Tarragona Tourist Information - Monuments in Tarragona

        •  The Walls :

Unyielding even today, the walls were first built around 218; just after the Romans arrived here. The old city walls are the oldest Roman construction preserved outside Italy They are stone walls  6 meters high and 4.5 meters thick. High towers are located at regular distances along the length of the walls. Later as the settlement expanded and the regions importance grew, the walls were further reinforced. The walls were extended to include the settlement at the port, bulwarks and curtain walls were added.  The three towers: Cabiscol tower, Minerva tower and Arzobispo tower are still well preserved. Today the ancient promenade between the two walls is worth a stroll. On the walls you will get to read some historical information as well as poetry. Scattered along the walls are shaded gardens where you can relax.

        •  Cathedral :

On the highest point in Tarragona stands its great cathedral. The construction of the Cathedral begun in 1184, and was completed in the 13th century. The transition of the Romanesque to the renaissance can be seen in the architecture of the cathedral. The domed entrance is grand with 13th century doors. The main façade of the Cathedral is decorated with beautiful sculptures by Mestre Bartomeu. It has magnificent stained glass windows and renaissance style cloisters. In the main apse is the statue of Tarragona’s patron saint: Santa Thecla. The statue is made of polychromatic alabaster and is a masterpiece creation from Pere Joan made in 1430. Inside the renaissance style chapel of Santa Maria and the organ are remarkable for their antiquity and grandness. The east gallery of the cathedral houses the Museo Diocesa: a museum where some very fine and artistic tapestries and other Catalan artwork are on display.

Address: Plaza de la Seu, s/n 43003   Tarragona (Tarragona) Tel. +34 977238685  Timetables: 16 March to 31 May,10am-1pm and 4-7pm. 1 June to 15 October, 10am-7pm. 16 October to 15 November, 10am-5pm. 16 November to 15 March, 10am-2pm.
Entry fee:  Admission Cathedral and Diocesan Museum only: General admission: €2.40 Reduced: €1.80 (groups, minimum 25 people); €1.50 (over 65s and students, with ID). Free: school groups.

        •  The Roman Circus :

The Roman circus was built around 1st AD. It measures about 325 meters in length and 100 to 115 meters in width. Strong cement arches support the whole complex which was used mainly for chariot races. It comprises of stands, stairways, passages, and starting gates. The stands are separated form the arena by a 2 meter high wall. During the middle ages the kings of Aragon redesigned it into a royal palace. It is a very well preserved structure which today houses the Tarragona History Museum.

Address: Plaza Del Rey, 5 43003   Tarragona (Tarragona) Tel. +34 977241952  Fax +34 977230171 http://www.museutgn.com/inicio2.html

        •   Tarragona Amphitheater :

The amphitheater was constructed in the 2nd Century AD. Dating back to the Roman era; it was used for gladiator fights and animal combats and other popular events. It could hold up to 14000 spectators. It is located just outside the walled city on the Mediterranean coast.

It has an elliptical plan- the arena measures 62.5 meters by 38.50 meters; and is separated from the stands by a 3.25 meters high platform. On one of the walls a fresco of Nemesis has been discovered. There are also remains of a basilica here and it too is well preserved.
Address: Parque del Miracle, 43003   Tarragona (Tarragona) Tel. +34 977242579

        •   The Roman Aqueduct :

This marvel of Roman engineering was built in the 1st Century AD. The bridge is built over a natural valley and was used to carry water from the Francosi River. The aqueduct was one of the several built to fetch water; and the present day remains are a part of a much larger structure. The height of the aqueduct is 217 meters and it consists of two levels of arches. The upper tier has 25 arches and there are 11 arches in the lower tier.  A special mortar has been used in the construction to prevent the water from leaking.  It is also known as the ‘Punte Del Diablo’ or Devils Bridge.