Tarragona is the second largest city in Catalonia. It is located in the central part of the Costa Dorada and is the largest commercial and industrial center. However, in addition to this, the city is famous for its historical heritage. It is a striking object on the map of attractions in Catalonia.

During the Roman Empire, Tarraco (in its modern version - Tarragona) was the capital of the Roman province, which was called "Tarraconian Spain".

The historical part of the city has been perfectly preserved to this day. Today Tarragona is considered the real pearl of Catalonia. Back in 2000, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Famous ancient monuments in Tarragona

The city's attractions are concentrated within the historical part called Part Alta. The fortress walls of the ancient Tarraco are interesting to visit. There are buildings there that have been preserved from Roman and less distant eras.

Tarragona is a real pearl of Catalonia.

On the territory of the Old Town you can see a forum, a theater, a circus, an amphitheater and an arena for gladiator battles. The arena accommodated about 12 thousand spectators. Therefore, she looks very impressive. The Balco del Mediterrani square and the Portal del Roser are also located there.

Tourists should visit the Cathedral (Santa Maria del Miracle), built in the 12th century. This building is in the Gothic style, reminiscent of the events of past eras. It was erected in honor of the first Christians of the city, who were executed in the Amphitheater Square. Today it houses a museum.

The cathedral occupies an advantageous position, as it is located at the highest point of the city. It is recommended to consider the Cathedral as part of a single complex. Thus, it is best to get acquainted immediately with:

• Cathedral Square,
• House of Canons,
• Chapel,
• covered gallery,
• Museum of the Cathedral.

The Palace of Congresses, carved into the rock, has an unusual appearance.

The historical part of Tarragona guarantees many unforgettable experiences. There are ancient Roman majestic walls, ruins of the forum, narrow streets, green balconies, etc. It is interesting to walk through the labyrinth of ancient streets, breathing in the atmosphere of past centuries.

Map of Tarragona with attractions in Russian

The map shows the main attractions of Tarragona:

• Centennial Fountain,
• Cassa de la Punch,
• Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites,
• Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco,
• Rambla Vella street.

Central part of Tarragona

The city has a large number of original buildings. There is no point in listing everything. Therefore, we will highlight only the main objects that are definitely worth a look.

The central street, New Rambla, departs from the square. It stretches in a wide strip across the entire settlement, from the bus station to the sea.

If you walk along this street, you can see many interesting objects:

However, in addition to this route, the city became famous for its medieval and ancient monuments. That's why there are walking routes in Tarragona: the Medieval Route and the Roman Route.

A unique and distinctive city in Catalonia, Tarragona, is picturesquely located on the Mediterranean coast, 150 kilometers from Barcelona. This is the largest port in Spain. Tarraco, as Tarragona was formerly called, experienced its dawn during the era of the Roman Empire. Tarraconian Spain was at that time the capital of the Roman province. Now Tarragona is the largest center of Spanish tourism, and the perfectly preserved historical quarter and its pearl, the Tarragona Cathedral, retain traces and spirit of the Middle Ages.

Pearl of Catalonia

Tarragona, with a population of 140 thousand people, is the second most important cultural and historical site of the Catalonia region. Festivals and national holidays are traditionally held here. On such days, the main street of La Rambla is elegantly decorated, and a stream of people continuously flows along it towards the embankment. The street spectacularly ends with an observation deck - the “balcony of the Mediterranean”, which offers a wonderful view of the amphitheater and the Mediterranean Sea. The fenced promenade is located above a cliff 20 meters high. Along with the Roman amphitheater, the “balcony of the Mediterranean” is considered the main attraction of Tarragona.

The perimeter of the “balcony” is bordered by beautiful wrought iron railings. This is a favorite place for tourists to walk and take photos. There is a sign: knocking on the balcony railing means attracting good luck into your life.

Costa Dorada of Catalonia

The magnificent beaches of Catalonia are called Costa Dorada - Gold Coast. They stretch south of Barcelona and are famous for their fine sand, which shimmers gold in the rays of the sun and in the spray of the sea breeze. The Costa Dorada coast in Terragona stretches for 15 kilometers and is famous for its warm, calm sea, flat underwater landscape, ideal for swimming, a well-equipped coastline for a comfortable beach holiday, bars, cafes for every taste and budget, hotels and guest houses right on the shores of the Mediterranean seas. In the evening and night hours, the entire coast is flooded with colorful lights and filled with music sounding from numerous dance floors.

The climate of the Costa Dorada in the Tarragona area is somewhat milder and warmer than in other coastal regions of Spain, therefore, this resort is ideal for families with children. There are several reasons for this: the city is protected from cyclones from the west and north by the Pyrenees, behind which stands another mountain range - the Catalan Mountains. The average air temperature in the summer months is kept at the most comfortable values: + 25-27 degrees, water temperature is approximately 23 degrees.

Sights of the historical part of Tarragona

The old city center, completely included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one continuous attraction. With each new turn, different wonders open up for the admiring viewer to see:

• Roman amphitheater;
• Cathedral of Tarragona;
• Pilate's Castle, or Royal Castle;

Roman amphitheater

This is the calling card of Tarragona. The amphitheater was partially carved into the rock in the 2nd century by the ancient Romans; at that time it could accommodate up to 14 thousand spectators in its stands. The structure was built in the classic shape of an ellipse with dimensions of 109 by 86 meters. According to tradition, it hosted gladiator fights and staged theatrical performances and public executions. Our contemporaries can only see the remnants of former luxury when the sun softly illuminates the ancient stone steps. From the amphitheater, a beautiful, well-kept park runs up in terraces, where vacationers love to walk. There is a highway leading to Rome nearby.

Made in the Roman-Gothic style, the Tarragona Cathedral is perhaps the most beautiful and majestic medieval monument in the province of Catalonia. It began to be built at the end of the 12th century, but was consecrated only in 1330. Inside, you can see a magnificent altar by Pere Joan. It is interesting to see sculptural compositions on biblical themes, as well as the skillfully designed tombstone of the Infante Don Juan of Aragon. In his short but vivid biography, the facts are known that at the age of 17 he became the Bishop of Toledo, and at 28 - the prelate of Tarragona. This honorary resident of Tarragona died in 1334 at the age of 33.

In the geography of the city, the cathedral is located very advantageously - it stands on the highest point of Tarragona. This is a whole complex of unique ancient buildings, including, in addition to the cathedral itself:

• museum;
• Cathedral Square;
• Romanesque cloister (covered gallery of the cathedral);
• chapel of St. Tekla;
• House of Canons;
• statue of St. Pavel.

The most impressive part of the Cathedral is the western façade. From the side of Cathedral Square there is a stunning view of it. The portal is decorated with figures of 11 apostles and prophets and a luxurious rose window.

To see the cathedral complex in all its glory, you need to climb to the roof of Pilate’s Castle, where there is an observation deck.

The museum was founded in the 19th century and includes many valuable exhibits found during excavations in the Roman amphitheater and Necropolis. The most significant of them are Roman coins, togas, weapons, jewelry, and dishes made of expensive metals. In one of the halls you can look at the heads of Roman emperors on pedestals.

Centenary Fountain

This is the most picturesque fountain in Tarragona, built in 1954 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rambla Nueva. The central exposition of the fountain is 4 figures, symbolizing 4 parts of the world. The male figures carved from Burgos stone represent different human races on different continents.

Monument "Castelleros"

Only in Tarragona there is a monument to the organizers of the “living pyramids” (sculptor Francesc Angles). The monument was erected on New Rambla. Pyramids of living people - acrobats (castellers) - are one of the attractions of Tarragona. On big holidays, acrobats build a multi-tiered pyramid of themselves without any insurance to the height of a 12-story building! In the video below you can see how the castelleros is built and how it is destroyed.

The pyramid is strictly calculated. Thus, from tier to tier the weight of living “bricks” becomes lighter. A living structure is always crowned by a child.

We visited the very “Roman city” of Spain, walked along the stone pavements, admired the ancient walls and sights. It’s surprising that seemingly different concepts – antiquity and elite beach holidays – have harmoniously merged in one city. A holiday in Tarragona is truly a pleasure for the soul, body and knowledge.

Visit other Catalan cities, for example.

Tarragona is the capital of the province of the same name, part of the autonomous region of Catalonia. The city, located 100 km south of Barcelona and stretching along the Costa Dorada for 14 km, is the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. Its history goes back more than two thousand years. The architectural complex of Tarragona from the time of Roman rule is the largest in Spain and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Russians vacationing at the resorts of the “Golden Coast” rarely miss the opportunity to go on an excursion to the former capital of Roman Spain. Fortunately, the distances are small - from Cambrils, La Pineda, Salou, respectively, 17, 13 and 10 km, and trains and buses run frequently. Many tourists come even from Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, and Madrid.

For our readers, we have prepared a short guide to the main attractions of Tarragona and a story about how to get to the city more conveniently.

Coast of Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/felix2510

Queen of past centuries

On the site of modern Tarragona in the 5th century. BC. there was an Iberian settlement called Kess. And in 218 BC. After the victory over the Carthaginians, the Romans reigned here and founded the Tarraco fortress. Just a hundred years later, the outback became the Great Roman Tarragona - the capital of the imperial province of Tarraconian Spain and all Roman possessions on the Iberian Peninsula.

In the 5th century AD The Visigoths came to Tarraco, plundered everything and destroyed almost everything, and after being captured by Arab troops in 714. the city has almost disappeared. It began to revive when it was reconquered by Christians in 1129, and in the Middle Ages it became the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. But wars, epidemics, pirate raids (their main camp was in Salou), occupation by Napoleonic troops again led to destruction, hunger and poverty.

Scale model of the city of Tarraco - this is how it was in the 2nd century AD.
Photo: flickr.com/49763843@N07

Now Tarragona has almost 140 thousand inhabitants. It is an important economic and cultural center of the region and an increasingly popular resort.

How to get there

Tarragona is easy to get to from anywhere on the Catalan coast, along which there are a railway and three motorways - the free N-340 and the toll A-2 and A-7.

During the holiday season from 7-8 am to 10:30 pm with an interval of about 30 minutes. From the resorts of the Costa Dorado, regular buses of the company Empresa Plana run on the route Cambrils - Salou-Cap Salou - La Pineda - Tarragona. Travel times from Cambrils, Salou and La Pineda are 50, 40 and 15 minutes. Buses going to Barcelona Airport and along the route Cambrils - Salou - La Pineda - Bonavista - Tarragona - Barcelona are also suitable.

In Salou and Cambrils you can take the bus at any stop, in La Pineda - at the stop on Passeig de Pau Casals. From the Salou bus station (located near the monument to Jaime I) there is an express bus “Ràpid”, which takes 15-20 minutes.

By car, if there are no traffic jams, the journey from Cambrils will take 15-20 minutes, from Salou - 10-15 minutes.

Tarragona can be reached by bus, train or train.
Photo: flickr.com/eldelinux

“In Tarragona, there is always space in the underground municipal parking lot. It is easy to find by following the signs. Driving through the narrow streets is a chore; it’s better to walk. I don’t recommend leaving your car where you have to - they’ll drag it away on a tow truck and you’ll have to pay at least 150 euros.”

“One day would be enough to explore Tarragona and go shopping. But we traveled from Salou several times by train - less than 15 minutes, and by bus - 30-40 minutes. Buses to Reus pass through Salou and Cambrils, so it takes longer than 10 minutes. they never waited - they sat on any one with the inscription “Tarragona”.

We went to the beach in the morning and left in the afternoon. We calmly looked at everything, visited museums, went shopping. We learned about the Pobles Monastery from reviews, went and didn’t regret it.”

To travel by public transport, it is profitable to buy a T-10 pass for 10 trips and use it with the whole family. Tarjeta Bono Bus costs 12 euros and is valid on buses and trains in the first zone - this includes Salou, La Pineda, Cambrils and Tarragona. One trip will cost 1.2 euros, and the driver will have to pay 2 euros for a ticket.

You can get to Tarragona by sea and at the same time look at the picturesque bays and beaches. On Tuesdays, a boat departs from Cambrils at 09:30, stops in Salou at 10:00 and arrives in the port of Tarragona at 11:10. On the return trip the boat departs at 17:00 and arrives in Salou at 17:45, in Cambrils at 18:15.

Trains run between Barcelona and Tarragona every 20-30 minutes.(travel time - 1 hour 45 minutes. Minimum ticket price - 4.15 euros), an express bus runs up to 7 times a day (one-way ticket - from 7.9 euros). There are convenient bus and train connections to Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid.

Intercity bus to Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte

How to navigate

The Camp de Tarragona train station is located on the seashore, a 10-15 minute walk from the center. At approximately the same distance is the bus station, but in the opposite part of the city - in the northeast, on the Imperial Tarraco Square.

Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte

Rambla Vella (Old Rambla) - a boulevard with a wide pedestrian area - divides the city in two. In the northern part there are historical quarters, in the southern part there are new quarters with Rambla Nova. It runs parallel to the Old Rambla from the bus station to the sea - in fact, to the Mediterranean Balcony (more about it below).

The tradition of Castellers (building towers with people) was born in Tarragona. Monument of people to the castellers on Rambla Nova. The monument is made up of 219 sculptures. Its height is 11 meters.
Photo: flickr.com/kristianvinkenes

Monuments of three eras

There are so many historical sites on the map of Tarragona that the local tourism office has developed 3 walking routes according to eras - the Roman period, the Middle Ages and modernism.

The main attractions are located very compactly in the northern part - in the Old Town. The remains of ancient Roman buildings are adjacent to medieval buildings, examples of Catalan Baroque and Art Nouveau.
We will tell you about what is worth seeing in Tarragona, and in what order - decide for yourself.

Modern gladiator fight in the arena of an ancient amphitheater.
Photo: flickr.com/7455207@N05

Antique Tarraco

For six centuries the city was part of the Roman Empire and flourished - the population grew to 40 thousand, powerful defensive walls, the emperor's residence, and other monumental structures were erected, and a road to Rome was built.

Roman Forum and Amphitheater

Amfiteatre roma is an archaeological pearl of the entire coast. An oval-shaped structure measuring 109.5 * 86.5 m, built around the 2nd century. AD on the seashore, accidentally found during archaeological excavations in 1952. Gladiator fights, celebrations, and theatrical performances took place here.

Part of the stands and fragments of a 140-meter rock inscription in the southern sector have been preserved. Entrance - 3 euros. From the amphitheater you can take an elevator to a beautiful and well-kept park - Parc de I’Amfiteatre roma.

Roman circus

Circ roma, located in the Old Rambla area, appeared in the 1st century. AD under Emperor Domitian. Up to the 5th century. In this huge ellipse-shaped structure, 325 m long and 115 m wide, designed for 20-30 thousand spectators, equestrian competitions and chariot races were held.

Most of the circus is hidden under buildings of the 19th century; the main portal, eastern stands, the attached Monks' Tower and the underground part have been preserved.

Area of ​​the local Roman Forum

The center of social life in Tarraco was the Forum Provincial (1st century). It was located on 18 hectares and consisted of two large squares, which were framed by administrative, religious and cultural buildings - curia, temples, shops of merchants and money changers. Part of the ancient Roman basilica and the remains of several houses have survived to this day.

The complex is open daily from 10 to 21 hours, on Sundays - until 15 hours, ticket price - 3.15 euros.

Remains of the ancient walls of the Forum Provincial (1st century) at the Plaza del Forum.
Photo: flickr.com/49763843@N07

Passeig Arqueologic - Archaeological promenade

The remains of Roman walls surrounding the quarters of the Old Town are the oldest example of ancient military architecture in Spain. The defensive wall, 6 m high, 4.5 m wide and 3.5 km long, was built BC. - in 217-197 In 1709, new walls 4 km long and 10 m high were erected around the old walls.

Between the two rings of fortifications there is a walking alley 4.5 m wide and about 600 m long. There you can see gates, ancient Roman watchtowers, fortifications and 18th-century guns. and it's nice to stroll among the palms and cypresses.

The promenade is open from 9 am to 9 pm, from October 1 to April 1 - until 7 pm, closed on Monday. Entrance ticket - 3 euros, for children under 16 years of age admission is free.

Walk along Passeig Arqueologic past ancient tools.
Photo: flickr.com/calafellvalo

Necropolis of the first Christians

To the west of the Roman Forum, near the Francoli River, there is a Christian necropolis (III-V centuries), nearby is the Museum of Early Christianity.

The museum's opening hours in spring and summer are from 10:00 to 20:00, in autumn and winter - until 17:00, break -13:30-15:00, closed on Mondays.

Middle Ages

The old quarters of Tarragona are very picturesque and have preserved a special medieval atmosphere and the spirit of old Spain.

Cathedral

The highest part of the city is the top of the hill. First there was the ancient Roman Temple of Jupiter, later - the oldest Christian church in Spain (382), an Arab mosque, and, finally, Tarragona Cathedral. The Catedral de Santa María de Tarragona was built from 1171 to 1331. and became the main one in Catalonia,- here, and not in Barcelona, ​​was the residence of the bishop.

When there is a service, you can go inside through the main portal from Cathedral Square. At other times - through the side portal on the street de les Escrivanis Velles.

The ticket office is located right behind the portal; when purchasing a ticket (adult - 5 euros, for children 7-16 years old - 3 euros, and kids are free, audio guide - 2 euros), tourists are given a plan and description of the cathedral.

With this ticket you can go to diocesan museum. It contains over 6 thousand exhibits, of which about three hundred are on display, but what kind! Gothic altars, church sculpture, paintings, liturgical utensils and vestments, religious jewelry from the Renaissance and Baroque era, manuscripts and books of chorales, a large collection of Brussels tapestries of the 15th-17th centuries.

Pilate's Castle

The Praetoria Palace was built on Roman foundations in the medieval era for the Roman governor who ruled the province of Tarraco. It is called Pilate's palace. Until the 16th century, this was the residence of the Aragonese kings, and then a prison. Now there is an observation deck on the tower, from where you can take the best photos of the panorama of the city and the coast.

The Palace of Pilate (Roman Praetorium) is located on the Royal Square. Built around 70 BC during the reign of Augustus Caesar.
Photo: flickr.com/mrosa-ferre

Cathedral Square

Next to the cathedral - one of the most interesting buildings in the Roman-Gothic style is the hospital of St. Tecla (1171), now there is the Tarragona District Council.

The mansion of Casa Balcells until the end of the 16th century. served as the residence of the canon-steward of the Cathedral, and later royalty stayed here.

Nearby is a Gothic rector (XII-XV centuries). The main decorations of the building are a portal with a pointed arch and a four-part window.

Under the 14th-century Gothic pointed arches that unite several houses, Carrer Merceria was once a market for vegetables, and today a Sunday antique market.

Volta del Pallol - The Pallol Vaults on the square of the same name are the remains of the buildings of the provincial forum. In the Middle Ages there was a church here, from 1462 there was a Dominican monastery, and later the main granary - pallol. Now the building houses an exhibition hall in which a model of ancient Tarraco is shown for free.

Volta del Pallol is an exhibition hall within the ancient walls of a former monastery.
Photo: flickr.com/angela_llop

Palace of Casa Castellarnau

The Casa Castellarnau mansion was built in the 14th-15th centuries, and the exquisite interior interiors were created in the 18th-19th centuries. The building is notable for its mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Now the Kastelarnau mansion is a museum. On the top floor are the chambers of the aristocratic families of Catalonia - a library, a salon, a ballroom with famous ceiling paintings on mythological themes. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m., closed on Mondays. Ticket price - 3 euros.

The lower floor is at the disposal of the Museum of the History of Tarragona(open for visits from 10 to 21 o'clock, on Sundays - until 15 o'clock, Monday - closed).

Along the route of modernism

The architecture of the era of the Industrial Revolution is presented very vividly in Tarragona - the buildings erected here at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries are often mentioned in textbooks on architecture.

Balco del Mediterrani

The most picturesque place is an observation deck on a coastal hill 23 m high. The townspeople call it the “Mediterranean Balcony” and come here to stroll and “touch the iron” of the beautiful wrought iron fence (tocar ferro) - they say it brings good luck. From here you have a wonderful view: all the surroundings are in full view.

View of Tarragona from the Balcó del Mediterrani.
Photo: flickr.com/joaquimfp

Modern in Catalan

Fans of Art Nouveau aesthetics will find many noteworthy objects to explore:

• Casa de la Punxa (1911-1929) - a building decorated with a cylindrical tower, an openwork stone balustrade, and images of fantastic creatures. Now the city Chamber of Commerce is located there.
• In the courtyard-patio of the City Hall - it is on Plaça de la Font - there is a monument to King Jaime I. The unusual monument is made in the form of a ship sailing on the waves.
• The unusual façade of the house on Plaça dels Sedassos is painted as an imitation of a typical 19th-century Catalan house, and traditional characters from local festivals are painted on the balconies. Due to optical illusion, the image appears three-dimensional.

Painted facade of a house on Placa dels Sedassos.
Photo: flickr.com/empordakoaharia

• The monastic complex of the Discalced Carmelites with a sharp spire, an openwork octagonal “lantern”, an elegantly decorated neo-Gothic spire and a unique church in the Catalan Art Nouveau style.
• Next to the monastery is the impressive building of the Teresian School (1922), designed by the architect Bernardi Martorell, a student of Gaudí.
• The three-story bullring (1883-1888) for 9 thousand spectators is reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, but is designed in the Art Nouveau spirit with elements of neo-Moorish style. Bullfighting is no longer held, but the arena hosts concerts, theatrical performances and sporting events.
• The most beautiful house in the city is Casa Salas on La Rambla Nueva.
• The Casa Canals palace is one of the most interesting in terms of architecture and interior decoration - rich interiors of the 19th century, ancient paintings, and an observation deck on the terrace.
• Central market Mercado Publico (1915) - in the Lower Town.
• In the city park there is a dilapidated, but very beautiful Villa Sant Raphael, in the art nouveau style - ornaments, bas-reliefs, inlays, ceramics, openwork forged balustrade.

Villa La Quinta Sant Rafael is located in the city park Parc de la Ciutat.

Trenet Turistic

If you are traveling with children who find it difficult to walk for a long time, or have little time to explore, you can take a sightseeing tour of the main attractions of Tarragona on the red tourist train - Trenet Turístic. The train of several open carriages runs along the sea to the port, past the Mediterranean balcony, then rises to the historical center to Pla de la Seu.

The starting and final stop of the train is at Rambla Vella, 200 m from the bus station. There are two options - ride one lap (40 minutes) or ride all day, getting in and out at any of the 10 stops on the route. Ticket for a single trip - 6 euros, children under 12 years old - 3 euros, ticket for the whole day - 7 euros, for children - 4 euros. During the summer season (from June 16 to September 14) the train runs every 20 minutes. from 10:30 to 18:30.

Trenet Turístic is the ideal solution for sightseeing in Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/47869349@N03

Tatyana Yashina, Barnaul:

“I went with my two-year-old son to Tarragona. I was worried - it was my first time abroad, we didn’t speak the language. We arrived from Salou by bus, at the bus station an employee in a green vest explained that you need to go through the bus station and there will be a stop for the excursion train. Tickets are sold at Bus Plana kiosks, but I bought them from the driver. The train has an audio guide in 8 languages, including Russian. The cabins in the train are comfortable and spacious, the stroller fits perfectly, but the seats are a bit hard.”

Tickets for the tourist train can be purchased at the Rambla Vella ticket office or from the driver.
Photo: flickr.com/elshostaletsdepierola

Helpful information

With a single Entrada conjunta als recintes ticket you can visit all Roman monuments, the palaces of Castellarnau and the Canals. The ticket costs 10.55 euros and is valid until the end of the year, so you don’t have to see everything at once.

There is one more An option to save money is the Tarragona Card for visiting 22 attractions and museums. They are sold in tourist offices, hotels, all museums and online and come for 24, 48 or 72 hours (cost 14, 19 and 24 euros respectively). The cards come with tickets for free travel on public transport in the first zone. But that's not all - discounts of up to 20% are provided in shops and spa centers, on taxi fares, in more than 50 restaurants and bars, on tickets to amusement parks, Aqualeon and Aquapolis.

Do you want to save money and see all the sights, and also get a discount in restaurants? Then purchase a Tarragona Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Lidiya, Krasnoyarsk:

“We read in reviews that in Tarragona there are often promotions for sightseeing, and on holidays almost everywhere admission is free or at a reduced price. Last year there was a program for tourists from the “northern countries” for several days and we saw the Roman monuments and the Castellarnau Palace for free.”

Conclusion

So our short tour of Tarragona has ended. But you can continue it on your own - wander through the medieval quarters away from the tourist trails, go to museums, walk along both Ramblas, lined with palm trees and tangerine trees, walk along the beautiful embankment, visit one of the fish restaurants in the seaside area of ​​​​El Serrallo.

El Serraglo embankment.
Photo: flickr.com/soniacoll

So, if you are nearby or just within reach, go to Tarragona and, of course, we are waiting for your feedback!

Lyubov Gladkova

The city of Tarragona is the second most important city in Catalonia after Barcelona. This is one of the most amazing historical places, which is of particular interest to tourists. One of the oldest cities with a huge heritage of the Catalan nation in the form of diverse architectural monuments, it displays the majestic buildings of Ancient Rome, many of which have turned into ancient ruins. Modern buildings combined with ancient Roman ruins create an incredible atmosphere of mystery and fascinate with their landscapes.

The most picturesque places in Tarragona

The historical city of architecture reveals its attractions to the visitor at every step. Tarragona is primarily famous for the unforgettable Roman amphitheater, built in the 2nd century. Archaeologists managed to discover 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 spectator rows, the gate leading to the arena, as well as the stage itself with an area of ​​about 2.5 sq. km are well preserved from the building. The oldest structure in the shape of an ellipse could accommodate up to 15 thousand spectators.

A majestic amphitheater was erected with the purpose of holding brutal gladiatorial fights here for public spectacle. As the story goes, during the time of the exile of the followers of Jesus, it was in the arena of Tarraco that three followers of Christ were executed. 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 cascading down in the form of terraces to the ruins of antiquity.

The ancient walls of the city of Tarraco, built 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 this day.

The structure was built in the 2nd century BC to mark the boundaries of the city of Tarraco and protect it from possible attacks. The wall stretched for 3.5 kilometers. The remaining part of one kilometer now circles the quarters of the modern city.

A tour of the historical city touches on the most interesting surviving fragments of the fortification in the form of stone blocks folded without a binder, where the famous towers of Minerva and the Archbishop, the Roman Gate of the Intercessor, the Bastion of St. Dominic and other buildings of antiquity are located nearby.

Another one 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 built back in 1171, and it took on its completed form only in 1350. The central portal of the historical building is decorated with a carved bas-relief depicting paintings of the Last Judgment.

A majestic, ancient 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 are presented with majestically towering pointed and semicircular arches, benches made in the Gothic style 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 ancient bells, cast in the 14th century.

Visitors to Spain's historic city should definitely take a stroll along the amazing Rambla.

It starts from the square of the Imperial Tarraco bus station and ends at the cliff called the Balcony of the Mediterranean. The Rambla stretches only 700 meters in length, but has collected many monuments and beautiful fountains. The pride of the boulevard is the famous sculptural composition of the Castells and the Centennial Fountain, which we will discuss later.

Tarragona, whose attractions are endless, never ceases to amaze visitors with its unique monuments. One of these is the Tarragona tower of Als Castells, made of bronze in the form of a pyramidal sculpture of 219 human figures.

It is dedicated to the castellers, 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 became one of the main attractions of the city, was erected in 1999. The height of the tower is about 11 meters, and it weighs 12 tons.

At the top of the monument there is a figure of a child waving his hand, and near the sculpture there are bronze musicians and those in charge of the construction process. Among the figures that are part of the monument, you can see such outstanding creative personalities as Pablo Picasso, Juan Antonio Samaranch, 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 Centennial Fountain. It was erected in honor of the hundredth 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.

Next to the fountain there are several sculptural compositions in the form of male figures of different races. Each of them is a symbol of a continent or part of the world.

Fountain "Boy with a Goose"

The Greek sculptor Boef from Chalcedon is the author of the monument in the form of a boy with a goose. The fountain, symbolizing childhood and love for animals, gained worldwide popularity, and its copies spread throughout the world.

It is noteworthy that not only people come to the fountain to admire the sculpture, but often this place is also visited by pigeons who are not averse to perching on the sculptural composition.

Walking along Placa dels Sedassos in Tarragona, you can see a house with an illusory façade. The artist Carles Arola became the author of the painted wall. The building was decorated using a special trompe-l’œil (“optical illusion”) technology. On the balconies of the house the master depicted popular Spanish characters, and on the penultimate balcony he painted himself and his wife.

An 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 of Tarragona is called the Royal Square. The square received its name in the 15th century during the reign of the King of Aragon, when the Praetorian fortress was called the “Royal Palace” and was the residence of high-ranking persons of that period. Since then, the area adjacent to the palace began to be called 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.

What remains of the circus are stands designed for an audience of 30 thousand spectators, underground corridors, dilapidated and dilapidated vaults, as well as some remains of tombstones from that century. Here is the “Palace of Pilate” - the tower of the Roman praetorium, connecting the lower city with the Provincial Forum. Once inside the tower, a surprisingly picturesque panoramic view opens up - from here you can see the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea, the ruins of a 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 strolling through the Plaza Reial in Tarragona, don't forget to visit the museum dedicated to Roman culture. All the surviving monuments of ancient Rome are collected here, which are an integral part of the World Cultural Heritage. The world treasury has about 25 thousand 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: here they have a unique opportunity to go down into the underground arcades where the burials of the first Christians are located.

Near the Museum of Roman History there is another unique museum with a valuable exhibition - the National Archaeological Museum. The building is the oldest structure in Catalonia, built in the 19th century.

The museum is the custodian of archaeological excavations that have been found over the past century and a half.

Items from the Roman amphitheater, various sculptures, mosaics, as well as some details of ancient architectural buildings are collected here.

Roman aqueduct Ponte del Diable - “Devil's Bridge”

A few kilometers from the city is the Roman aqueduct Ponte del Diable, which is a building stretching over 217 meters. The 27-meter-high structure was built in the 1st century BC, during the time of Caesar Augustus.

The “Devil's Bridge” was built to supply water to the city and was used for this purpose until the 18th century.
This historical building is part of the cultural world heritage, which was included in the UNESCO list in 2000.

Tarragona - a city of cultural heritage

When 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 intertwine, creating amazing landscape panoramas.

This is one of the most unique places on the planet with the richest archaeological complex.

38 attractions of Tarragona.

general information

Tarragona is the capital of the province of Tarragona on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia.

The city is located on the east coast of Spain, just 10 kilometers from Salou.

It is interesting to visit at any time of the year; it is one of the historical centers of the country.

Population: 132 thousand inhabitants (2014 census)

City area: 55.6 sq. km.

Timezone: GMT+1, in summer GMT+2

Official website of the city:

http://www.tarragona.cat/

Tarragona was founded at the end of the 3rd century BC by the ancient Romans as the capital of the ancient Roman province of Iberia. Nowadays, it is a beautiful tourist city where you can see a large number of attractions.
It contains many World Heritage Sites of Romanesque architecture.

Many objects that date back to the Roman era have survived to this day. This is an amphitheater, a Roman circus, a Roman forum.

Roman amphitheater in Tarragona(photo)

The main street of the city is Rambla Nova, which conventionally divides it into northern and southern parts.

In the northern part, between Passeig Sant Antoni and Baixadada del Rosel and Carrer de la Guitarra, is the old quarter. There are buildings from the Roman Empire here that are of interest to architecture lovers.

In the southern part of the city there are more modern buildings, here you will see business centers, hotels, cafes and restaurants. There are shops selling local souvenirs here.

To see the main attractions of the city, you can buy a ticket for 10 euros (€), which gives you the right to visit about ten sites, such as the local Roman Forum, Roman Circus, Castellarnau Palace, Archaeological Route, etc.

What to see

The main attractions of Tarragona:

The Roman Amphitheater of Tarraco (Amfiteatreroma) is one of the must-see attractions...

The Roman Circus of Tarraco (Circo romano de Tarraco) was built at the end of the 1st century AD, during the time of the Roman Emperor Domitian...

The National Archaeological Museum (Museu Nacional Arqueologic (MNAT)) is within walking distance of the famous Roman Amphitheater and the Balcony of the Mediterranean...

The Archaeological Route (Passeig Arqueològic) or Archaeological Promenade Walk is a specially designed route with a length of 600 m...

Other attractions of Tarragona:

• Model of the Roman Tarraco (Maqueta Tarracoromana) II century. n. uh,
• Cathedral (Catedrali Museu Diocesa) XII-XIV centuries,
• Square of the provincial forum (Forum Provincial) I century. AD,
• Portal of Sant Antoni (Portal de Sant Antoni) XVIII century,
• The early Christian ensemble of Francoli (5th century AD) and the modern shopping center Parc Central,
• Museum of the Port of Tarragona (Museu del Port de Tarragona),
• Marine area of ​​El Serrallo (Barrimariner E Serrallo)

Also in Tarragona you can see the “Devil's Bridge” (Puentedel Diablo). This is an ancient Roman aqueduct that previously supplied the entire city with fresh water.

Tarragona has many pristine beaches. Massive, natural, nudist, there are secluded corners for a romantic getaway.

Tarragona beaches:
Miracle/Comandancia beach,
Arrabassada beach,
Savinosa beach - nudist
Capellans beach is small, there are only changing cabins,
Larga - length 3 km,
natural beach Cala Fonda - 200 m,
natural beach Roca Plana - 205 m,
La Mora - unequipped,
Cala Jovera - unequipped,
Tamarit natural beach

Tarragona coordinates:

41°07′N; 1°14′ E

41°07"11.9"N 1°14"39.8"E

Almost all beaches can be reached by public transport.

How to get from Barcelona to Tarragona?
1. By rail by train. Travel time is about an hour.
2. By bus. Current information on bus schedules can be found on the company's official website.