Essential visits in Tarragona

On the shores of the Mediterranean, in the heart of the Costa Dorada, we find the wonderful city of Tarragona, which offers extensive monumental legacy among extensive beaches, housing overwhelming ruins and medieval, modernist and contemporary architectures. Of course, a separate mention deserves its archaeological site, which is a World Heritage Site for the Unesco. And it is not to be forgotten that Tarraco was the capital of a huge Roman province and that the emperor himself lived within its walls for two years.

Of course, the city of Tarragona It is also an ideal place to enjoy good gastronomy and a wide range of leisure and culture. If we have convinced you that visiting the capital of the homonymous province is a good idea, you should take a look at what we tell you next, since we are going to talk about its 10 main points of interest.

Roman amphitheater

First of all, we want to talk about the Roman Amphitheater, a Roman building built very close to the sea. Built in the 2nd century, it was intended for shows such as the struggles of gladiators. It is important to note that a Visigothic basilica was built on the building in the 6th century and a Romanesque church in the 12th century.

Colonial forum of Tarraco

We also want to talk about the colonial Forum of Tarraco, the space where administrative affairs and commercial from the Roman city.

Roman circus

In the Provincial Forum of Tarraco, an immense monumental complex, which housed the main buildings of the city, we find the Roman Circus of Tarraco, intended for horse and chariot races, it is considered among the best preserved circuses in the west. During the visit you can discover the Praetorium, a tower that allowed access from the lower city to the Forum.

Archaeological Walk

The so-called Paseo Arqueológico de Tarragona, which circulates between the Wall Roman and the false modern panty. Touring this place you will discover the 1,100 meters of wall that are still preserved and beautiful gardens, in addition to the Tower of the Archbishop and that of Minerva.

Tarragona National Archaeological Museum

If you are interested in learning more about Roman Tarragona, you will have to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT), which houses many elements of its rich past. The MNAT also manages the Early Christian Museum and Necropolis, the Roman town of Cencelles, the Roman town of Els Munts, the monuments of Arco de Bará and the Tower of Scipios, and the Roman theater.

Cathedral

We leave Tarraco to focus on the most medieval Tarragona. And is that one of the main points of interest in the city is its Cathedral. We are referring to the Metropolitan and Primada Cathedral of Santa Tecla, built in the style Gothic early.

Rambla Nova

We continue our tour of this beautiful Catalan city on the Rambla Nova, its main promenade and the center of civic life, hosting a multitude of terraces, restaurants, shops, the headquarters of different corporations ... In addition, you will discover some examples of architecture from the second half of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Balcony of the Mediterranean

At the end of the Rambla Nova is the Balcony of the Mediterranean, located about 40 meters above sea level. As you can imagine, it offers some wonderful views.

Plazas

In Tarragona there are also several squares that are worth visiting. Separate mention deserves the Fountain Square (Plaça de la Font in Catalan), which occupies a quarter of the arena of the ancient Roman circus.

The Serrallo

Finally, we want to talk about El Serrallo, a typical fishermen's neighborhood, where in the afternoon the fish that is caught throughout the day are auctioned. This picturesque area has its own personality and plenty of restaurants with charm, in which, of course, you can taste exquisite fish and seafood.

Recommended article: The most beautiful towns in Tarragona

Tarragona, Spain (April 2024)