Tarragona: Roman Heritage, City History and Beaches
Accommodation in Tarragona
Visitors choosing Tarragona as a destination encounter a city whose history can be told through Roman buildings, administrative sites and later residences. Tarragona is home to the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tarraco was the first and oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The historic sites represent different functions: fortification, provincial administration, urban life and public spectacles. This gives a cultural stay in Tarragona a clear focus, without reducing the buildings to a single period.
Roman City and Administration
The Roman city wall was the first major structure the Romans built in Tarragona. The first stone Roman city wall was constructed between 217 and 197 BC. Later, the provincial administration made its own mark: the Provincial Forum was built in the upper part of the city around 73 AD, under Emperor Vespasian. It served the political and economic administration of the province. The Colonial Forum marks another focus of urban life. As a social and political centre, it was located in the lower part of the Roman city, in the residential district between the provincial administrative area and the port. The different functions and locations of the two forums offer a glimpse into different aspects of Roman urban life.
Buildings for Public Spectacles
The amphitheatre completed Tarragona’s trio of major Roman buildings for spectacles: the theatre, circus and amphitheatre. Gladiatorial contests, known as munera, as well as fights or hunts involving wild animals, known as venationes, took place there. The circus was built towards the end of the 1st century AD. In the chariot races held there, the chariots were usually pulled by two or four horses. The circus is exceptionally well preserved. The recorded events show different forms of spectacle: chariot races in the circus and fights or hunts in the amphitheatre. Together with the theatre, the amphitheatre is part of a distinct theme in the history of the Roman city.
Waterworks and Residential Buildings
Water supply is also part of the Roman story: the aqueduct of les Ferreres was built in the 1st century AD. Its water channel collected water near the present-day village of Puigdelfí and carried it to Tàrraco. The route of the water channel thus connects a present-day place name with the ancient city. The residential buildings offer another perspective on history. Casa Castellarnau was built at the beginning of the 15th century. Casa Canals is an elegant modern-era residence built incorporating the Roman city wall. These houses broaden the Roman perspective to include later residential architecture; at Casa Canals, the building history of the residence and the older wall meet in a single structure.
Routes and Coast
Tarragona offers eight self-guided walking routes: four within the city and four in the surrounding area. The starting points are accessible by public transport, and the routes can be completed entirely on foot. The public network of paths also includes 75 kilometres of signposted routes. The eight self-guided routes provide a specific breakdown between the city and the surrounding area; the distance gives the extent of the signposted path network. Signage and path conditions may change. For a specific walk, check current transport connections and path conditions.
For a coastal stay, Platja de la Savinosa offers a clear sense of scale: the beach is 350 metres long and 30 metres wide, with fine sand. Tarragona also has four unspoilt beaches: 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. Alongside Roman buildings, walks and beaches are therefore available when planning a stay. Beach conditions and access may change; check the current situation before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Torreforta, La Mòra, Monnars, Tamarit, La Fatarella, Masllorenç, Almoster, Ginestar.
Return to the main travel overview: Tarragona.
