Tarragona, Costa Dorada
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - Overview:
Tarragona is a city located 100km South of Barcelona. Known as Imperial Tarraco during its Roman occupation, today you can admire some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula. Another reason to visit Tarragona is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe: Universal Port Aventura, located in Vilaseca and Salou, just 9km away.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - History:
Tarragona played an important role during the Roman occupation of Hispania (the Iberian Peninsula). It became the capital of the Citerior Roman Province in the first century BC, after Augustus stayed there during 27-24 BC. In the following years many of the city's monuments were erected.
During the Roman Empire the city of Tarragona was divided in two. On top of the hill used to be the monumental and administrative centre of the city, with its many temples. In the lower part, there used to be the Amphitheatre, the forum and the harbour. First Tarraco had a military purpose, but when it became the capital of the Tarraconense province, it became a political and administrative centre.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - Historic sightseeing:
The Amphitheatre is located by the sea, outside the old Roman city. Most probably it was constructed in the first or second century. Inside this amphitheatre you can see the remains of the church constructed in memory of 'Sant Fructuos'. This Saint was executed in the arena, which in the 7th century became a sacred Christian temple.
La 'Rambla Nova' is Tarragona's main avenue. Part of the old city was demolished in 1854, when the old Eixample was constructed. Josep Criville designed this district in 1855. La 'Rambla Nova' was the districts main axis. The avenue is 45 metres wide and 700 long and it connects the old district with the harbour.
The Carrer Major (main street) was built over the old Roman Decumanus. The old medieval city can also be seen in many of the streets in this quarter of Tarragona.
Not far from the Cathedral, in the 'Plaa del Forum', part of the old Roman Forum. Imperial Tarraco was a Roman province until the end of the Empire. Soon after, the city was invaded by the Visigoths. In 716 AC Islamic troops invaded the city, which remained under Islamic occupation until the 11th century.
In the 13th century the city underwent an expansion period, which didnt last long, as during the 14th century a plague killed a quarter of the population.
In Tarragona there are some museums you should not miss: the Archeological Museum, with world famous Tarraco treasuries like the busts of Trajano and Luci Vero, among many other Roman works; The Diocese Museum, in the Cathedral, with many samples of religious works, the most important pieces in this museum are the 54 tapestries; The Museum of the City; and the early Christian Necropolis, in the city outskirts, a museum with the remains found in this 3rd, 4th and 5th century cemetery.
A recommended visit is the Roman aqueduct, which sits on the road to Valls, 4km from the city of Tarragona. This aqueduct was begun when Augustus was the emperor of Rome, continued during Trajanus and finished during the time of Adrian.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - Coast:
Tarragona is a Mediterranean city. Without the sea this city would not exist. The blue Mediterranean waters and the blue sky are part of this city. The Serrallo is the traditional fishermen's district. In the afternoon you can still see old fishermen repairing their nets using the same techniques they have used for centuries. The small fishing boats go fishing everyday, at five oclock (more or less) they come back to the harbour where the fishermen sell their catch. Not far from here (in the Serrallo district) there are some of the best fish restaurants in the South of Cataluna.
In Tarragona's bustling Port Esportiu there are many bars and discos, attracting all kinds of people on a weekend coming to dance, drink and meet new people. Most of the discos close at 5am.
A few miles from Tarragona there is Salou, where there are more pubs and discos, tourists from the North of Europe come there every year to spend the Summer. In Salou there is also one of the biggest amusements parks in Europe: Universal's Port Aventura, with its huge roller coaster: the Dragon Kahn.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - Beaches:
In Tarragona there are some nice beaches: the Platja Llarga (Long Beach) and the Platja de la Rabassada. Other really nice beaches are in the nearby villages along the Costa Dorada (Costa Daurada or Golden Coast), where you can also enjoy wonderful landscapes. Some of the most famous villages in the area are: Torredembarra, with its nice church; Altafulla, with its spectacular castle; Tamarit, with its castle by the sea; and many others.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada - Our holiday accommodation and service:
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So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking while exploring the Ebro Delta; discovering fascinating Mediterranean villages and rural towns; exploring Cataluna's vibrant cities such as Barcelona with sophisticated shopping in Las Ramblas; looking for family fun at the Port Aventura theme park; fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches at Sitges, Altafulla or Tarragona; or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool on the eastern Spanish coast, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to the Costa Dorada, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
