bars and pubs, only this music is played, both by famous performers and little-known bands;
- Easter, the main holiday of Christians, is celebrated magnificently, starting from Good Friday and ending on Easter Sunday;
- April 23 - Feast of St. George - a triumph of love and affection, when the locals give each other roses and books;
- May is the month of antiquity and ancient Roman history. During this period, the famous Tarraco Viva festival takes place and the city returns to its roots. For several weeks Tarragona is filled with legionnaires, gladiators and other costumed groups. Famous theatrical battles, street concerts, a feast of food prepared according to ancient Roman recipes are held;
- the night of June 24 - "devil's ball" in honor of Saint Juan. Numerous fairs and street performances take place. A distinctive feature of the holiday is living pyramids, when people build real high castles, standing on top of each other. Men and women acrobats participate equally in these performances;
- June 26 - traditional parade Magi De Les Timbales - at the head of the procession rides a horseman-drummer, announcing the beginning of the holiday;
- early July - international class fireworks festival takes place on the beaches of Tarragona. Throughout the night, the sky over the city is illuminated with unusual fireworks;
- August 16-19 - a merry carnival with funny costumes - there are giants and dwarfs, tadpoles, scary and funny unusual characters;
- September 15-24 - the largest local holiday of St. Tekla, the patroness of the city. This is not one holiday, but several fiestas, each of which is attractive in itself. At this time, you can find almost everything that Tarragona is famous for - the Roman inhabitants, medieval knights, dragon fights, parades, processions, carnivals, theatrical and musical performances. And, of course, treats throughout the city;
- December - Christmas markets and carnivals lasting until the 31st.
Restaurants and cafes
What to eat in the sea city? Of course, seafood in a variety of forms and performances - history itself has created the characteristics of the local cuisine. Naturally, in such a developed tourist place there are restaurants and cafes of different world directions - you can buy pizza, Thai and Chinese dishes, French and Scandinavian delights. But it is better to try what Tarragona has been famous for since the time of the Roman Empire - many recipes have survived almost unchanged. The city even has a festival dedicated to food - which is not a reason to try:
- Salsa Romesco sauce - with hot peppers and roasted nuts. It goes well with seafood and is part of a traditional meal;
- cassola (cassola) - casserole with seafood and various sauces;
- fideus rossejats - paella-like fried noodles with fish pieces;
- kalsotada - green sweet onion baked over a fire.
Naturally, fish and seafood can be tasted almost everywhere in Tarragona, in all the variety of species and types - in street and family cafes, restaurants, on small street stalls. The richest in freshly caught fish is the fishermen's quarter el Serallo. No less popular gastronomic place is the Camp de Mart garden area.
Shopping
Despite the fact that Tarragona is quite a small city, the large volume of tourists has led to the fact that there are many shopping spots in the city. The malls have boutiques of world brands, as well as stores of local brands of clothing, footwear and accessories. The proximity of the Costa Dorada has provided a very large selection of shopping spots that are popular with locals and tourists alike. From Tarragona, you must definitely bring:
- white wines of the Tarragona Plain, red wines of the Priorat (on the label they write - denominacion de origen: Tarragona / Priorat);
- jamon, brandy, pastries and sweets;
- souvenirs from porcelain and ceramics - like classic cups, plates, magnets, key rings with different images; and small copies of local attractions - aqueduct, amphitheater, cathedral and others;
- terracotta figurines for which Tarragona is so famous;
- fans of lace of various styles and colors;
- castanets, clothes and shoes for flamenco;
- statuettes of Torro bulls, gladiators, dancers - everything that reveals the deep historical roots of the city.
You can buy souvenirs and local original products in numerous small shops and stalls located on the main street, near attractions, on the beaches. Big shops and malls also have souvenir departments. At the same time, the cost is practically the same, since in a small town everything is located near the center.
How to get to Tarragona?
From Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large Russian cities, Tarragona can be quickly reached through Barcelona, where European airlines, charters and low-cost airlines constantly fly. The central airport of the Catalan capital is less than 100 kilometers from the city. Trains and buses run regularly to Tarragona itself - in a short time you can comfortably reach the very center of the city. The second popular route is via Reus Airport, where dozens of flights to the Costa Dorada arrive. Transport links are also well established and allow you to get to Tarragona very quickly. By train - you can get to the Mediterranean post by high-speed lines from Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Zaragoza. The train station is a 10-15 minute walk to the city center. The high-speed train network is integrated with French lines, and therefore allows you to reach your destination across Europe. Also nearby is the bus station, which connects the city with most of the Spanish and European cities. From Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Marseille, you can get there by a comfortable bus. Several important highways pass through Tarragona - it will be quite easy to get there by car, since the state of the autobahns is good, and following the signs it is enough to simply get to one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean coast.
Transport
The main public traffic network of Tarragona consists of bus routes that circle the entire city and connect it with other Catalan settlements... An extensive system allows you to quickly get from one end of Tarragona to the other. Modern buses are equipped with the latest technology, and the city card allows you to save on payments if you stay at the famous resort for a long time. The second most popular type of urban transport is rail. Since Tarragona is a large trade hub, the local analogue of the electric train allows you to quickly move around the city and suburbs. Bicycles are rented almost everywhere, especially in parks, near hotels and famous landmarks. Biking is possible everywhere, including the pedestrian areas of the historic center. The difficult terrain of the city and the numerous recreational areas make getting around Tarragona a real pleasure. Taxis are the most ubiquitous transport on the Costa Dorada. The cost does not differ much from the resort suburbs, and you can call a taxi from any cafe, restaurant, hotel. In practice, it is better to order a car delivery by phone, since street taxi drivers usually increase the fare. Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to travel, as you will definitely want to visit the popular resort suburbs. Traffic is not heavily loaded, there are enough parking spaces. The only limitation is that there are many pedestrian zones in Tarragona, where cars are not allowed. International and local rental agencies operate in the city.
Residence
A distinctive feature of the city on the Mediterranean coast is that there are all kinds of different places to stay - family and chain hotels, new and century-old hotels, hostels, apartments and campgrounds on the coast. The latter are especially popular, since for your money you get a small bungalow on the beach with access to the beach. The most popular are Caledonia, Trillas Platja Tamarit and some others. Camping in Tarragona remains on par with other similar places scattered throughout the Costa Dorada - tourists are offered a comfortable place to stay, not differing in service from hotels or rented apartments. The star rating of the hotel has a certain convention, since the volume of compulsory service is almost the same everywhere, but only differs additional services and the location of the hotel in the city. Among the four-star hotels are Hotel SB Ciutat de Tarragona, Tarraco Park Tarragona; in the three-star network - Astari, Nuria; There are a lot of two-star hotels and hostels in the city and its surroundings, and they are all designed for budget tourists, and with approximately the same level of service. There are many apartments for rent in Tarragona with a modern design and located in different areas. The only condition that applies to hotels is that you need to book in advance, especially during periods of festivals and national holidays.
Connection
Catalonia is very well covered by a network of mobile operators - both international and Spanish. The proximity of the resorts ensures high quality of communication, the normal cost of roaming - if you are traveling in Spain, it is better to buy a card of a local operator, if not - even international communication will not greatly affect your account. Coating wireless internet covers the whole of Tarragona - not excluding the territories declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Wi-Fi is available in all catering establishments, shopping and entertainment centers, hotels, amusement parks, on all city beaches. Access is free almost everywhere, only an increase in the connection speed can be for an additional fee. There is internet everywhere in public transport and it works quite well.
1. If you are in Tarragona in winter, then you should definitely visit the famous Carnival. This mesmerizing, intriguing and magical action takes place in the city from February 14th to 21st.
2. Given the fact that Tarragona is a port city, the local cuisine is full of fish dishes and abundant in seafood. On the positive side, most of the ingredients for seafood are sourced on the day of preparation, which ensures that the food is always fresh.
3. The city card “TarraGOna Card” will be very useful for tourists. This special card (for 24, 48 or 72 hours) will give you such privileges as: free visit more than 20 museums and historical sights, the right to free travel on any public transport (except for taxis), as well as a 10-20% discount in more than 50 restaurants, bars, shops, spa centers and taxis ...
Tarragona on the map, panorama
Tarragona is a seaport that is over 2000 years old. It is located on the coast called Costa Dorada. In ancient times, the city was so powerful that it was the capital of an entire kingdom. On the scale of modern Catalonia, it ranks second in size. Read on, in this review, Tarragona Spain attractions.
History and some general information
Nowadays, the population of the Spanish city with the beautiful name of Tarragona is not very numerous and is around 140 thousand inhabitants. Initially, the place was called Messe, the name was received in the 5th century, before our era.
Under the rule of the Roman Empire by Julius Caesar, Tarracon became the center of the Roman province, and thus also the oldest Roman settlement. Moreover, there was a period when the head of the entire Roman administration lived in this place.
After the Roman era, the city belonged to the Moors. Remnants of Roman heritage, such as architecture, have survived to this day. Tarragona is considered a provincial town, in which there are many architectural monuments, many beaches with golden sand, where they cook delicious and original, as well as a place where several national holidays and festivals take place.
Roman amphitheater in Tarragona
The theater has the following dimensions - 130 by 102 meters, with the number of seats for 15 thousand people, that is, more than a tenth of the current number of its inhabitants.
History
The construction time of the amphitheater was determined by the 2nd century BC. It was erected almost near the sea itself. The main entertainment that was shown to the then spectators was gladiatorial fights. Until now, you can find the remains of an ancient inscription, which is more than 18 centuries old. You need to look for it right on the podium.
Basilica and Mosque
Already at the beginning of our era, the main action that took place on the stage was the burning of the followers of the Christian faith. After Christianity took hold and became the main religion, the amphitheater began to be dismantled in order to build new temples and cathedrals. For example, it is precisely known about three who were martyred at the stake in the walls of the amphitheater. A basilica was built right next to their graves. It has not survived to this day, since during the reign of the Muslims, a mosque was built on the site of the basilica, which was destroyed in 1915.
Museum exposition
Now, in addition to the very remnants of the once grandiose structure, you can visit the museum exposition, which is located right on the territory of the Roman amphitheater. It is worth noting that part of the museum exposition can be viewed completely free of charge. Among other things, a panoramic view of the sea opens from the top of the theater. It will not be difficult to find this place, since it is from the theater that one of the main city streets begins.
The entrance ticket costs 3.3 euros. If you cooperate with a company of 4 people, you can save money. You can also buy a single ticket that allows you to visit 4 attractions at once, it costs 7.4 euros.
Museum website
http://www.tarragona.cat/patrimoni/museu-historia/preus-i-venda-dentrades
Museum on the map
Roman circus ruins
On the map
Devil's Bridge de les Ferreres Tarragona
The third name of this bridge is De les Ferreres. He, like the above-described amphitheater, belongs to the Roman heritage.
The Devil's Bridge is part of the aqueduct that supplied the city with water from a river called Francoli. Now the aqueduct is located 4 kilometers from the city limits, it is part of the Terraco architectural ensemble, which is included in the peaceful heritage.
Water was taken at a level of 90 meters above sea level and supplied to the city, where already at that time a complex water supply system was developed. The entire distance was more than 10 kilometers.
The most striking thing about the construction of the bridge is that it was built in the 1st century BC, and without the use of cement or other adhesive mortar.
The arches of the bridge are made of two levels, the upper section is 25, and the lower 11 arches in total. All arches have the same diameter size, almost 6 meters, the error is only no more than 15 centimeters. At the highest point, the bridge reaches a height of 27 meters, the widest point is 2 meters. The total length is 249 meters.
Why Devil's Bridge?
What tourists can see now is just small part the once erected water supply system. The bridge received its epithet for the fact that no one could solve the riddle of its construction, it was believed that evil spirits helped here, the devil himself had a hand in this construction. Nowadays, the bridge can be used absolutely for its intended purpose.
Now the bridge is part of the so-called ecohistoric park. You can visit it every day, except weekends - Saturday and Sunday. You can get to the bridge twice a day, at 10:00 or 12:00 hours. Admission for one adult will cost 5 euros.
Official site
http://www.pontdeldiabletarragona.com
Devil's Bridge on the map
Tarragona Cathedral
The most important religious building stands on a large hill, where the historical center in the form of an acropolis used to be. The construction of this temple began in 1171, but it was consecrated only almost two centuries after the completion of construction. Initially, the building was erected as an impregnable fortress with its inherent attributes - a citadel, loopholes and massive fortified walls. Many elements have not survived to our time, as the cathedral was rebuilt many times. The construction process itself was stretched over a couple of centuries, and, as a result, a combination of many architectural styles in one look. But it is precisely this feature that makes it unique and memorable.
Cathedral today
Now the cathedral has apses, transepts, a dome with as many as eight corners, an old bell tower, which houses some of the most ancient bells that were cast in Europe and have survived to this day. The main decorations of this temple are considered to be the portal of the main facade and stained-glass windows. The last large-scale restoration took place here already in our present century.
Official page
https://www.catedraldetarragona.com/catedral-tarragona-ru/
An entrance ticket for one person will cost 5 euros. Children under 7 years old can enter the cathedral for free. It is better to check the opening hours on the official website, where detailed calendars for each month are published. Opening times vary from 10:00 to 20:00 hours.
Cathedral on the map
Tarragona monasteries
Within the Terragona region, more precisely at a distance of no more than a hundred kilometers from the city, you can visit several old monasteries at once, they were founded almost at the same time - in the 11-12th century.
Poblet Abbey
This abbey was founded as a royal, then the state power was inextricably linked with the power of the clergy in 1151. The order that took this initiative was the French Cistercian Order. They conquered this land from the Moors.
You can find this location at the foot of the mountains called Prades, it is fifty kilometers from the city, but the place is very interesting, so it is impossible not to mention it in the review, Tarragona Spain attractions.
Ciscercian Triangle
This abbey was the first of the so-called Ciscertian Triangle. Other similar complexes will be discussed later. A feature of this complex is the pantheon where members of the royal family were buried.
In the 14th century, a special royal decree was issued, according to which it was in this place that the royals of Aragon were buried after their death. Only one ruler of Aragon, Ferdinand II, who was buried in Grenada, managed to bypass this decree in history. These tombs were extensively restored after the end of World War II - in 1948. The most interesting tombs are decorated with statues made of alabaster, there are lions at the feet of kings, and figures of dogs at the feet of queens. In total, 8 kings are buried here together with their spouses.
In addition, other personalities are buried here, for example, the Hungarian queen.
What now?
The abbey was badly damaged in the first half of the 19th century, when there was a civil war in Spain. The graves were plundered, all valuable items were stolen. Only thanks to the same order, though from the Italian side, this monument was restored. But one building was deliberately left in ruins to remind of the hard times.
You can get to the monastery every day, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 17:25. The entrance ticket costs 7.50 euros, for 10.0 euros, including the guide, and if you fork out for 24 euros, in addition to all of the above, you can still enjoy lunch in the restaurant.
Official site
http://www.poblet.cat
Poblet Monastery on the map
Monastery of Valbona de les Montges
The third name of this monastery, which is part of the Ciscercian triangle, is Santa Maria de Valbona.
It should be noted that in the triangle it was this monastery that played the leading role, although the royal nobility was not buried here.
Tourists note that it is also the most beautiful, located 65 kilometers from the city itself.
Church
An interesting church that can be seen on the territory of the complex, in its architectural appearance you can very well trace the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic.
Even before the outbreak of World War II, in 1931, this place was declared a national monument. The emergence of the monastery dates back to the 12th century, a distinctive feature of Monges was the fact that it was ruled by a woman, her title could be transferred into Russian as an abbess. The then king endowed her with very powerful power, she could absolutely calmly solve civil and criminal cases without involving any intermediaries.
The monastery was for women; during its greatest prosperity, more than 150 nuns found refuge in it. In the 16th century, it was decided to ban the existence of female monasticism in Spain, the nuns sold their lands, most of them were left to live an ordinary worldly life. This is how a village appeared, which is also called a monastery.
What to look for in the Monastery
On the territory of the monastery you can now see an octagonal Gothic bell tower of the 14th century, the main gate of the church with relief decorations, inside the temple there is a colored statue of the Virgin Mary.
The schedule of the monastery, when it is open for tourists and visitors, it is better to look at the website in advance, it is made in the form of a calendar.
Official site
http://www.monestirvallbona.cat/en/
The monastery on the map
The third monastery in the triangle is Santes Creus.
Santes-Creus website
http://www.monestirs.cat/monst/alcamp/cac01creu.htm
Archaeological Museum in Tarragona
This museum has the status of a national and bears the honorary title of the oldest museum in the whole of Catalonia. It has been in operation since the 19th century. The core of the collection is made up of items found during numerous excavations, the last of which took place during the last restoration of the local cathedral. These are fragments of Roman mosaics, many coins, weapons, as well as statues, tombstones, frescoes and other objects. The entrance ticket will cost 4.5 euros per person. As a rule, the institution is open to visitors from 8:00 to 15:00 hours, but as is the case with other institutions in Tarragona, it is better to check the regime on the official website.
Official site
http://www.mnat.cat
On the map
What else is worth seeing in Tarragona.
The sculpture of the Castellers (Els Castellers) is a tower that is made of human figures. She appeared in the city, not so long ago - in 1999, but has already become a kind of trend, Tarragona Spain attractions. Buildings of towers and figures of living people were often seen at official events during the USSR. In Catalonia, there is also a similar tradition, although it dates back to the 18th century, when special competitions were held on religious holidays. The tower is 11 meters high, weighs more than 12 tons; in total, you can count 219 bronze figures.
Monument on the map
Balcó del Mediterrani
The Mediterranean balcony is the name of the observation deck, from which you can observe the seascape at an altitude of 23 meters higher than sea level. At the foot is one of the most popular beaches, Playa del Miracle. The balcony has a beautiful iron railings, and it is also notable for the fact that it divides the city into two parts, the old and the modern.
Mediterranean balcony on the map
Roman Wall Of Tarragona
In the old part of the city, you should definitely take a walk along the archaeological avenue, which is also called the archaeological boulevard. This will allow you to take a closer look at the monuments and remains of Roman architecture. The distance is short - only 600 meters. Particular attention should be paid to the remains of the Roman wall, it is considered one of the best in our time in terms of preservation.
