Tarragona Attractions
The old port town of Tarragona, chief town of its province and the see of an archbishop, is picturesquely situated, some 100km/60mi southwest of Barcelona, on a hill rising 160m/525ft above the Mediterranean.
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Cyclopean Walls
The well-preserved Cyclopean Walls date back to as early as 218 B.C. The walls find their origin in the Roman, Augustan and Moorish historical periods.
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Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum in Tarragona is known for its fine collectino of Roman art, particularly mosaics.
Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcó del)
The town's principal traffic artery is the broad tree-lined Rambla Nova. At its south end is the Balcón del Mediterráneo, from which there are extensive views of the sea and the coast.
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Cathedral
Built largely in the 12th and 13th C, Tarragona's Cathedral shows a fine progression from Romanesque to Gothic.
Roman Remains
No other Spanish town except Mérida has so many remains of the period of Roman rule in the Iberian peninsula.
Beaches
From the Balcón del Mediterráneo, promenades affording fine views run along high above the sea to the beaches to the east, from Rabasada and Sabinosa to the Punta de la Mora. To the southeast are Playa de la Pineda and Salou where there is good bathing.
Early Christian Necropolis
Some distance farther west from the Roman Forum, beyond the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) on the banks of the Río Francoli, are the remains of an early Christian necropolis (third-sixth C.), discovered during the building of a tobacco factory. The most important finds from the site (lead and marble sarcophagi, urns, mosaics, jewellery and ornaments, etc.) are displayed in the Museo Paleocristiano (Catalan Museu Paleocristià).
Forum
To the west of the Rambla Nova is the Plaza Corsini, near which are remains of the Roman Forum and many Roman houses, dating from the time when Tarraco was capital of the province.
Museu Castellarnau
East of the Town Hall, in Calle Ferrers, is the 15th Century mansion of the Castellarnau family, fully furnished, which is now a museum (ceramics, glassware, metalwork, coins and items illustrating the history of the town).
Hours
June 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
October 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 14:00 | |
| Open | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
Museum of Modern Art
Northeast of the Archeological Museum, in Calle Santa Ana, is the Museum of Modern Art. To the south of this extends the former Jewish quarter of Tarragona.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 14:00 | |
| Open | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
Always closed on:
Catalunya Day - Spain (September 11)
Palacio Arzobispal (Palau Arquebispal)
To the north of the Cathedral, in the Plaza del Palacio, stands the early 19th century Archbishop's Palace. Adjoining the palace is an old defensive tower, the Torre del Arzobispo, standing on the highest point in the town, on the site of the Roman castrum (fine views). In the courtyard of the palace are a number of gravestones.
Paseo Arqueológico
The Paseo Arqueológico, which is pleasantly shaded by cypresses and affords extensive views from each end, passes a bronze statue of Augustus gifted by Italy in 1934, the Torre del Arzobispo and a seminary for the training of priests at the east end of the hill.
Plaza de la Fuente (Plaça de la Font)
Half way along the Rambla Vella a turning on the right leads to the Plaza de la Fuente, on the site of the Roman Circus, of which there are remains of foundations and vaulting in the adjoining buildings. On the north side of the square is the early 19th century Casa Consistorial (Town Hall).
Pretorio Romano
Adjoining the modern Archeology Museum building rises the massive Roman Praetorium, also known as the Torreón de Pilatos because Pilate is supposed to have been born in it. It is not in fact a palace but one of the towers bounding the Forum, which lay to its rear. The tower now houses a museum on the history of the town.
Hours
June 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
October 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | |
| Open | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
Rambla Vella
To the east of the Balcón del Mediterráneo in Tarragona is the Paseo de les Palmeres, a beautiful avenue laid out in terraces. From its near end the Rambla Nova, a wide boulevard with gardens along the middle, goes off on the left, with the handsome Baroque church of San Agustín and the church of San Francisco.
Roman Amphitheater
Below the Balcón (on the left) extends the Parque del Milagro (Catalan Parc del Milagre), in which is the Roman amphitheater (Spanish Anfiteatro romano, Catalan Amfiteatre romà), which was excavated in 1952. The amphitheater, which dates from the time of Augustus, had seating for 12,000 spectators. It was the scene of the martyrdom in A.D. 259 of Bishop Fructuosus and two deacons named Augurius and Eulogius.
Hours
April 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | |
| Open | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
June 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | |
| Open | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 | |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
Tarragona Surroundings
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Acueducto de las Ferreras (Els Ferreres)
The Acueducto de las Ferreras remains from the early Roman Empire. It is 217 m long, and in some areas as high as 73 m, with 25 arches.
Arco de Barà
Beyond Torrembara the N 340 passes the Arco de Barà, a 12m/40ft high triumphal arch of the A.D. second century dedicated to Lucius Licinius Sura, a wealthy friend of the Emperor Trajan.
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Ebro Delta
(Southern Costa Dorada)
The Ebro Delta is a marshy, wetland area, perfect for growing rice. The Delta also attracts large numbers of birds.
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Monasterio de Poblet
The monastery of Santa María de Poblet, built between the 12th and 14th C, is a large complex of buildings surrounded by walls. It was the burial site of the Aragonese kings.
Monasterio de Santes Creus
From Valls a secondary road leads 18km/11mi north to the Cistercian monastery of Santes Creus, founded in 1157. The Romanesque church (1254) with its fortress like facade and octagonal tower over the crossing, contains the handsome tombs of a number of kings of Aragon, including Pedro III and Jaime II and his wife Blanche of Anjou.
Hours
January 16 to March 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
| Open | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
March 16 to September 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
| Open | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
September 16 to January 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
| Open | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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Montblanch, Spain
The hill town of Montblanc is surrounded by old town walls and has a beautiful 14th C church.
Alto del Olivo
1.5km/1mi northeast of the Puerta del Rosario stands the ruined fort of Alto del Olivo, from which there are fine views of Tarragona and the coast.
Cantera del Medol
2km/1.25mi farther on past the Torre de los Escipiones, a road branches off on the left to the Roman quarry (cantera) of El Medol, in the center of which is a monolithic block indicating the original height of the rock.
El Vendrell, Spain
N 340 leaves the coast at Arco de Barà and runs inland to El Vendrell (alt. 50m/165ft). This little town, attractively situated on a hill was the birthplace of the cellist Pau (Pablo) Casals (1876-1973). There is a Prehistoric Museum in the town.
Mausoleum of Centcelles
6km/4mi northwest of Tarragona on the Constantí road is the late Roman mausoleum of Centcelles, probably built in the A.D. fourth century for Constans, son of the Emperor Constantine. It has a well preserved Christian mosaic in the dome depicting Biblical scenes like "Daniel in the Lions' Den".
Parque de Sama
Marques de Marianco occupied 14ha which was designed in romantic style. There is an artificial hill with a pavilion on top and a cave underneath. There is a well-grown collection of trees, including many rare species of palm and yucca. It also has aviaries and animal houses throughout the park which are the remain of a private zoo.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Feast of St John the Baptist - Christian (June 24)
Feast of St James - Christian (July 25)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Feast of St John the Baptist - Christian (June 24)
Feast of St James - Christian (July 25)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Tamarit, Spain
Continuing along a pleasant road flanked by lemon-groves from the Cantera del Medol, we come to Tamarit, which preserves part of its 14th century circuit of walls. The Castillo, directly on the sea, is now a museum.
Tower of the Scipios
From Tarragona the coast road runs east. 6km/4mi from Tarragona, to the left of the road, is the Torre de los Escipiones, a square structure 8m/25ft high dating from the first century A.D. There is no basis for the association with the Roman generals of that name, Gnaeus and Publius Cornelius Scipio, who were killed in the third century B.C. There are two statues of the Phrygian divinity Attis.
Ulldecona - Drama Sacro de la Passio, Spain
The village of Ulldecona reenacts the Passion of Christ every Spring.
Hours
March 7 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | |
| Close |
Valls, Spain
The N 240 continues from the Acueducto de las Ferreras up the valley of the Río Francolí to Valls (alt. 215m/705ft), with a much revered image of Nuestra Señora de la Candela in the parish church, which is partly decorated with azulejos.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
