Tarragona is the capital of the province of the same name, which is 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 spans over two millennia. The architectural complex of Tarragona from the time of Roman rule is the largest in Spain and is listed as a monument world heritage UNESCO.
Russians vacationing at the resorts of the Golden Coast rarely miss the opportunity to independently 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 even come from Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid.
For our readers, we have prepared a short guide to the main attractions of Tarragona and a story on how to get to the city more conveniently.
Coast of Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/felix2510
Queen of the Past
On the site of modern Tarragona in the 5th century. BC. was the Iberian settlement of Kess. And in 218 BC. after the victory over the Carthaginians, the Romans reigned here and founded the fortress of Tarracon. 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 Tarracon, plundered everything and almost destroyed everything, and after being captured by Arab troops in 714. the city is almost gone. It began to revive when the Christians recaptured it in 1129, and in the Middle Ages it became the capital of the Aragonese kingdom. But wars, epidemics, raids by pirates (their main camp was in Salou), occupation by Napoleonic troops again led to destruction, hunger and poverty.
Scale model of the city of Tarraco - as it was in the 2nd century AD.
Photo: flickr.com/ [email protected]
Now there are almost 140 thousand inhabitants in Tarragona. It is an important economic and cultural center of the region and an increasingly popular resort.
How to get there
Tarragona is easily accessible from anywhere on the Catalan coast, along which the railway and three highways pass - free N-340 and paid A-2 and A-7.
During the holiday season from 7-8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with an interval of about 30 minutes. from the resorts of the Costa Dorado, regular buses of the Empresa Plana company 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. There are also buses going to Barcelona airport and on the route Cambrils - Salou - La Pineda - Bonavista - Tarragona - Barcelona.
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 (it is located at 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 road from Cambrils will take 15-20 minutes, from Salou - 10-15 minutes.
Tarragona can be reached both by bus and by train.
Photo: flickr.com/eldelinux
“In Tarragona, there are always spaces in the municipal underground car park. It is easy to find with signs. Riding through the narrow streets is a chore, it is better to walk. I don’t advise you to leave the car where you have to - they will drag it away on a tow truck, and you will have to pay at least 150 euros.
“One day would be enough to get acquainted with Tarragona and 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 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. From the reviews we learned about the Pobles Monastery, went and did not regret it.”
For travel by public transport, it is profitable to buy a T-10 travel card for 10 trips and use it with the whole family. Tarjeta Bono Bus costs 12 euros and operates on buses and trains in the first zone - it 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.
Tarragona can be reached by sea and at the same time look at the picturesque bays and beaches. On Tuesdays, a boat departs Cambrils at 09:30, stops in Salou at 10:00 and arrives at the port of Tarragona at 11:10. The boat departs for the return journey at 17:00 and arrives in Salou at 17:45, and in Cambrils at 18:15.
Trains run between Barcelona and Tarragona every 20-30 minutes.(journey time - 1 h 45 min. minimum ticket price - 4.15 euros), an express bus runs up to 7 times a day (one-way ticket - from 7.9 euros). There is a convenient bus and train connection with Alicante, Valencia, Madrid.
Intercity bus to Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte
How to navigate
Camp de Tarragona railway station is located on the seashore, 10-15 minutes walk from the center. About the same distance is the bus station, but in the opposite part of the city - in the northeast, on Imperial Tarraco Square.
Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte
Rambla Vella (Old Rambla) - a boulevard with a wide pedestrian zone - divides the city in two. In the northern part - historical quarters, in the south - 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 on that below).
The tradition of Castellers (building human towers) was born in Tarragona. Monument of people to the castellers on the 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 local government tourism has developed 3 walking routes by era - 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 side by side with medieval buildings, examples of the Catalan baroque and Art Nouveau.
We will tell you about what is worth seeing in Tarragona, and in what order - decide for yourself.
Fight of modern gladiators in the arena of the ancient amphitheater.
Photo: flickr.com/ [email protected]
Antique Tarracon
For six centuries the city was part of the Roman Empire and flourished - the population grew to 40 thousand, powerful defensive walls were erected, the emperor's residence, other monumental structures, a road was laid to Rome.
Roman Forum and Amphitheater
Amfiteatre roma is an archaeological gem of the entire coast. An oval-shaped structure measuring 109.5 * 86.5 m, built around the 2nd century BC. AD on the seashore, accidentally found during archaeological excavations in 1952. Gladiator fights, celebrations, theatrical performances took place here.
Part of the stands has been preserved, fragments of a 140-meter rock inscription in the southern sector. Entrance - 3 euros. From the amphitheater you can take the elevator to a beautiful and well-groomed park - Parc de I'Amfiteatre roma.
roman circus
Circ roma, located in the area of the Old Rambla, appeared in the 1st century. AD under the emperor Domitian. Up to the 5th c. in this huge structure in the form of an ellipse 325 meters long and 115 meters wide, designed for 20-30 thousand spectators, equestrian competitions and chariot races were held.
Most of the circus is hidden under the buildings of the 19th century; the main portal, eastern stands, the attached Tower of the Monks and the underground part have been preserved.
Area of the local Roman forum
The center of public life in Tarraco was the Forum Provincial (I century). It was located on 18 hectares and consisted of two vast squares that framed administrative, religious and cultural buildings - curia, temples, shops of merchants and money changers. A part of the ancient Roman basilica and the remains of several houses have survived to this day.
The complex is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, on Sundays - until 3 pm, ticket price - 3.15 euros.
Remains of the ancient walls of the Forum Provincial (1st century) in the Plaza del Forum.
Photo: flickr.com/ [email protected]
Passeig Arqueologic - Archaeological promenade
The remains of the Roman walls surrounding the quarters of the Old City are the oldest example of ancient military architecture in Spain. A defensive wall 6 m high, 4.5 m wide and 3.5 km long was built BC. - in 217-197. In 1709, new ones were erected around the old walls, 4 km long and 10 m high.
Between the two rings of fortifications there is a walking alley 4.5 meters wide and about 600 meters long. There you can see gates, ancient Roman watchtowers, fortifications and 18th-century guns. and it is pleasant to walk among the palms and cypresses.
The promenade is open from 9 am to 9 pm, from October 1 to April 1 - until 7 pm, the day off is Monday. Entrance ticket - 3 euros, for children under 16 years old admission is free.
Walk along the Passeig Arqueologic past the ancient guns.
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), next to it is the Museum of Early Christianity.
Opening hours of the museum in spring and summer - from 10 am to 8 pm, in autumn and winter - until 5 pm, break -13:30-15:00, day off - Monday.
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 an ancient Roman temple of Jupiter, later - the oldest Christian church in Spain (382), an Arab mosque, and, finally, the Tarragona Cathedral. The Catedral de Santa María de Tarragona was built from 1171 to 1331. and became the chief 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 the Cathedral Square. At other times - through the side portal on the street de les Escrivanies Velles.
The ticket office is located right behind the portal, when buying 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 more than 6 thousand exhibits, of which about three hundred are on display, but what! Gothic altars, church sculpture, painting, liturgical utensils and vestments, Renaissance and Baroque religious jewelry, manuscripts and chorale books, a large collection of Brussels tapestries of the 15th-17th centuries.
Pilate's castle
On a Roman foundation in the medieval era, the Pretoria Palace was erected for the Roman governor who ruled the province of Tarraco. It is called Pilate's palace. Until the 16th century, it 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.
Pilate's Palace (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 Romanesque-Gothic style is the hospital of St. Thekla (1171), now there is the Council of the District of Tarragona.
Casa Balcells mansion until the end of the 16th century. served as the residence of the canon-manager of the Cathedral, and later people of royal blood 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 Gothic lancet arches of the 14th century, uniting several houses on Carrer Merceria, vegetables were once sold, and today there is a Sunday antique market.
Volta del Pallol - The vaults of Pallol in 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 a Dominican monastery was located, and later - the main granary - pallol. Now the building houses an exhibition hall, where a model of antique Tarraco is shown free of charge.
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 interiors were created in the 18th-19th centuries. The building is notable for its mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Now the Castellarnau mansion is a museum. On the top floor - the chambers of the aristocratic families of Catalonia - a library, a salon, a ballroom with famous ceiling paintings on mythological themes. Open from 9 am to 3 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays - until 9 pm, 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 am to 9 pm, on Sundays - until 3 pm, Monday is a day off).
Along the path of modernism
The architecture of the era of the industrial revolution is very clearly represented in Tarragona - buildings erected here at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries are often mentioned in architecture textbooks.
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 take a walk and "touch the iron" of the beautiful wrought-iron fence (tocar ferro) - they say it brings good luck. A wonderful view opens from here: all the surroundings are in full view.
View from the Balcó del Mediterrani towards Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/joaquimfp
Art Nouveau in Catalan
Lovers of Art Nouveau aesthetics will find many noteworthy objects for inspection:
- Casa de la Punxa (1911-1929) - a building decorated with a cylindrical tower, an openwork stone balustrade, images of fantastic creatures. It now houses the City Chamber of Commerce.
- In the courtyard patio of the city hall - it is on Plaça de la Font - a monument to King James I. An unusual monument is made in the form of a ship sailing on the waves.
- The unusual facade of the house on Plaça dels Sedassos is painted as an imitation of a typical Catalan house of the 19th century, and traditional characters of local holidays are painted on the balconies. Due to the optical illusion, the image appears to be three-dimensional.
Painted facade of a house on Placa dels Sedassos.
Photo: flickr.com/empordakoaharia
- The monastery complex of Barefoot Carmelites with a sharp spire, an openwork octagonal "lantern", elegantly decorated with a neo-Gothic spire and a unique church in the Catalan Art Nouveau style.
- Next to the monastery is the imposing building of the Theresian school (1922), designed by the architect Bernardi Martorel, a student of Gaudí.
- The three-story bullring (1883-1888) for 9 thousand spectators resembles the Roman Colosseum, but is designed in the modern spirit with elements of the neo-Mauritanian style. Bullfighting is no longer held, and concerts are held in the arena, theatrical performances and sports competitions.
- Most beautiful house city - Casa Salas on the New Rambla.
- The Casa Canals Palace is one of the most interesting in terms of architecture and interior decoration - rich interiors of the 19th century, old paintings, an observation deck on the terrace.
- Mercado Publico central market (1915) - in the Lower City.
- In the city park - a dilapidated, but very beautiful, villa Sant Rafael, in the Art Nouveau style - ornaments, bas-reliefs, inlays, ceramics, openwork forged balustrades.
Villa La Quinta Sant Rafael is located in the city's Parc de la Ciutat.
Trenet Turistic
If you are traveling with children who find it difficult to walk for a long time, or there is little time for sightseeing, you can go on a sightseeing tour of the main attractions of Tarragona on the red tourist train - Trenet Turístic. The train of several open trailers goes along the sea to the port, past the Mediterranean balcony, then rises to the historic center to Pla de la Seu.
The train starts and ends at Rambla Vella, 200 meters from the bus station. There are two options - ride one lap (40 min.) or ride all day, entering and exiting at any of the 10 stops on the route. Ticket for a single trip - 6 euros, children under 12 years old - 3 euros, a ticket for the whole day - 7 euros, for children - 4 euros. AT summer season(from June 16 to September 14) the train runs at intervals of 20 minutes. from 10:30 to 18:30.
Trenet Travel - perfect solution for sightseeing in Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/ [email protected]
Tatyana Yashina, Barnaul:
“I went with my two-year-old son to Tarragona. I was worried - for the first time abroad, we do not know 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 sightseeing train. Tickets are sold at Bus Plana kiosks, but I bought 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 hard.
Tourist train tickets can be purchased at the Rambla Vella ticket office or from the driver.
Photo: flickr.com/elshostaletsdepierola
Useful information
With a single Entrada conjunta als recintes ticket, you can visit all Roman monuments, the palaces of Castellarnau and Canals. The ticket costs 10.55 euros and is valid until the end of the year, so it is not necessary to see everything at once.
There is one more save money - Tarragona Card tourist cards for visiting 22 attractions and museums. They are sold at tourist offices, hotels, in all museums and via the Internet and are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours (they cost 14, 19 and 24 euros respectively). The cards are accompanied by tickets for free travel in 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 get a Tarragona Card tourist card for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Lydia, Krasnoyarsk:
“We read in the 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 Roman monuments and the Castellarnau Palace for free.”
Conclusion
So our short tour of Tarragona ended. But you can continue it on your own - wander through the medieval quarters away from the tourist trails, go to museums, take a walk along both Ramblas planted with palm trees and tangerine trees, walk along the beautiful promenade, visit one of the fish restaurants in the seaside area of \u200b\u200bEl Serrallo.
Embankment of El Serrallo.
Photo: flickr.com/soniacoll
So, whether you are nearby or just within reach - go to Tarragona and, of course, we are waiting for your feedback!
Lyubov Gladkova
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. Apart from historical value the city is the largest port, industrial and commercial center. Located 98 km from Barcelona, Tarragona attracts tourists who crave a touch of the history of the Roman Empire, as well as lovers of the sun and the beach.
Long ago, many centuries ago...
The first mention of inhabitants in the Tarragona lands comes at the end of the 6th century. In the hills of the current pearl of the Costa Dorada, an Iberian tribe lived in a settlement called Kesse. In 218 BC. e. the specified settlement was conquered by the Romans under the leadership of Publius Cornelius Scipio.
A fortification was built at the place of residence of the tribe, which was called Tarraco, which in Spanish means Fortress. In 45 BC. e. Julius Caesar awarded the city the status of the capital of the province of Near Spain, which already in 27 BC. e. called Tarraconian Spain.
National flag of Spain and the autonomous region of Catalonia The period of revival of the city was 25-26 BC. e. This is the time when Octavian Augustus was in the capital of the Roman Empire. The industry of the former province went uphill. 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 Tarragona cruise port How to get to Tarragona
We will describe how you can get (several routes) to the historical center of the Costa Dorada - Tarragona.
From Barcelona
From Barcelona airport to Tarragona from terminal T1 there is an hourly direct bus. The fare is 14.95 euros. Travel time - 1 hour.
Direct buses depart to Tarragona and from the Barcelona bus station, they go a little longer - 1.5 hours. But the ticket price is lower - 10 euros. You can order travel receipts without leaving your home, on the official website busbud.com.
Barcelona North Bus Station Estació del Nord The most comfortable mode of transport that will take you to the historical center of the Costa Dorada is the train. It follows to Tarragona from Sants train station.
You can buy tickets at any time of the day using the travel documents selection service and buy tickets for the Barcelona-Tarragona train .. The schedule includes many flights, which take from 62 to 89 minutes to travel. 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 overcomes this path in about 1 hour 20 minutes. Payment - according to the meter and is approximately 132 euros.
The beaches of Tarragona
View from the Balcony of the Mediterranean (left): the city beach is located below The coastline of the city with a length of 15 km makes it possible to accommodate a huge number of beaches in Tarragona. You will learn about the ways to get to them and their features from the table:
|
Beach name |
Transport |
Beach features |
| Platja Del Miracle / Comandancia | Bus number 10 ("Port Esportiu") | The length of the beach is 500 m, on the territory there are showers and toilets, as well as bars and cafes. |
| 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. The 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. The 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. The standard set for vacationers: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. protected area |
| Platja De Tamarit | Bus number 97 | The length of the beach is 1750 m. The standard set for those who like to bask in the sun: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. protected area |
| Platja De La Mora | 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 holiday 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 be in Tarragona in the winter, we recommend visiting the world-famous Carnival, which takes place from 14 to 21 February.
You can see 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 district of El Serrallo, you will be able to enjoy the taste of
Meet in catering establishments and seasonal dishes. For example, calçotada is served from January to April. Such an exotic name bears sweet green onions cooked on an open fire with Romesco sauce.
Tarragona Hotels
In Tarragona, as in any other tourist center, the hotel business is developed. The owners offer accommodation for every taste and budget. 84 hotels in the city center, the rest are within a radius of 8.7 km. We present some of the Tarragona hotels in Spain in the table below:
|
The name of the hotel |
Services/service |
Room rates |
Location |
| Husa Imperial Tarraco 4* | 24/7 Front Desk, press delivery, express check-in/out, safe, luggage office, laundry, breakfast in the room currency exchange, car rental, tour agency, Internet, paid parking |
The most economical double room will cost from 3800 rubles. Suite room for two will cost within 7700 rubles |
Center |
| SB Express Tarragona 3* | Elevator, Safe, car rental, laundry, tour agency, Fax, photocopying |
The cost of a standard double room 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 |
The cost of a standard room - from 2800 rubles | 8.6 km from the center |
| Hostal Noria 2* | Internet, room service |
The cost of a single room from 1500 rubles | 553 m from the center |
Tarragona hotels are famous for their good service at a relatively low price. In general, the cost of rooms is kept almost at the same level.
Significantly raise prices in March, and vice versa, reduce - 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 clothes, shoes and accessories from European and American manufacturers.
Along with everyone else, Spanish manufacturers present a range of the most famous clothing brands such as Roberto Verino, Armand Basi, Massimo Dutti, Pikolinos, MIRTO, Mayoral and many others. Spanish goods under the brand names Bershka, Zara, Mango, Springfield, Oysho, Stradivarius are rightfully considered the most affordable..
The most favorable time for - 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 acceptable for almost all income levels. 
Discounts (rebajas) in the country are both summer and winter. The peak of discounts falls on summer time, when goods can be purchased at 70-80% cheaper.
conclusions
Going to Spain, do not forget to include the city of Tarragona in your itinerary. After all, it was here that 2 currents managed 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 a lot of positive emotions, a 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.
Catalan Tarragona has been known to historians since the time of the ancient Iberians, who settled on the east coast of modern Spain, starting from the 3rd millennium BC. and in the 5th century BC. founded the settlement of Kesse here. It was later taken over by the ancient Romans.
A real settlement on the site of modern Taragonna flourished in the II-III centuries AD, when an amphitheater, a circus, powerful fortress walls were built here, which have survived to this day and have become historical and cultural monuments.
Other attractions of Tarragona are the beautiful beaches of the Costa Dorada, the gentle sun of Catalonia, the azure Mediterranean Sea and excellent tourist infrastructure. Tarragona really has something to see and where to relax.
The main attractions of Tarragona
Many of the sights of Tarrangona can be explored on your own by purchasing or downloading a map of the city and its monuments. We bring to your attention a brief description of the sights of Tarragona with a photo and name.
This city was the residence of the Roman emperors Augustus and Hadrian. Therefore, in the 2nd century, an amphitheater was built here on the seashore, where the Romans and local barbarians entertained themselves with fights of gladiators, wild animals, executions and tortures.
The Roman amphitheater can accommodate 13,000 people. It was discovered and excavated by archaeologists only in the middle of the 20th century. Today it is one of the best and most visited tourist attractions in Tarragona and throughout Spain.
This Catholic cathedral is a monument of early Gothic. It is located in the old part of Tarragona and is dedicated to Saint Thekla. The construction of the temple began at the end of the 12th century, and the first architects assumed that it would be a fortress.
The church was consecrated only in the first half of the 14th century. As a result, a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles was found in its architecture. Later additions were added in the Baroque and Renaissance styles. At cathedral there is a museum.
This is the main city pedestrian street, which has many cafes, restaurants, shops, boutiques. Residents of Tarragona and guests of this wonderful city can enjoy wonderful examples of architecture and sculpture here.
Rambla Nova is business card cities. Here you will fully see and feel its beauty and sophistication, learn more about the history and culture of the Catalan people and for sure you will never forget Catalonia.
This circus was built in the 1st century AD. In ancient times, horse and chariot races were held here. Later, the audience came here to watch theatrical performances. The solemn events of Tarragona were also celebrated here.
The circus was designed for 37 thousand spectators, and was built according to all the rules of the architecture of such structures. Today it is just ancient ruins, inside which stands the sarcophagus of Hippolytus, son of Theseus. The Roman Circus is on the UNESCO lists.
In the II century BC. a high and powerful wall was erected around the settlement of Kesse to protect and define the boundaries, which later became a landmark of Tarragona and all of Spain. Today, any tourist can see it.
The fortress wall has been preserved only partially. Previously, its length was 3.5 km, today it is only 1.1 km. It surrounds the entire Old Town and is the most important part of the popular Archaeological Route, which includes all the Roman antiquities of Tarragona.
The museum exposition contains many archaeological finds of Tarragona and the entire province: figurines, ceramics, Roman mosaics, weapons, coins and other heritage ancient rome. Here you can find ancient history and culture of this city.
The Archaeological Museum of Tarragona was opened in the middle of the 19th century and today is considered the oldest museum in Catalonia. It continues to develop and replenish with new unique artifacts from the history of the city.
This medieval palace is a must see in Tarragona. It was erected in the 15th century in the old town and later rebuilt in the Baroque style. Today the palace has turned into a museum where you can feel the spirit of several historical eras in Spain.
We got a car and in the dark went to the Solifemar hotel booked in advance on the booking-com. Since our plans were to see the south of Catalonia first, we chose the hotel for the first night south of Barcelona, not far from the airport, inexpensive and decent according to reviews. We found it pretty quickly, because we took an old navigator from home and the “telephone girl” also paved the way for us. The room was simple, but clean, there is even a bidet in the bathroom. Actually, such a room is quite suitable as a budget option for living by the sea in hot weather. summer months, good and there is air conditioning. True, it does not work for heating, and at the end of April it was rather cool and damp outside. Fortunately, there were spare blankets in the closet.
And in the morning it was just fine. It turned out that each room on the terrace has its own table and a couple of chairs, if you wish, you can arrange breakfast overlooking the sea.
The sea turned out to be really very close - across the road, under a cloudy sky, it was grayish and played with big waves, the beach was empty, and only along the road rare vacationers walked with dogs or made morning runs (as it turned out later, in Spain they run quite actively in the mornings ).
Having decided that we still have time to “feel the water”, we went to the hotel cafe.
Even on the way, I was surprised that in Spain palm trees are ordinary trees (although in many resorts, for example, Turkish ones, they are planted on purpose), they grow next to orange ones, and pines are huge chic giants with giant needles. The beauty!
The complex breakfast turned out to be quite ordinary, American, but it was still interesting to secretly look at the locals and listen to the Catalan speech, however, only until the waitress spoke to us in Russian. The romantic mood somehow immediately disappeared.
However, not for long, because ahead was the road to Tarragona. Having replenished our collection, we hit the road.
The road ran along the coast, sometimes we met tunnels along the way, but not in such numbers as in
Of course, you have to pay for such amenities:
Incomplete 80 km cost us almost 14 euros.
Tarragona attracted us because it is the oldest city in Catalonia, and there is an ancient Roman amphitheater and an aqueduct.
Of course, we went to the amphitheater first thing. It is not difficult to find it, it is located in the historical center, near the sea on a hill, and the view from it is very beautiful. At first we wanted to park the car on a street that ran parallel to the shore. Marking and parking meters said that this pleasure is paid. But the parking meters do not accept cards for payment, and we have not yet got hold of the change from the road. Therefore, we went further to look for a free place. And by the way, they quickly found it, very close to the amphitheater. Our car fit in perfectly.
Entrance to the territory of the amphitheater is paid, but we did not see tourists there, only schoolchildren with teachers. Because the view from above is excellent, but there is nothing special to see inside.
Nearby on the hill there is a small square, the entrance to it is free. We looked at small vineyards:
Cool palm trees:
And at the top of the palm trees, they were surprised to find flowers. As it turned out later, they are very tenacious, they also grow on the old walls of houses and in other extreme conditions.
Tarragona map - clickable
There are relatively few tourists in the city, Russian speech is often heard. In general, I was left with the impression of some kind of relaxation and unhurriedness of the city, probably in comparison with subsequent places. It was a calm weekday.
I wonder what is written on the book of this grandfather, maybe this is the oldest inhabitant of Tarragona?
As Mireya wrote to me (I’ll tell you about meeting her later, but for now you can visit her blog), this person is Joseph Virgil i Sanrom ?, popularly known as grandfather Virgil, a printer and bibliographer of Catalonia. For his services, he was awarded the Order of St. George (this saint is considered the patron saint of Catalonia). And he really lived for 98 years, it turns out that this monument to him appeared in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Monument to the heroes of the war with Napoleon:
On the boulevard they met, though lifeless, but popular with tourists (everyone strives to "participate" in the construction of this tower)
Then we turned onto an ordinary street and saw this way of lifting furniture into an apartment, through a balcony:
On Sunday, September 19, we decided to leave for Tarragona to watch a breathtaking performance of the builders of living human towers (castles) castells held on this Catalan city within ( Festes de Santa Tecla).
Along the way, it was decided to get acquainted with some sights of Tarragona, which will be our story today. .
So, from the square in front of the bus station, we went along the New Rambla, which was decorated with posters dedicated to. The first sight on our way (near the intersection of the New Rambla with the street Carrer del Pare Palau) turned out to be bronze monument to the builders of human towers castells (Monument als Castells) (one of the most important Catalan traditions). The author of this interesting monument is a modern Catalan sculptor Francesc Angles (Francesc Angles) (b. 1938) (his website), whose work is characterized by the depiction of various human groups in realistic scenes. This particular monument was installed in Tarragona in 1999 and depicts " pyramid”, consisting of 219 full-size human figures that make up the construction square de vuit (i.e. four people per level in an eight-level tower).
At the top of the tower, a child waves, enshanet (enxaneta) to complete the construction. Next to the tower, the sculptor depicted other traditional participants in the action: the group manager ( cap de colla), who directs the process of building the tower from the ground, as well as musicians - oboists-grailers ( Grallers). Interesting fact: among the figures you can recognize images of specific personalities - famous Catalans, including artists João Miro and Pablo Picasso, cellist Pau Casals and figure of the Olympic Movement Juan Antonio Samaranch. In one of the figures, the sculptor depicted himself. The composition is 11 meters high and weighs 12 tons.
And we go further along the New Rambla, and soon a small round square opens up in front of us with fountain of the century (Font del Centenary/Fuente del Centenario) (also referred to as Fountain of the Four Continents). This fountain was installed here in 1954, in honor of the centennial anniversary of the opening of the New Rambla. The creation of this wide esplanade was carried out in the middle of the 19th century as part of an urban planning project to demolish the wall ( Muralla de Sant Joan) with various fortifications, which previously separated the two above-mentioned parts of the city, Upper and Lower. And a hundred years later, it was decided to celebrate these urban feats with extensive celebrations and, in particular, to build a monumental fountain on the New Rambla.
The fountain was designed by a Catalan sculptor Josep Viladumat (Josep Viladomat) (1899-1989), who also created a number of monuments in and. He was a finalist (although not a laureate) of the competition, which at that time was held by the Barcelona City Hall, but the city authorities of Tarragona became interested in his work and decided to opt for this particular project, which, however, was not understood by all local residents. However, due to the obvious aesthetic merits of the fountain, the project was nevertheless approved, and the grand opening took place on August 15, 1954, in the midst of large-scale city celebrations dedicated to the urban expansion of Tarragona, which began a century ago.
Fountain of the Century decorated with four sculptural groups, each of which symbolizes a certain continent, or part of the world. The sculptor depicted typical representatives of the four races in the form of four male figures, accompanied by animals characteristic of one or another part of the world. So, for example, a man with European features and polar bear next to him are an allegory of the North; the hippopotamus and the African youth symbolize the South; a man in a turban with an elephant personifies the East, and an American Indian with a crocodile - the West. Some criticize the figures for being too simple, but this is a matter of taste.
The fountain is made of Burgos stone, which is extremely easy to work with, but its surface quickly deteriorates over time when it comes into contact with moisture (a big setback for a fountain). Therefore, already in the 1990s, due to severe corrosion of the stone (and excessive contamination with bird feces), the sculptures had to be restored. At the same time, the number of jets was increased (previously water spouted only from the mouths of animals, a central spring appeared in the 1960s, and a dozen more nozzles were added in the 1990s), which gave the fountain a more lively and attractive appearance and turned it into one of attractions of Tarragona.
Opposite the fountain we see modernist building Casa de la Punxa (Casa de la Puncha, i.e. "pointed house"), which today houses the Chamber of Commerce of Tarragona ( Cambra de Comerc). This prominent eclectic corner house was built in Tarragona between 1911-1929. at the intersection of two large streets (corner Rambla Nova and Avinguda Pau Casals, 17), in a triangular area. It is hard not to pay attention to the stately cylindrical tower of this modernist “castle”, which ends with a conical dome with a slate roof, on top of which there is a metal weather vane. Also worth noting is the openwork stone balustrade that beautifully frames the top of this four-story building. The balustrade is decorated with images of fantastic creatures (dragons, etc.). It is said that this tall building was the first in Tarragona, where an elevator appeared. Currently, the historic elevator is stored in the city's Museum of Modern Art.
The monumental building of the Casa de la Puncha contains features of various styles, including neoclassicism and neo-renaissance. The building, built at the end of the era of modernism (in the rest of Catalonia, then already ruled nousentism), was one of the first works of the architect Antonio Pujol Sevilla(1902-2001), who subsequently implemented many more urban planning projects both in Tarragona itself and in the neighboring one (where he designed the Jaime I promenade). The architect died in Tarragona at the age of 99.
Casa de la Puncha, by the way, is included in the so-called Tarragona Modernism Route (Ruta madernista). I must say that similar routes have been developed in many cities of Catalonia, in particular in Barcelona and Reus (). However, Tarragona is still more famous not for its modernist, but for its ancient and medieval heritage; it’s not for nothing that the city’s tourism department has also developed a couple of other walking routes in the city: Route of the Roman era and Route of the Middle Ages. We will get acquainted with some objects of these routes during our walks along.
Opposite the Casa de la Puncha is an imposing building pension fund (Edifici de la Caixa de Pensions), designed by Anthony Pujol ( Antoni Pujol Sevil) in the 1950s in the style of monumentalism with elements of classicism and baroque architecture. The facade is decorated with sculptures by Salvador Martorell ( Salvador Martorell) (1895-1968) (allegories of Labor and Thrift above and allegories of Agriculture and the Sea below, on both sides of the main entrance). At the top of the building there is a symbol (logo) of the bank la Caixa - star, designed in the late 1970s by renowned Catalan artist Joan Miro.
We continue our walk along the New Rambla. At the next intersection Carrer d'En Canyelles/Rambla Nova) is waiting for us monument to the heroes of 1811 (Monument als herois de 1811). The author of this monument is a Catalan sculptor Julio (Julio) Antonio (Julio Antonio) (1889-1919). Among the people, this monument, made with obvious elements Art Nouveau, known as "The Nudes" ( Els despullats) (due to the fact that the sculptor depicted his characters without clothes, the composition at one time caused fierce controversy in Tarragona society). The monument was erected in honor of the Tarragona, who fought with the Napoleonic troops in 1811, when Tarragona was subjected to a painful siege and looting by the French during the Spanish-French War (by the beginning of 1812, all of Catalonia had already been occupied by Napoleonic forces; France was defeated only in 1814) . The composition depicts mother Tarragona ( Tarraco), who says goodbye to her sons, two heroes of the war against the French.
Initially, it was supposed to erect a monument to the centenary of these dramatic events. However, due to funding problems, work on the creation of the monument dragged on for a longer period than planned. The pedestal was installed in 1910, bronze figures appeared only in 1917, and the entire monument was completed only in 1922, after the death of the young sculptor. The grand opening of the monument took place only in September 1931 (before that time, they did not dare to erect it for moral reasons: some people thought it was too bold, and the conservative part of society launched a whole campaign to combat this "obscene" work).
The monument is considered one of the most important works of the sculptor Giulio Antonio. It is distinguished by harmonious forms and a special atmosphere of quiet sorrow. On the pedestal of the monument is an inscription in Catalan: Tarragona als Herois de 1811("Tarragona to the Heroes of 1811"). Tellingly, in 1939 the Francoist authorities decided to replace it with Spanish, and only in 1979 was the original Catalan text returned.
Behind the monument to the heroes of 1811, on the corner Carrer Canyelles and Rambla Nova, you can see the yellow building Casa Mussoles (Musolas) (Casa Musolas/Casa Mussoles), house number 88 on the New Rambla. This house with a pretty glazed bay window was built in 1914 by the architect Josep Pujol de Barber (Josep M. Pujol de Barbera) (1871-1949), a native of Tarragona, who built a dozen more beautiful buildings in his hometown, including a curious slaughterhouse building ( Escorxador) in the old part of the city and a number of modernist houses on the same New Rambla. As for Casa Mussoles, this house originally consisted of only two floors, and in the middle of the 20th century it was built on and completely reconstructed at the request of the widow of Senor Mussoles, who previously owned the house.
On the left side of the New Rambla, opposite Casa Mussoles, there is another original modernist building - Dr. Aleu's house (La Casa del doctor Aleu), also referred to simply as "bookshop on the Rambla" ( Llibreria la Rambla) (on the ground floor of the building since 1968 there is a well-known bookstore). The house was built by the same architect Joseph Pujol de Barbera (Josep M. Pujol de Barbera) in 1927, when Art Nouveau was already out of fashion. However, the architect did not want to deviate from his aesthetic principles and used a number of typically modernist ornaments in the design of the building (although it did not do without pilasters in the spirit of classicism). The upper glazed floor, as can be clearly seen from the photographs, already belongs to the modern era. Indeed, it was added in 1988.
Adjacent to this building is located on the corner of the New Rambla and the street Carrer d"Ixart nice coffee house. This so-called Casa Cobos (Casa Cobos) or Casa Dolors Linderman ( Casa Dolores Linderman). The fact is that the house was built by order of Dolors (Dolores) Linderman, who was the widow of Senor Cobos. It was in 1926. The architect who completed the order was Francesc Monrava ( Francesc Monrava Soler). The building is one of the most striking examples of the style nousentism in Tarragona. The main decoration of the facade is the central bay window with columns, framed by two pilasters with Ionic capitals. The façade is crowned by a pommel with a decorative medallion and vases.
Very soon we turned left from the New Rambla, onto the street Carrer de l "Assalt. Here on the corner with Carrer d'August, there is a wonderful modernist building of the church and monastery of the Discalced Carmelites (El cambril del Convent dels Pares Carmelites Descalços/L "esglesia dels Carmelites), one of the most interesting examples of Catalan Art Nouveau in Tarragona. It is impossible not to notice this complex, which stands out with a sharp neo-Gothic spire. Of course, it is included in Tarragona Modernism Route.
The construction of the Carmelite monastery began in Tarragona in 1896. This Neo-Gothic four-story building with a courtyard, lancet arches and slender columns with capitals was designed by the Tarragona architect Pau Mongio y Segura (Pau Monguio i Segura) (1865-1956), a student of the illustrious Dumenek i Muntane. In the design of the facade, a combination of brick cladding with stone was used. Building address: Carrer d'August, 41.
Two special architectural elements make this complex truly unique: the aforementioned high spire (la Punxa), which crowns the facade of the building, and an openwork octagonal " flashlight» ( llanterna) above the premises of the altar church chapel ( Cambril de la Mare de Deu) (previously, the chapel contained the altar and treasury of the Virgin Mary, very revered by the inhabitants of Tarragona, but now lost: like the entire interior of the church, they burned down during the Civil War of 1936; the chapel was generally incredibly popular among the inhabitants, weddings were often held here).
Both the neo-Gothic spire of the temple and the lantern above the altar chapel were created in 1918 and are the work of an outstanding Catalan architect of the modernist era. Joseph Maria Jujol (Josep Maria Jujol i Gibert) (1879-1949), who built many buildings in different cities of Catalonia and collaborated in Barcelona with Antonio Gaudí in the creation of Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Designed by Jujol for the Tarragona Carmelite monastery, the spire makes a strong impression with its bright, elegant decor and sculptures of fantastic birds, reminiscent of.
In the seminary located in this monastery, many young people of Tarragona studied. In 1952, the monastery complex was expanded, and in 1957-58. an additional floor appeared so that the building could accommodate the increased number of seminarians. Alas, because of this superstructure, the beautiful “lantern” by Jujol became much less visible (the altar chapel with this lantern today is only partially visible from the street Carrer d "August).
Curious old photographs of 1944 have been preserved, which show students of the seminary playing on the roof of the monastery, when the building still consisted of three floors ():
In popular memory, this monastery is known primarily as a place where, from 1909 until the 1980s, a medicine called Aigua del Carme, invented at the beginning of the 17th century in the Parisian monastery of St. Joseph. This elixir was made from various kinds of medicinal aromatic herbs, mainly from lemon balm, and had a lot of therapeutic applications. The medicine was exported all over the world, and the proceeds from its sale went to the needs of the monastery.
Currently, the monastery, whose history goes back more than a century, remains active. Seminary also recently revived. The monastery church, as they say, can be visit. This is possible during worship services that take place on ordinary days at 7:30, 12:00 and 19:00, on holidays and Sundays at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 19:00 and 20:00, and on the days before the holidays at 12:00, 19:00 and 20:00. It is possible, however, that this information is outdated. In any case, we get inside failed. On the doors of the monastery, we did not find any information about the schedule of services anywhere. However, the interior of the temple is quite simple: nothing has been preserved from the original decoration, since everything was destroyed during the Civil War.
In this bird's eye view you can see the location of the Carmelite monastery and the monastery church with the altar chapel on the map of Tarragona:
Carmelite monastery adjacent to the Theresian school(El col legi de les Teresianes/Convent de les Teresianes) located next to it, directly on the corner Carrer de l "Assalt and New Rambla (both monastic complexes are separated by a street Carrer d'August - cm.). This pretty brick building is also part of Tarragona Modernism Route. Its imposing dimensions testify to great importance, which once had in Tarragona the order of Teresian nuns, who settled here for the first time in 1876.
The construction of this monastic college began in 1922 according to the project of a faithful student of Gaudí, a Barcelona architect Bernardi Martorella (Bernardi Martorell i Puig) (1877-1937), who a few years earlier had already built another monastery (it was a Cistercian monastery Santa Maria de Valdonzella in Barcelona). During the clearing of a site for the erection of the Teresian convent in Tarragona, a stone was discovered in the ground, on which the name of Jesus was engraved in Gothic script. Currently, the stone is in a museum located in Tarragona.
During the Civil War, construction was interrupted (at that time there was a hospital, a warehouse and a number of other institutions; the completed parts of the building were badly damaged by air strikes) and was completed only at the end of the 40s, after the death of the architect (after the war, work, by the way , the famous Josep Maria Jujol was engaged, and then his son; just the right half of the building belongs to a later time). An interesting virtual photo tour dedicated to the history of the college can be viewed. The building currently houses a school (official site). Concerts and weddings are held in the chapel. Address: Rambla Nova, 79-91.
The main structural element is exposed brickwork, which gives the building a special texture and shade. The capitals of the columns that form a fence along the main facade are made of green ceramics (pots with flowers were placed here, which can be observed to this day). The ridge tops of the two side risalits framing the façade like rectangular towers are also trimmed with green tiles. The symmetrical façade itself overlooks the New Rambla. Its central portico is decorated with parabolic arches, which show a clear Gaudí influence. Along each floor there is a series of windows of a peculiar geometric configuration, forming a special rhythm of the façade. In the lobby on the ground floor, the visitor is greeted by typical Gaudian columns, reminiscent of halls. The whole complex, including the façade, the vestibule and the chapel, is reminiscent of another Theresian school ( Col legi de les Teresianes), built in Barcelona by Antoni Gaudi in 1888-1889.
Having looked at both monastery complexes, we again went to the New Rambla, where at 10 am a nationwide marathon race was held on occasion. We walked a little further, then turned to the main city square - ( Plaça de la Font).
For other attractions of the New Rambla (unusual monuments), read the Second walk around Tarragona (part 2): Central market and surroundings):
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
On our site you can also free. The map shows the names of all streets, squares, parks, the location of the bus and railway station of Tarragona, tourist information points and a large shopping complex Parc Central. The map also shows the main attractions of Tarragona, a list of which is given below.
Attractions on the map of Tarragona:
1. Model of Roman Tarraco (2nd century AD) ( Maqueta Tarraco romana)
2. House of Castellarnau (XIV-XVIII centuries) ( Casa Museu Castellarnau)
3. The area of the provincial forum (I century AD) ( Forum Provincial)
4. Archaeological route (Roman walls, medieval and modern fortifications) ( Passeig Arqueologic-Muralles)
5. Portal of Sant Antoni (XVIII century) ( Portal de Sant Antoni)
6. House Canals (II century BC - XIX century AD) ( Casa Canals)
7. Ancient hospital (Council of the district of Tarragona) (XII-XIV centuries) ( Antic Hospital de Santa Tecla, Consell Comarcal)
8. Cathedral (XII-XIV centuries) and the Museum of the Cathedral ( Catedral i Museu Diocesa)
9. Gothic arches (XIV century) ( Voltes gotiques)
10. The square of the provincial forum (1st century AD) ( Forum Provincial)
11. Museum of Modern Art (XIX-XX centuries) ( Museu d'Art Modern)
12. Jewish quarter (XIV century) ( Call jueu)
13. National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT) ( Museu Nacional Arqueològic (MNAT))
14. Roman praetorium (I century AD) (tower called Pilate's palace) ( Pretori roma)
15. Roman circus (1st century AD) ( Circ roma)
16. Balcony of the Mediterranean (XIX century) ( Balco del Mediterrani)
17. Roman amphitheater (II century AD) ( Amphitheatre roma)
18. Local Roman forum (I century AD) ( Forum Local roma)
19. Monument Castells (XX century) ( Monument als Castells)
20. Museum of Early Christianity and Necropolis (MNAT) ( Museu i Necròpolis Paleocristians (MNAT))
21. Francoli Early Christian Ensemble (5th century AD), shopping center Parc Central (Conjunt paleocristia del Francolí - Parc Central)
22. Marine area El Serrallo ( Barri mariner E Serrallo)
23. Tarragona Port Museum ( Museu del Port de Tarragona)