PLACES OF INTEREST
BALCONY OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN
This lookout point is at the end of the Rambla Nova, some 40 metres above sea level. From it, you have fabulous views of the Mediterranean, the port, Miracle Beach and the Roman amphitheatre. It is a popular meeting place for the people of Tarragona, who go there to "tocar ferro" (touch iron), as it is said that touching the railings brings you good luck.
LES FERRERES AQUEDUCT OR DEVIL’S BRIDGE (MHT)
The famous Devil’s Bridge is just a small part of a much longer Roman aqueduct that brought water to the city from the River Francolí. It is some 217 metres long, 2 metres wide and has a maximum height of 27 metres; the upper course has 25 arches and the lower one eleven. It was built in the 1st century using large dry-laid ashlars that form twin rows of arches.
ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE (MHT)
An oval-shaped structure built close to the sea in the 2nd century. Part of the seating was carved out of the natural rock and it had a capacity of approximately 14,000 spectators. It was used to hold gladiator and wild animal combats, as well as public executions. In 259, Bishop Fructuosus and his archdeacons, Augurius and Eulogius, were burned alive there. In the 6th century a Visigothic basilica was built in its arena and later, the mediaeval church of Santa María del Miracle was built over it.
THE PRAETORIUM AND ROMAN CIRCUS (MHT)
Chariot races were held in the circus, which was located between the Vía Augusta and the Provincial Forum. It had an elongated shape, some 325 metres long and up to 115 metres wide and it is calculated that it could hold around 30,000 spectators. It is considered one of the best-preserved circuses in the West, despite part of its structure remaining hidden below 19th century buildings.
The Praetorium is a tower built in Roman times that housed the stairs of the route linking the lower city with the Provincial Forum through subterranean passages.
THE WALLS (ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROMENADE-MHT)
In the 2nd century BC, a massive wall was built around the urban perimeter of Tarraco. It was approximately 3,500 metres long, of which 1,100 metres remain today. The Archaeological Promenade runs through gardens, romantic poems and historical explanations between the Roman wall and the Modern-period low rampart. Outstanding features include the Archbishop’s Tower, with its notable mediaeval alterations, and the Minerva Tower, which contains the oldest Roman carving and inscription on the Iberian Peninsula.
THE CATHEDRAL AND DIOCESAN MUSEUM
The Cathedral is dedicated to Santa María and is on the approximate site of an earlier Roman temple. Work began on it in the 12th century in Romanesque style and continued in Gothic style until it was consecrated in 1331. However, it remained unfinished due to the Black Death. The façade, with its large portal and rose window, is one of the most emblematic images of the city. The Diocesan Museum has a fine collection of religious art from the mediaeval and modern periods.
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
HOLY WEEK IN TARRAGONA
Full of processions and traditional Holy Week ceremonies. Highlights include the Procession of the Holy Burial, a traditional festival that has been declared of National Interest.
http://www.ssantatarragona.org/version03/index.html
INTERNATIONAL FIREWORK COMPETITION
During the first week in July the skies over the city fill with light, colour and pyrotechnics. This famous competition is held on the Miracle Beach and brings together firework specialists from all over the world.
http://www.tarragona.cat/cultura/festes/
SANTA TECLA FESTIVAL
Tarragona’s biggest festival lasts for ten days and fills the whole city with festivities. Held during the second week in September.
http://santatecla.ajtarragona.es/
