Tarragona- Roman history in the heart of the Mediterranean

Tarragona is located to the south of Barcelona, in the province of the same name. In ancient times the town was known as Tarraco, and was captured by the Romans in the Second Punic War in 218 BC. It was made the capital of the province of Tarraconensis and became a flourishing commercial center. The city fell to the Visigoths in the 5th century and the Moors in the 8th century and was recovered by a then Christian Spain in the early 12th century. Today evidence of its Roman past can be found in the many well preserved ruins within the city. The train from Barcelona to Tarragona takes an hour and a half and costs 6 euros and 20 cents. From the Sants station, trains normally run every 30 minutes (www.renfe.es)

Because of their cultural significance, the Roman ruins of Tarragona have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000. Some of the best preserved parts of Roman Tarragona are the walls which encircle the old town, a section of which is open to the public as an archaeological walk. The lowest part of the wall, formed by boulders, are the remains of the Iberian town walls built in the sixth century B.C.

Above them are the more sophisticated Roman walls, which date from the 2nd century BC and are considered the oldest conserved Roman construction outside of Italy. In summer months access to the walls is open 9am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm. In winter months access is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm. Entry costs 3 euros.

Another famous monument is the Roman amphitheatre, which was built in the 2nd century A.D. and could hold up to 14,000 spectators. It was used for many events, such as gladiator combats (munera) and wild animal hunts or combats (venationes). It was also used to execute prisoners who had been condemned to death. In 259 a Christian bishop and two deacons were burned alive in the arena.

In the 6th century a basilica was constructed which was dedicated to them as recognition of their martyrdom. In the 12th century the church of Santa Maria del Miracle, which is Romanesque in design, was built on the remains of the basilica. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm in summer months and 9am to 7pm the rest of the year, and on Sundays it´s open 9am to 3pm. Entry costs 3 euros.

If you tire of the Roman ruins you may want to head over to the cathedral. Dedicated to Saint Mary, it is built on the same site of what was once the Roman temple. Construction began in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and continued though the Gothic period. At the cloister entrance is the Diocesan Museum, which holds a collection of medieval and modern religious art from Tarragona and its diocese. Entrance to the cathedral and Diocesan Museum, which includes an audio guide, costs 3.80 euros and entrance without to the cathedral only without the audio guide is free. It is open every day, although on Sunday it is only open for religious services.

Like many Catalan cities, Tarragona´s main street is the Rambla, in this case the Rambla Nova, which is a pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes. It´s an excellent place to take a stroll, do some shopping, or stop and have a drink or something to eat (make sure to try out some of the local seafood and wines). The street ends at the sea at a viewing point called the “Balcón de Europa” where you can find great views of the lower part of the city and the Mediterranean. Running parallel with Ramble Nova to the east is the Ramble Vella, which marks the beginning of the Old Town.

Tarragona is one of the best places in Catalonia to view the “human castles” or “human towers”, as they are typically referred to in English. The is a typically Catalan tradition known as “castells”, which is the Catalan word for castles. It dates back to the end of the 18th century in the Valls province of Tarragona and the tradition is believed to have began at the end of the 17th and 18th century when human towers were built by dance groups as part of their performances. “El concurso de castells de Tarragona”, the human castle building contest, is one of the most famous in Catalonia and is held the first Sunday in October in even numbered years in the Plaza de Toros.

 The castells can also be seen in Tarragona during other annual festivals such as Sant Magi from the 15th to 19th of August, Catalan National Day on September 11, or the city festival of Santa Tecla (the patron saint of Tarragona) which is held the 14th to 24th of September. Viewing the castells in person is a breathtaking experience so if you plan to be in Tarragona when they are competing it is not to be missed.

Tarragona is also known for having one of the most traditional and impressive Carnival celebrations that includes parades, live music, and fireworks. The rituals include the building of a large barrel that is placed at the centre of the main square in the city. The carnival is officially over when the barrel is filled with effigies of the King and Queen of the Festival and set alight. This year, 2010, Carnival activities will be held from February 6 to 17th with the main celebrations taking place on Saturday February 13.

Tarragona´s Roman and Medieval remains, bustling and modern center, and wonderful beaches and weather make it an excellent city to visit year round. For more information visit the city tourist website at http://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/.