Download map of tarragona. Historical Spain - Sights of Tarragona

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. In fact, such a number is quite suitable as a budget option living by the sea during the hot summer months, the benefit and air conditioning is available. 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 big waves, the beach was empty, and only along the road were rare vacationers walking with dogs or doing 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. Beauty!

The complex breakfast turned out to be quite ordinary, American, but it was still interesting to secretly look at local residents 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 ancient city 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:

Catalan Tarragona has been known to historians since the time of the ancient Iberians who settled on the east coast. modern Spain, starting from the III 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 beautiful beaches 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 short description attractions of Tarragona with photos and names.

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. The cathedral has 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. Here it was noted solemn events Tarragona.

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 all Old city 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 oldest museum 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.

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, he was rightfully listed world heritage UNESCO. In addition to 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 there is the largest sea port 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

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

Most comfortable look transport that will take you to historical Center Costa Dorada - train. It follows to Tarragona from Sants train station.

You can buy tickets at any time of the day using the selection service travel documents and buy train tickets from Barcelona to Tarragona. The ticket price will be approximately 8 euros.

Train Station Barcelona Sants / Sants Estacio

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 visit Tarragona in winter time, we recommend visiting the world-famous carnival, which takes place from 14 to 21 February.

Overview of the most popular resorts Spain you can see.

Cuisine and restaurants

The geographical location of the city allows 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 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, developed hotel business. 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	Price standard room for two - 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 for 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. Main Shopping centers– Park Central and El Corte Ingles. 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 the 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.

Check out the impressions seasoned tourists about the rest and sights of Tarragona you can in the reviews of tourists.

Here is a detailed map of Tarragona with street names in Russian and house numbers. You can easily get directions by moving the map in all directions with the mouse or by clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale with the "+" and "-" icons located on the right side of the map. The easiest way to adjust the image size is by rotating the mouse wheel.

What country is Tarragona in?

Tarragona is located in Spain. It's wonderful beautiful city with its own history and traditions. Tarragona coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on a large map).

virtual walk

interactive map Tarragona with sights and other tourist sites is an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the "Map" mode, whose icon is located in the upper left corner, you can see the city plan, as well as detailed map highways with track numbers. You can also see the railway stations and airports of the city marked on the map. Nearby you see the "Satellite" button. By turning on the satellite mode, you will consider the terrain, and by zooming in, you can explore the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).

Move the "little man" from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can make virtual walk by Tarragona. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out on the image.

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. architectural complex Tarragona during the Roman rule is the largest in Spain and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Russians vacationing at the resorts of the Golden Coast 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 even come from Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid.

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

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 Tarracon 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, 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 - as it was in the 2nd century AD.
Photo: flickr.com/ [email protected]

Now there are almost 140 thousand inhabitants in Tarragona. This is an important economic and Cultural Center region and an increasingly popular resort.

How to get there

Tarragona is easily accessible from anywhere on the Catalan coast, along which they pass Railway and three freeways - the free N-340 and the toll 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 to 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 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 the local tourism authority has developed 3 walking route by epoch - 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 at archaeological excavations in 1952. Gladiator fights, celebrations, theatrical performances were held 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 areas that framed administrative, religious and cultural buildings - the 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. Admission 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 on the tower Observation deck from where you can do best photos panoramas of the city and the 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 interesting buildings in the Romanesque-Gothic style - 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 seat of the canon steward 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 gothic lancet arches XIV century, uniting several houses on Carrer Merceria, they once sold vegetables, 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 in the building showroom, which shows a model of antique Tarraco 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 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

Most beautiful place- 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 the arena hosts concerts, 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 - dilapidated, but very beautiful, Villa Sant Rafael, in the Art Nouveau style - ornaments, bas-reliefs, inlays, ceramics, openwork forged balustrade.

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 have little time for sightseeing, sightseeing tour you can go to 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. During the summer season (from June 16 to September 14) the train runs every 20 minutes. from 10:30 to 18:30.

Trenet Turístic is the ideal solution for seeing the sights of 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.

Tickets to 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 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 tourist map Tarragona 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, 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