In Tarragona, Roman history, trails through the city and surrounding area, and beaches come together. The Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco is located in the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings tell different stories of life in antiquity, from public administration and water engineering to spectacles. Today, too, you can explore Tarragona through these different themes rather than focusing your stay on a single attraction.
Roman history in different places
Tarraco was the first and oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. Among its earliest major buildings was the Roman city wall; the first stone wall in Tarragona was built between 217 and 197 BC. Another structure from the Roman heritage is the aqueduct of les Ferreres, built in the 1st century AD. Its water channel collected water near the present-day village of Puigdelfí and carried it to Tàrraco.
The functions of the public complexes are easy to distinguish. The Forum of the Colony was the social and political centre of the Roman colony. It was located in the lower part of the city, in a residential area between the provincial administration district and the port. The Provincial Forum, by contrast, was in the upper part of the city: it was built around AD 73 under Emperor Vespasian and served the political and economic administration of the province. The two forums thus represent different levels of Roman public life.
Circus and amphitheatre: two types of spectacle
Chariot races were held in the Roman circus. The chariots were usually drawn by two or four horses; the circus was built towards the end of the 1st century AD. It is considered exceptionally well preserved. The amphitheatre served a different function: gladiatorial contests, known as munera, and fights or hunts involving wild animals, known as venationes, were held there. Together with the theatre and the circus, the amphitheatre completes Tarragona’s trio of major Roman buildings for spectacles.
These differences give your visit a historical thread to follow: chariot races took centre stage in the circus, while the amphitheatre hosted other forms of public entertainment. If you are interested in Roman architecture, the city wall and aqueduct are further examples. They show that Tarraco’s heritage consists not only of venues for events, but also includes city fortifications and water supply.
Later houses and the city wall
Casa Canals offers a glimpse into another chapter of the city’s history. This elegant modern-era residence was built incorporating the Roman city wall. Casa Castellarnau takes the chronology further back, to the Middle Ages: the house was built at the beginning of the 15th century. Both houses add examples of later architectural history to the Roman complexes, while their dates of origin remain distinct.
Walking in the city and surrounding area
Tarragona offers eight routes for self-guided walks: four run within the city and four in the nearby surrounding area. Their starting points are accessible by public transport, and the routes can be completed entirely on foot. Check current transport connections before planning your walk. The public trail network also includes 75 kilometres of signposted paths. Markings and conditions can change, so take this into account when planning your route.
The two figures help with different decisions: the eight self-guided routes are clearly divided between the city and its nearby surroundings, while the 75 kilometres refer to the signposted public trail network.
Beaches: another side of Tarragona
Tarragona has four beaches described as unspoilt: Cala Jovera, Platja de l'Arboçar, also known as Cala Fonda or Waikiki, Platja de Becs, also known as La Roca Plana, and Platja dels Capellans. Platja de la Savinosa is 350 metres long and 30 metres wide, with fine sand. Beach conditions can change; check the current access situation before visiting.
Tarragona brings together several distinct highlights: Roman buildings with different functions, later houses, self-guided trails and coastline. Choose the themes that interest you most for your trip, then look for a hotel for your stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Mòra, Tamarit, Torreforta, Monnars, Banyeres Del Penedès, Passanant, L'aleixar, El Montmell.
For the main travel overview: Tarragona.
