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    Tourist Attractions in Tarragona

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Tarragona. Photos and a brief description.

    Tarragona
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    About Tarragona

    Catalan Tarragona has a long and interesting history. Even before the arrival of the Romans, an Iberian settlement existed on the site of the future colony. The city flourished in the era of the Roman Empire: in the II-III centuries, an amphitheater, a circus and a ring of fortress walls were built, which have survived to this day and still remind of the greatness and indestructibility of that era.

    And yet, tourists do not come here for excursions, despite the fact that there is really something to see in the city. The main goal is the magnificent beaches of the Costa Dorada, rest and the gentle sun of Catalonia. Many people leave attractionseeing for later, when the body has already fully enjoyed the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the brain wants new impressions.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Tarragona

    Roman Amphitheater

    An antique amphitheater of the II century, built right on the coast. The arena could accommodate up to 13 thousand spectators. Gladiatorial fights and the persecution of the first Christians by wild animals took place here. In the IV century, after the recognition of the Christian religion, a temple was built in the arena in memory of the martyrs, of which only ruins remain today. The amphitheater was discovered in the middle of the XX century during archaeological excavations.

    Roman Amphitheater
    Tarragona Cathedral

    Tarragona Cathedral

    A Catholic church built in the early Gothic style in the XII-XIII centuries. It is located in the historical center of the city, which is surrounded by a fortress wall preserved from the time of the Roman Empire. Earlier on the site of the cathedral there was an ancient temple of Jupiter, an early Christian basilica of the Visigoths and a mosque. The interior space is decorated with an altar of the XV century, benches and stucco ceilings of the XIV century.

    Rambla Nova

    A boulevard with a wide pedestrian part that stretches from the bus station to the Mediterranean coast. Along the alley there are picturesque Art Nouveau buildings and unusual monuments. Restaurants where you can taste the cuisine of different regions of Spain are firmly established here. Rambla Nova is always bustling with life: tourists walk, street musicians perform, and "live" sculptures demonstrate their skills.

    Rambla Nova
    Roman Circus

    Roman Circus

    The circus was built in the I century even before the amphitheater. Like all similar structures, in ancient Rome, it was intended for chariot racing. Performances took place here until the fifth century, since the Christian religion, which had become official by that time, had nothing against such entertainment. Only part of the structure has survived to this day: stone stairs, stands and fragments of the facade.

    Roman walls

    The remains of the fortress wall of the city of Tarraco, which, according to many experts, are the best preserved examples of military architecture of the Roman Empire period. Defensive fortifications were erected in the II century BC for the purpose of protecting the city. In 2000, they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, a popular tourist route runs along the walls.

    Roman walls
    Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    The museum's collection is located on three floors and consists of items found during archaeological excavations on the territory of Tarragona. Here you can admire ancient sculpture, ceramics, Roman mosaics, weapons, coins and other artifacts. Visitors can also watch a film about the history of the city. The exhibition appeared in the middle of the XIX century, today it honourably bears the title of the oldest museum in Catalonia.

    Castellarnau House Museum

    An old mansion of the XV century, which since the XVIII century belonged to Carlos de Castellarnau. After the purchase, the aristocrat rebuilt the building in the Baroque style, but the facade still retained Gothic and Renaissance features. The rooms of the mansion are decorated with furniture of the XVIII-XIX centuries, elegant Chinese porcelain, tiled frescoes and rich paintings. Residents of Tarragona believe that the house is haunted by a ghost – the spirit of the mad daughter of Carlos de Castellarnau.

    Castellarnau House Museum
    Museum of Modern Art

    Museum of Modern Art

    The exposition of modern art began work in 1976, it was organized on the territory of three mansions of the XVIII century. In the museum you can see the works of Catalan artists Liu Saumels, R. Carette, S. Martorel and other masters. In addition to canvases, tapestries, sculptures, furniture and jewelry are exhibited here. Part of the collection belongs to the period of the XII-XVIII centuries.

    Monument "Castelleros"

    The inhabitants of Catalonia have an interesting tradition — during folk festivals and festivities they build "living" pyramids. Its origins date back to the XVII century: at that time, the muisharanga dance was very popular in Valencia, which ended with the construction of a "living" tower. The monument "Castelleros" is dedicated to this tradition. It depicts a group of people standing on each other's shoulders. A figure of a child waving his hand is placed on the top of the pyramid.

    Monument
    Arena Tarraco Plaza

    Arena Tarraco Plaza

    The bullring was built in 1888 in the Art Nouveau style by architect R. S. Advertising. In 2006, it was closed for restoration, which lasted 4 years. But the renewed lists were not destined to open their doors to the brave bullfighters again, as Catalonia passed a law banning bullfighting. Today, the arena is used for sports competitions and concerts.

    Early Christian Necropolis

    The cemetery of the III-V centuries, which was discovered during the construction of a tobacco factory in the early XX century. The necropolis consists of 2 thousand graves. Judging by the tombstones, representatives of different classes were buried here. According to numerous testimonies obtained during excavations, there used to be a basilica dedicated to the Christian martyrs killed in the arena.

    Early Christian Necropolis
    El Medol Quarry

    El Medol Quarry

    The quarry is located about 4 km from Tarragona. Its development began during the Roman Empire in the II century BC. The local stone was used to build the colony of Tarraco (modern Tarragona). The quarry has not been operating for a long time, but it is very attractive for tourists. There is a 16-meter stone column-an obelisk, from where, presumably, mining began.

    Roman Aqueduct "Devil's Bridge"

    A stone structure that once served to deliver water to the city. In total, there were two aqueducts in Tarragona, only one has survived to this day. The structure stretches over a deep gorge, it reaches a height of 27 meters. The aqueduct got its name "Devil's Bridge" thanks to a legend, according to which the devil himself helped to build it in exchange for the soul of the one who would be the first to cross the bridge.

    Roman Aqueduct
    Tarragona Beaches

    Tarragona Beaches

    The coastline of Tarragona stretches for almost 15 km . The city is located in the center of the Costa Dorada, a popular tourist region of Catalonia and all of Spain. Almost all local beaches have a gentle entrance to the sea and are great for families with children, many of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag mark. Most beaches are equipped with infrastructure, some are located in deserted places.

    Mediterranean Balcony

    An observation deck located at an altitude of 23 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the embankment, the sea, the roofs of houses, as well as the Roman amphitheater. The playground is protected by a cast-iron fence. According to beliefs, if you hold on to iron bars, then luck will definitely come. There is a cafe where you can have a snack, and benches, sitting on which you can admire the fascinating landscapes for a long time.

    Mediterranean Balcony