Exploring Tarragona : A Comprehensive Guide

Located in picturesque southern Catalonia is a city that many may overlook during their trip to Spain. I believe this is a significant oversight, and if you find yourself in and around Barcelona, a trip to Tarragona is definitely worthwhile.

Tarragona is a city where a simple stroll down its streets transforms into a comprehensive history lesson, invoking the spirit of bygone days. Why? Tarragona was founded approximately 500 years before Barcelona and is primarily known for its ancient Roman monuments. What sights await you there? How can you spend your time? I will provide all the details in this post.

Table of Contents

1 What to See in Tarragona?
2 Passeig Arqueologic – the Archaeological Complex in Tarragona
3 Anfiteatro Romano – the Roman Amphitheater
4 Aqueduct – Bridge of the Devil
5 Archaeological Museum
6 Rambla Nova and the Balcón del Mediterráneo Viewpoint
7 Tarragona Cathedral
8 A Plaza with a Mural: Plaça dels Sedassos de Tarragona
9 Beaches in Tarragona
10 Where to Stay in Tarragona?
11 Where to Eat in Tarragona?

What to See in Tarragona?

Tarragona reminds visitors of Italian towns in its atmosphere. While visiting, it’s essential to walk through its picturesque, history-rich streets and spend time on the beautiful, expansive sandy beach.

Make sure to visit the numerous archaeological sites and the city’s old quarter, known as the Foro Provincial de Tarraco. The ancient walls that enclose it, as well as the amphitheater, which offers an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea, will undoubtedly impress you.

Passeig Arqueologic – the Archaeological Complex in Tarragona

Here, you’ll encounter numerous excavations and remains from ancient Roman times. This invaluable monument was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

This highly esteemed ancient monument complex includes the circus, theater, hippodrome, Roman forums, city walls, and the amphitheater, along with an aqueduct located outside the city. I’ll discuss this further below.

Anfiteatro Romano – the Roman Amphitheater

The Roman amphitheater, situated outside the city walls near the main road and beach, offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and coastline due to its hilltop location. The amphitheater is the city’s primary monument and attracts throngs of tourists annually.

During Roman times, the arena hosted gladiatorial and animal fights, as well as numerous public executions. Remarkably, at its peak, it could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators!

Over the years, the amphitheater has seen a range of uses and destructions, and structures such as a Christian basilica and a cemetery have been erected in its place. These, too, were eventually destroyed, replaced by a Romanesque temple that was demolished in 1915. So, when visiting the amphitheater, you’ll observe remnants from various periods and undoubtedly sense the history of the place.

Aqueduct – Bridge of the Devil

The Pont de les Ferreres, a former Roman aqueduct located 4 kilometers north of Tarragona, is another sight worth seeing. Constructed during Emperor Octavius Augustus’s reign, the fact that it was built nearly 2,000 years ago is impressive in itself.

Originally, the aqueduct stretched for 25 kilometers, supplying water to the city. Now, you’ll only see an 800-meter section of preserved walls.

Why is it known as the Bridge of the Devil? According to a legend, a woman who carried water to the city daily made a pact with the devil. In exchange for her soul, he would help her deliver water to the city. It is said that the devil constructed the aqueduct in a single night, causing the woman to lose her soul irreversibly.

Archaeological Museum

In this archaeological museum, you’ll find one of Spain’s richest collections of artifacts and relics from the Roman and early Christian periods. A statue of the Capalonian she-wolf, a symbol of the Roman Empire, is located at the building’s entrance.

The collection comprises approximately 25,000 exhibits, including fragments of local megalithic structures, Roman sarcophagi, mosaics, vases, sculptures, bronze and bone objects, and historical statues.

The museum, located in Plaza Royal, also houses a library and features various multimedia displays and films depicting interesting stories from the period.

Rambla Nova and the Balcón del Mediterráneo Viewpoint

Rambla Nova may remind you of Barcelona’s famous La Rambla. Indeed, the Rambla Nova is Tarragona’s main promenade. This broad avenue stretches for about 1 kilometer, lined with numerous stores, cafes, and restaurants serving delicious Spanish tapas.

As you stroll down the street, you’ll see 19th-century mansions, Art Nouveau houses, the theater building, and the Fuente del Centenario fountain. Close by, you’ll find the market square and the Chapel of Jesus and Mary, designed by the famed Gaudi.

Along the way, don’t miss the monument depicting the unusual tradition of creating human towers – a composition of 219 bronze figures, known as the Monumento als Castellers.

At the start of the Rambla Nova avenue is the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint, offering a beautiful panorama of the Mediterranean.

Tarragona Cathedral

It’s a must to visit the cathedral, take a leisurely stroll in its lovely gardens, and appreciate the intriguing medieval Catalan Gothic architecture. The cathedral, a landmark that towers over the city, boasts a beautiful façade, elaborate rosettes, and stained glass windows. There’s also an interesting museum inside. In the cloister surrounding the courtyard of the entire temple complex, you’ll find a collection of Romanesque sculptures, including a procession of rats!

A Plaza with a Mural: Plaça dels Sedassos de Tarragona

Tarragona offers a variety of squares for leisurely enjoyment. Notably, the Plaça dels Sedassos features an interesting mural that depicts colorful balconies and people enjoying them. This artwork was created using a decorative art illusion technique known as “trompe l’oeil,” designed to deceive the eye into believing the scenes depicted are real.

Beaches in Tarragona

Like many Spanish resorts, Tarragona boasts beautiful beaches. The Costa Dorada will captivate you with its breathtaking views and lengthy, golden beaches, as well as more secluded ones.

El Miracle Beach, situated near the city, is a long, sandy beach with a gentle shoreline and shimmering blue water. Surrounded by numerous palm and coniferous trees, it provides ample amenities such as deck chairs and umbrellas.

Cala Fonda Beach, located about 6 km north of Tarragona, is a hidden paradise with no shops or restaurants. Here, you’ll be charmed by the beautiful cove, crystal-clear water, and fine golden sand. Often referred to as a miniature Hawaii in Spain, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tarragona.

Where to Stay in Tarragona?

Tarragona offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to atmospheric apartments and hotels with swimming pools and numerous guest amenities. Many interesting lodgings are centrally located, making sightseeing and beach outings in Tarragona easier.

Booking.com

Where to Eat in Tarragona?

You’ll find a plethora of bars, restaurants, and pubs serving snacks in the squares and alleys. Be on the lookout for Bar Baires, a 5-star rated establishment on Tripadvisor, known for its Spanish empanadas and colorful cocktails.

Tarragona is a city easy to fall in love with, boasting historical architecture, monuments from the Roman Empire, picturesque streets and squares, and a Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay.