Tarragona is the capital of the province of the same name, 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 goes back more than two thousand years. The architectural complex of Tarragona from the time of Roman rule is the largest in Spain and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Russians vacationing at the Golden Coast resorts rarely miss the opportunity to go on an excursion to former capital 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 come even from Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid.

For our readers we have prepared short guide on the main attractions of Tarragona and a story about how to get to the city more conveniently.

Coast of Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/felix2510

Queen of past centuries

On the site of modern Tarragona in the 5th century. BC. there was an Iberian settlement called Kess. And in 218 BC. After the victory over the Carthaginians, the Romans reigned here and founded the Tarraco fortress. 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 Tarraco, plundered everything and destroyed almost everything, and after being captured by Arab troops in 714. the city has almost disappeared. It began to revive when it was reconquered by Christians in 1129, and in the Middle Ages it became the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. But wars, epidemics, pirate raids (their main camp was in Salou), occupation by Napoleonic troops again led to destruction, hunger and poverty.

Scale model of the city of Tarraco - this is how it was in the 2nd century AD.
Photo: flickr.com/49763843@N07

Now Tarragona has almost 140 thousand inhabitants. It is an important economic and cultural center of the region and an increasingly popular resort.

How to get there

Tarragona is easy to get to from anywhere on the Catalan coast, along which there are a railway and three motorways - the free N-340 and the toll A-2 and A-7.

During the holiday season from 7-8 am to 10:30 pm with an interval of about 30 minutes. from the resorts of the Costa Dorado they run Shuttle Buses company Empresa Plana on the route Cambrils - Salou-Cap Salou - La Pineda - Tarragona. Travel times from Cambrils, Salou and La Pineda are 50, 40 and 15 minutes. Buses going to Barcelona Airport and along the route Cambrils - Salou - La Pineda - Bonavista - Tarragona - Barcelona are also suitable.

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 (located near 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 journey from Cambrils will take 15-20 minutes, from Salou - 10-15 minutes.

Tarragona can be reached by bus, train or train.
Photo: flickr.com/eldelinux

“In Tarragona, there is always space in the underground municipal parking lot. It is easy to find by following the signs. Driving through the narrow streets is a chore; it’s better to walk. I don’t recommend leaving your car where you have to - they’ll drag it away on a tow truck and you’ll have to pay at least 150 euros.”

“One day would be enough to explore Tarragona and go 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 one 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. We learned about the Pobles Monastery from reviews, went and didn’t regret it.”

To travel by public transport, it is profitable to buy a T-10 pass for 10 trips and use it with the whole family. Tarjeta Bono Bus costs 12 euros and is valid on buses and trains in the first zone - this 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.

You can get to Tarragona by sea and at the same time look at the picturesque bays and beaches. On Tuesdays, a boat departs from Cambrils at 09:30, stops in Salou at 10:00 and arrives in the port of Tarragona at 11:10. On the return trip the boat departs at 17:00 and arrives in Salou at 17:45, in Cambrils at 18:15.

Trains run between Barcelona and Tarragona every 20-30 minutes.(travel time - 1 hour 45 minutes. Minimum ticket price - 4.15 euros), an express bus runs up to 7 times a day (one-way ticket - from 7.9 euros). There are convenient bus and train connections to Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid.

Intercity bus to Tarragona.
Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte

How to navigate

Camp de Tarragona train station is located on seashore, 10-15 minutes walk from the center. At approximately the same distance is the bus station, but in the opposite part of the city - in the northeast, on the Imperial Tarraco Square.

Photo: flickr.com/europealacarte

Rambla Vella (Old Rambla) - a boulevard with a wide pedestrian area - divides the city in two. In the northern part there are historical quarters, in the southern part there are 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 about it below).

The tradition of Castellers (building towers with people) was born in Tarragona. Monument of people to the castellers on 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 the local tourism office has developed 3 walking routes according to eras - 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 are adjacent to medieval buildings, examples of Catalan Baroque and Art Nouveau.
We will tell you about what is worth seeing in Tarragona, and in what order - decide for yourself.

Modern gladiator fight in the arena of an ancient amphitheater.
Photo: flickr.com/7455207@N05

Antique Tarraco

For six centuries the city was part of the Roman Empire and flourished - the population grew to 40 thousand, powerful defensive walls, the emperor's residence, and other monumental structures were erected, and a road to Rome was built.

Roman Forum and Amphitheater

Amfiteatre roma is an archaeological pearl of the entire coast. An oval-shaped structure measuring 109.5 * 86.5 m, built around the 2nd century. AD on the seashore, accidentally found at archaeological excavations in 1952. Gladiator fights, celebrations, and theatrical performances took place here.

Part of the stands and fragments of a 140-meter rock inscription in the southern sector have been preserved. Entrance - 3 euros. From the amphitheater you can take an elevator to a beautiful and well-kept park - Parc de I’Amfiteatre roma.

Roman circus

Circ roma, located in the Old Rambla area, appeared in the 1st century. AD under Emperor Domitian. Up to the 5th century. In this huge ellipse-shaped structure, 325 m long and 115 m wide, designed for 20-30 thousand spectators, equestrian competitions and chariot races were held.

Most of the circus is hidden under buildings of the 19th century; the main portal, eastern stands, the attached Monks' Tower and the underground part have been preserved.

Area of the local Roman Forum

The center of social life in Tarraco was the Forum Provincial (1st century). It was located on 18 hectares and consisted of two large squares, which were framed by administrative, religious and cultural buildings - curia, temples, shops of merchants and money changers. Part of the ancient Roman basilica and the remains of several houses have survived to this day.

The complex is open daily from 10 to 21 hours, on Sundays - until 15 hours, ticket price - 3.15 euros.

Remains of the ancient walls of the Forum Provincial (1st century) at the Plaza del Forum.
Photo: flickr.com/49763843@N07

Passeig Arqueologic - Archaeological promenade

The remains of Roman walls surrounding the quarters of the Old Town are the oldest example of ancient military architecture in Spain. The defensive wall, 6 m high, 4.5 m wide and 3.5 km long, was built BC. - in 217-197 In 1709, new walls 4 km long and 10 m high were erected around the old walls.

Between the two rings of fortifications there is a walking alley 4.5 m wide and about 600 m long. There you can see gates, ancient Roman watchtowers, fortifications and 18th-century guns. and it's nice to stroll among the palms and cypresses.

The promenade is open from 9 am to 9 pm, from October 1 to April 1 - until 7 pm, closed on Monday. Admission ticket- 3 euros, for children under 16 years of age admission is free.

Walk along Passeig Arqueologic past ancient tools.
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), nearby is the Museum of Early Christianity.

The museum's opening hours in spring and summer are from 10:00 to 20:00, in autumn and winter - until 17:00, break -13:30-15:00, closed on Mondays.

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 the ancient Roman Temple of Jupiter, later - the oldest Christian church in Spain (382), an Arab mosque, and, finally, Tarragona Cathedral. The Catedral de Santa María de Tarragona was built from 1171 to 1331. and became the main one 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 Cathedral Square. At other times - through the side portal on the street de les Escrivanis Velles.

The ticket office is located right behind the portal; when purchasing 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 over 6 thousand exhibits, of which about three hundred are on display, but what kind! Gothic altars, church sculpture, paintings, liturgical utensils and vestments, religious jewelry from the Renaissance and Baroque era, manuscripts and books of chorales, a large collection of Brussels tapestries of the 15th-17th centuries.

Pilate's Castle

The Praetoria Palace was built on Roman foundations in the medieval era for the Roman governor who ruled the province of Tarraco. It is called Pilate's palace. Until the 16th century, this was the residence of the Aragonese kings, and then a prison. Now there is an observation deck on the tower, from where you can make best photos panoramas of the city and coast.

Pilate's Palace (Roman Praetorium) is located on 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 Roman-Gothic style is the hospital of St. Tecla (1171), now there is the Tarragona District Council.

The mansion of Casa Balcells until the end of the 16th century. served as the residence of the canon-steward of the Cathedral, and later royalty 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 14th-century Gothic pointed arches that unite several houses, Carrer Merceria was once a market for vegetables, and today a Sunday antique market.

Volta del Pallol - The Pallol Vaults on 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 there was a Dominican monastery, and later the main granary - pallol. Now the building houses an exhibition hall in which a model of ancient Tarraco is shown for free.

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 interior interiors were created in the 18th-19th centuries. The building is notable for its mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Now the Kastelarnau mansion is a museum. On the top floor are the chambers of the aristocratic families of Catalonia - a library, a salon, a ballroom with famous ceiling paintings on mythological themes. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m., 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 to 21 o'clock, on Sundays - until 15 o'clock, Monday - closed).

Along the route of modernism

The architecture of the era of the Industrial Revolution is presented very vividly in Tarragona - the buildings erected here at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries are often mentioned in textbooks on architecture.

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 stroll and “touch the iron” of the beautiful wrought iron fence (tocar ferro) - they say it brings good luck. From here you have a wonderful view: all the surroundings are in full view.

View of Tarragona from the Balcó del Mediterrani.
Photo: flickr.com/joaquimfp

Modern in Catalan

Fans of Art Nouveau aesthetics will find many noteworthy objects to explore:

Casa de la Punxa (1911-1929) - a building decorated with a cylindrical tower, an openwork stone balustrade, and images of fantastic creatures. Now the city Chamber of Commerce is located there.
In the courtyard-patio of the City Hall - it is on Plaça de la Font - there is a monument to King Jaime I. The unusual monument is made in the form of a ship sailing on the waves.
The unusual façade of the house on Plaça dels Sedassos is painted as an imitation of a typical 19th-century Catalan house, and traditional characters from local festivals are painted on the balconies. Due to optical illusion, the image appears three-dimensional.

Painted facade of a house on Placa dels Sedassos.
Photo: flickr.com/empordakoaharia

The monastic complex of the Discalced Carmelites with a sharp spire, an openwork octagonal “lantern”, an elegantly decorated neo-Gothic spire and a unique church in the Catalan Art Nouveau style.
Next to the monastery is the impressive building of the Teresian School (1922), designed by the architect Bernardi Martorell, a student of Gaudí.
The three-story bullring (1883-1888) for 9 thousand spectators is reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, but is designed in the Art Nouveau spirit with elements of neo-Moorish style. Bullfighting is no longer held, but the arena hosts concerts, theatrical performances and sporting events.
The most beautiful house in the city is Casa Salas on La Rambla Nueva.
The Casa Canals palace is one of the most interesting in terms of architecture and interior decoration - rich interiors of the 19th century, ancient paintings, and an observation deck on the terrace.
Central market Mercado Publico (1915) - in the Lower Town.
In the city park there is a dilapidated, but very beautiful Villa Sant Raphael, in the art nouveau style - ornaments, bas-reliefs, inlays, ceramics, openwork forged balustrade.

Villa La Quinta Sant Rafael is located in the city park Parc de la Ciutat.

Trenet Turistic

If you are traveling with children who find it difficult to walk for a long time, or have little time to explore, sightseeing tour You can travel to the main attractions of Tarragona on the red tourist train - Trenet Turístic.

The train of several open carriages runs along the sea to the port, past the Mediterranean balcony, then rises to the historical center to Pla de la Seu. The starting and final stop of the train is at Rambla Vella, 200 m from the bus station. There are two options - ride one lap (40 minutes) or ride all day, getting in and out at any of the 10 stops on the route. Ticket for a single trip - 6 euros, children under 12 years old - 3 euros, ticket for the whole day - 7 euros, for children - 4 euros. IN summer season

(from June 16 to September 14) the train runs at intervals of 20 minutes. from 10:30 to 18:30.
Trenet Turístic is the ideal solution for sightseeing in Tarragona.

Photo: flickr.com/47869349@N03

Tatyana Yashina, Barnaul:

“I went with my two-year-old son to Tarragona. I was worried - it was my first time abroad, we didn’t speak 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 excursion train. Tickets are sold at Bus Plana kiosks, but I bought them 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 a bit hard.”
Tickets for the tourist train can be purchased at the Rambla Vella ticket office or from the driver.

Photo: flickr.com/elshostaletsdepierola

Helpful information

With a single Entrada conjunta als recintes ticket you can visit all Roman monuments, the palaces of Castellarnau and the Canals. The ticket costs 10.55 euros and is valid until the end of the year, so you don’t have to see everything at once. There is one more They are sold in tourist offices, hotels, all museums and online and come for 24, 48 or 72 hours (cost 14, 19 and 24 euros respectively). The cards come with tickets for free travel on 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 buy tourist map Tarragona Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Lidiya, Krasnoyarsk:

“We read in 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, a program was held for several days for tourists from “ northern countries"And we saw the Roman monuments and the Castellarnau Palace for free."

Conclusion

So our short tour of Tarragona has ended. But you can continue it on your own - wander around medieval quarters away from the tourist trails, go to museums, walk along both Ramblas, lined with palm trees and tangerine trees, walk along the beautiful promenade, visit one of the fish restaurants in the seaside area of El Serraglo.

El Serraglo embankment.
Photo: flickr.com/soniacoll

So, if you are nearby or just within reach, go to Tarragona and, of course, we are waiting for your feedback!

Lyubov Gladkova

38 attractions of Tarragona.

general information

Tarragona is the capital of the province of Tarragona on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia.

The city is located on east coast Spain is only 10 kilometers from Salou.

It is interesting to visit at any time of the year; it is one of the historical centers of the country.

Population: 132 thousand inhabitants (2014 census)

City area: 55.6 sq. km.

Timezone: GMT+1, in summer GMT+2

Official website of the city:

http://www.tarragona.cat/

Tarragona was founded at the end of the 3rd century BC by the ancient Romans as the capital of the ancient Roman province of Iberia. Nowadays, it is a beautiful tourist city where you can see a large number of attractions.
It contains many World Heritage Sites of Romanesque architecture.

Many objects that date back to the Roman era have survived to this day. This is an amphitheater, a Roman circus, a Roman forum.

Roman amphitheater in Tarragona(photo)

The main street of the city is Rambla Nova, which conventionally divides it into northern and southern parts.

In the northern part, between Passeig Sant Antoni and Baixadada del Rosel and Carrer de la Guitarra, is the old quarter. There are buildings from the Roman Empire here that are of interest to architecture lovers.

In the southern part of the city there are more modern buildings, here you will see business centers, hotels, cafes and restaurants. There are shops selling local souvenirs here.

To see the main attractions of the city, you can buy a ticket for 10 euros (€), which gives you the right to visit about ten sites, such as the local Roman Forum, Roman Circus, Castellarnau Palace, Archaeological Route, etc.

What to see

The main attractions of Tarragona:

The Roman Amphitheater of Tarraco (Amfiteatreroma) is one of the must-see attractions...

The Roman Circus of Tarraco (Circo romano de Tarraco) was built at the end of the 1st century AD, during the time of the Roman Emperor Domitian...

The National Archaeological Museum (Museu Nacional Arqueologic (MNAT)) is within walking distance of the famous Roman Amphitheater and the Balcony of the Mediterranean...

The Archaeological Route (Passeig Arqueològic) or Archaeological Promenade Walk is a specially designed route with a length of 600 m...

Other attractions of Tarragona:

Model of the Roman Tarraco (Maqueta Tarracoromana) II century. n. uh,
Cathedral (Catedrali Museu Diocesa) XII-XIV centuries,
Square of the provincial forum (Forum Provincial) I century. AD,
Portal of Sant Antoni (Portal de Sant Antoni) XVIII century,
The early Christian ensemble of Francoli (5th century AD) and the modern shopping center Parc Central,
Museum of the Port of Tarragona (Museu del Port de Tarragona),
Marine area of El Serrallo (Barrimariner E Serrallo)

Also in Tarragona you can see the “Devil's Bridge” (Puentedel Diablo). This is an ancient Roman aqueduct that previously supplied the entire city with fresh water.

Tarragona has many pristine beaches. Massive, natural, nudist, there are secluded corners for a romantic getaway.

Tarragona beaches:
Miracle/Comandancia beach,
Arrabassada beach,
Savinosa beach - nudist
Capellans beach is small, there are only changing cabins,
Larga - length 3 km,
natural beach Cala Fonda - 200 m,
natural beach Roca Plana - 205 m,
La Mora - unequipped,
Cala Jovera - unequipped,
Tamarit natural beach

Tarragona coordinates:

41°07′N; 1°14′ E

41°07"11.9"N 1°14"39.8"E

Almost all beaches can be reached public transport.

How to get from Barcelona to Tarragona?
1. By railway by train. Travel time is about an hour.
2. By bus. Current information on bus schedules can be found on the company's official website.

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 attractions. In 2000, it was rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Besides historical value the city is largest port, an industrial and commercial center. Located 98 km from Barcelona, Tarragona attracts tourists eager to experience the history of the Roman Empire, as well as sun and beach lovers.

A long time ago, many centuries ago...

The first mentions of inhabitants in the Tarragona lands come at the end of the 6th century. In the hills of what is now the pearl of the Costa Dorada, an Iberian tribe lived in a settlement called Kesse. In 218 BC. e. the said settlement was conquered by the Romans under the leadership of Publius Cornelius Scipio.

At the place where the tribe lived, a fortification structure was built, which was called Tarraco, which means Fortress in Spanish. In 45 BC. e. Julius Caesar gave the city the status of capital of the province of Near Spain, which already in 27 BC. e. was called Tarraconian Spain.

National flag of Spain and the Autonomous Region of Catalonia

The period of the city's revival began in 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. Defensive walls, an amphitheater, two forums and an aqueduct were erected. The city's population increased to 40 thousand inhabitants. The fall of Tarraco coincided with the fall of the Roman Empire.

More than one generation of modern Tarragona has had to endure wars and battles. Today, the largest seaport is located there, and the tourism industry is developing.

View of cruise port Tarragona

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

There is a direct bus from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona from Terminal T1 every hour. The fare is 14.95 euros. Travel time – 1 hour.

Direct buses depart to Tarragona and from Barcelona bus station; they take 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.

North Bus Station Barcelona Estació del Nord

The most comfortable form of transport that will take you to the historical center of the Costa Dorada is the train. It goes to Tarragona from Sants train station.

You can purchase tickets at any time of the day by using the service for selecting travel documents and buying tickets for the Barcelona - Tarragona train. The schedule includes many flights, the journey of which takes from 62 to 89 minutes. The ticket price will be approximately 8 euros.

Train Station Barcelona Sants / Sants Estació

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 covers this path in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Payment is by meter and is approximately 132 euros.

Beaches of Tarragona

View from the Mediterranean Balcony (left): the city beach is located below

The city's 15 km coastline 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 / Comandància	Bus number 10 (“Port Esportiu”)	The length of the beach is 500 m; there are showers and toilets, as well as bars and cafes on the territory.
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. 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. Standard equipment 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. Standard equipment for vacationers: toilets, showers, bars, cafes. Protected area
Platja De Tamarit	Bus number 97	The length of the beach is 1750 m. Standard equipment 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. Standard tourist equipment: 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 visit Tarragona in winter time, we recommend visiting the world-famous carnival, which takes place from February 14 to 21.

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Cuisine and restaurants

The geographical location of the city makes it possible for the owners of restaurants and all kinds of cafes to offer gifts to tourists Mediterranean Sea, which are caught on the day of preparation.

If you decide to have lunch in the fishing quarter of El Serrallo, you can enjoy the taste

Seasonal dishes are also found in catering establishments. For example, calçotada is served from January to April. This exotic name goes to sweet green onions cooked over 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. There are 84 hotels in the city center, the rest are within a radius of 8.7 km. Let's present some of the hotels in Tarragona in Spain in the table below:

The name of the hotel	Facilities/service	Room rates	Location
Husa Imperial Tarraco 4*	24-hour registration and guest service department, press delivery, express check-in/check-out, safe, luggage office, laundry, breakfast in the room, currency exchange, car rental, tour agency, Internet, paid parking	The most economical room for two will cost from 3800 rubles. A luxury room for two will cost around 7,700 rubles	Center
SB Express Tarragona 3*	Elevator, Safe, car rental, laundry, tour agency, Fax, photocopying	The cost of a standard room for two is about 3100 rubles	Not far from the center
Mercure Atenea Aventura	Facilities for disabled guests, 24-hour reception, Smoking is prohibited on site and in the hotel, elevator, smoking areas, non-smoking rooms, currency exchange, room service, organization of excursions, parking	The cost of a standard room is from 2800 rubles	8.6 km from center
Hostal Noria 2*	Internet, room service	Single room price from 1500 rubles	553 m from center

Tarragona hotels are famous for their good service for relatively low price. In general, room prices remain almost at the same level.

Prices increase significantly in March, and, on the contrary, decrease in October. 40 days before your 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 clothing, shoes and accessories from European and American manufacturers.

Along with everyone else, Spanish manufacturers present an assortment of the most famous clothing brands such as Roberto Verino, Armand Basi, Massimo Dutti, Pikolinos, MIRTO, Mayoral and many others. Spanish products under the brands Bershka, Zara, Mango, Springfield, Oysho, Stradivarius are rightfully considered the most affordable..

The most favorable time for this is the second half of the day, when the sun is no longer so bright. Main Shopping centers– Park Central and El Corte Inglés. They are located in the center, a 5-minute walk from the bus station. Prices in stores are acceptable for almost all income levels.

There are discounts (rebajas) in the country, both summer and winter. The peak of discounts occurs in the summer, when goods can be purchased 70-80% cheaper.

conclusions

When traveling to Spain, do not forget to include the city of Tarragona in your itinerary. After all, it was here that two currents managed to intertwine: modernity and antiquity. The atmosphere, filled with historical spirit and a variety of panoramic landscapes, will not leave you indifferent.

Your holiday 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 holidays and attractions of Tarragona in the reviews of tourists.

Sights of Tarragona. The most important and interesting sights of Tarragona - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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Cathedral of Tarragona

Tarragona, Placa Pla de la Seu

The beautiful Cathedral of Tarragona stands on a hill, in place historical center ancient acropolis. Construction began in 1171, but the consecration of the temple took place only in 1331. The cathedral stands on the remains of an earlier Roman building, which began to be erected at the very beginning of the century. e.

The sights of ancient Tarragona cannot be named amazing or especially numerous. This city is distinguished more by its general atmosphere than by specific tourist sites. However, some places in Tarragona and the surrounding area simply must be explored.
In general, the cultural and historical heritage of Tarragona can be divided into three groups: ancient (Roman), Gothic and modern. The ancient Roman ruins include several ruins, such as the Tower of Scipios, about 6 km from the city along the coastal road, the Roman walls and citadel, the necropolis, the Palace of Augustus (also called the Palace of Pilate), the Arch of Sura (or Bara), and the Golden Way.
It is worth examining a model of the Roman Tarraco - the city as it was in the 2nd century. The model is made on a scale of 1:500. Also noteworthy is the Roman amphitheater, on the basis of which a Visigothic basilica was subsequently built, and then a church in the Romanesque style. Today you can see the theater from above, go down and wander around it, and also look into the small museum attached to it. And on the square of the Provincial Forum (1st century) there is an old Romanesque tower, which was built in the 14th century. converted into a royal residence. The Roman circus is also located here, where horse races and chariot competitions were held.
There is also something to see in the vicinity of Tarragona. First of all, there is the famous Roman Ferreres Aqueduct; it is located not so far from the city.
The Christian religion also could not help but affect the architectural appearance of the city. First of all, attracts attention Cathedral Tarragona, built in the 12th-14th centuries. in the most high point cities. The cathedral is distinguished by a facade with a huge rose window, made in the Gothic style, and this view is considered a kind of calling card of Tarragona. Among other religious buildings of interest are the monastery of the Poor Clares near the city walls, the monastery of St. Teresa, the parish church of the Capuchins in the port, the former monastery of St. Francis and the Jesuit college, which was turned into barracks, but then the college church was returned to its former meaning, as well as the monastery Dominicans (now the City Hall) and restored in the 19th century. the archbishop's palace, which stands on the site of the ancient capitol.
Walking around the city, you cannot ignore several interesting places and neighborhoods. These are, firstly, several ancient squares: Plaza de la Font, Plaza del Forum, Plaza del Rey. Secondly, a modern Mediterranean balcony, which provides a wonderful view point behind the Tarragona beach. Thirdly, the historic fishermen's quarter of El Seraglio, where the central fish market is located. The peak of trading activity is observed at the market in the evening, when fishermen sell what they caught during the day. In addition, there are plenty of nice seafood restaurants here. The Central Market on Rambla Nova deserves no less attention than the fish market; it occupies a remarkable Art Nouveau building, built in 1915. Finally, the Rambla Nova itself, the central boulevard in Tarragona, dates back a century and a half - but at the same time the most modern shops are concentrated on it.
Neighborhood
There is also something to see in the vicinity of Tarragona. First of all, there is the famous Roman Ferreres Aqueduct; it is located not so far from the city. The two-level bridge spans over 200m and is remarkably well preserved for a structure that was created without the use of mortar. The bridge is worth a visit in itself, and besides, it is located in a beautiful natural park.
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During the era of the Roman Empire, Tarragona was listed as the capital of Tarraconian Spain. Nowadays, it is a quiet tourist city, with a large number of attractions, some of which belong to UNESCO heritage sites. Tarragona is a port city and is famous for its cuisine, which is prepared using freshly caught seafood and fish. This city is famous for its golden beaches and celebrations. Here every tourist will find a vacation to his liking and taste. If you are planning to relax here, then we have prepared the best for you Tarragona attractions that are worth watching.

1. Tarragona Cathedral

The main religious attractions of Tarragona include the Cathedral. It was erected on the site where a Roman building stood about two thousand years ago. Construction of the cathedral began in the second half of the 12th century, and was consecrated only in the first half of the 14th century. Due to the fact that the construction of the cathedral dragged on for several centuries, its appearance has elements of various architectural styles. The façade of the building is decorated with a relief image that illustrates the time of the Last Judgment. For connoisseurs ancient architecture this cathedral will give you many unforgettable experiences.

2. Roman amphitheater

A real example of antiquity in Tarragona is the Roman Amphitheater. It was built around the 1st–2nd centuries AD. This amphitheater witnessed gladiatorial fights and the burning of high-ranking Christian priests. Tourists will also be interested in visiting the museum exhibition that was opened at the amphitheater. This building is located on a hill near the sea and allows you to enjoy the pleasant landscape sea coast. Leaving the Roman Amphitheater, visitors find themselves on the main street of Tarragona, from where they can continue their exploration of the city.

3. Devil's Bridge (Roman aqueduct)

One of the most beautiful places in Tarragona is the ancient aqueduct De las Ferreras (also called the Devil's Bridge). It was built by the Romans to supply the city with water. The construction technology continues to amaze the minds of architects to this day - the bridge was built using huge blocks of stone and without connecting mortar. Only part of the aqueduct has survived to this day, but it also amazes tourists with its grandeur. Nowadays, the structure is used as a bridge to cross the gorge. Visitors can also stroll through the romantic surroundings of the eco-historical park.

4. New Rambla

The New Rambla is the main pedestrian street of the city. Every year, thousands of tourists stroll along the New Rambla, visiting the cafes and shops with souvenir shops that dot everything here. This street is also famous for its interesting and unusual architectural monuments. Life on the New Rambla never stops, it is in full swing happy people, played along by street musicians. The townspeople celebrate all their celebrations on this street, and tourists can join this celebration of the soul.

5. Praetorium

Another ancient attraction of Tarragona is the Praetorium, or as it is also called the Roman Circus. It was erected in the 1st century - at the dawn of the new millennium. In its current dilapidated form, it is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Admirers of the Roman era will be very interested in visiting the Praetorium in Tarranone. To look at the spectator stands lying in ruins, to walk along underground corridors, to walk under almost destroyed vaults and to examine the remains of tombstones of bygone eras means to touch history.

6. Fortress wall

Be sure to see the most ancient prominent place of Tarragona - the Fortress Wall. She is part world heritage UNESCO. The wall was erected even before the formation of this place ancient city Tarraco. It surrounded a military camp and was originally made of wood. Today the wall is divided into two parts: northern and southern. An archaeological boulevard has been created between them, which allows tourists to take a walking tour. But it is worth noting that the boulevard runs along the northern part, because the southern part is poorly preserved, and some of its sections are unsuitable for walking.

7. Archaeological Museum

Tarragona's popular tourist destination can rightly be called National Archaeological Museum. It consists of five halls, each of which contains ancient and very valuable exhibits. Here you can see everything from Roman coins and household items to the head of Medusa the Gorgon, and even parts of Roman buildings. Tourists can visit the archaeological museum any day. Near the museum there are other valuable attractions of Tarragona, and from the observation deck located nearby Pretoria, a wonderful view of the local surroundings opens.

8. Roman Forum

The Roman City Forum, which has survived to this day in Tarragona, is a witness to the social life of the population of Tarraco. The Forum was the meeting place of the Senate, where court sessions, public meetings were held and decisions were made on various issues relating to the administrative and public life of the city. On the territory of the forum, the ruins of the once existing treasury and temple have been preserved. Nowadays, the forum is divided by Soler Street, along which tourists can stroll and see the sights of the forum.

9. Church of St. Francis

A religious landmark of Tarragona, with a discreet appearance from the outside but a mesmerizing interior, this is the Church of St. Francis. The building of this temple was erected in the 18th century and is located on the New Rambla. Externally, the church is unremarkable, but the interior amazes tourists with its wall manuscripts and frescoes, which can only be found in this temple. The ceiling is decorated with a rich forged chandelier. Even people indifferent to religion will enjoy a tour of the Church of St. Francis, a magnificent architectural structure.