Where is tarragona located: Tarragona | Spain | Britannica

Tarragona | Spain | Britannica

Tarragona, city, capital of Tarragona provincia (province), in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Catalonia, northeastern Spain. It lies at the mouth of the Francolí River, on a hill (230 feet [70 metres] high) rising abruptly from the Mediterranean Sea. Tarragona is a flourishing seaport, an important agricultural market, and the centre of active tourism, concentrated in some well-known beach resorts. The city also supports the petrochemical industry that is concentrated around it, and Tarragona’s port is equipped for handling and transporting millions of tons of oil annually.

Once the seat of an Iberian tribe, it was captured in 218 bc by the Roman generals Gnaeus and Publius Scipio, who improved its harbours and its walls, transforming it into the earliest Roman stronghold in Spain. It was known as Tarraco; Julius Caesar initiated its period of splendour and called it Colonia Julia Victrix Triumphalis to commemorate his victories. A temple was built in honour of the Roman emperor Augustus, who made Tarraco the capital of Hispania Tarraconensis; the so-called Castle of Pilate is supposed to have been his imperial palace. The emperors Hadrian and Trajan endowed Tarraco with power and cultural prestige, while its flax trade and other industries made it one of the richest seaports of the Roman Empire. Its fertile plain and sunny shores were praised by the Roman epigrammatist Martial and its famous wines extolled by the writer Pliny the Elder.

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According to tradition, St. Paul, with the help of St. Thecla, founded the Christian church in Spain at Tarraco in ad 60. The city was razed by the Moors in 714 and remained unimportant until early in the 12th century, when it was recaptured by the Christians. After 1119 Tarragona resumed its new life as an important city of the Spanish kingdom of Aragon, and from it James I organized the conquest of Majorca (1229). Having inherited from Rome an imperial sense of unity, Tarragona has shown stubborn loyalty to the kings of Spain and has been a bulwark against invaders.

The old quarter, with many houses built partly of Roman masonry, is more than half surrounded by Roman walls and square towers from the time of the empire. Roman ruins include the theatre, amphitheatre, circus (now forming part of the city’s archaeological museum), forum, and necropolis and, nearby, an aqueduct, the so-called Tomb of the Scipios, and the Triumphal Arch of Bará. The cathedral (12th–13th century) is transitional between Romanesque and Gothic, with a fine cloister. Tarragona has a pontifical university, a school of arts and crafts, a large technical school, and a paleo-Christian museum with one of the best collections of 4th- and 5th-century Christian documents in Spain. It is also the seat of an archbishop. Pop. (2006 est.) 62,998.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

Tarragona (Spain) – Organization of World Heritage Cities

Location and site

Tarragona is located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, 93 kilometers north of Barcelona. It is the commercial and economic capital of South Catalonia. It is linked with the rest of the Spanish state by roads, highways, rail, and air. It is the most important petrochemical industrial area in southern Europe and one of the most active ports in the western Mediterranean. It is a university seat and the provincial capital. The city of Tárraco is the first and the oldest Roman colony in the Iberian Peninsula. The capital of the Province of Hispania Citerior from the reign of Augustus, it has shown a unique Roman layout, owing to a series of artificial terraces that follow the natural lie of the land and monuments of a density and quality of great importance.

Urban Morphology

Tarragona of the 21st Century is the heir of a historic and patrimonial past of major importance. Although known for its legacy from the Roman era, and given its status as the capital of the Province of Hispania Citerior, other elements that substantially enrich its heritage must be noted, from the Visigothic era until the 20th Century. It is not without reason that a living city is a palimpsest on which, day after day, page after page, its history is written for centuries.

Apart from the data that indicate human occupation on the territory from prehistory, already in the 7th and 6th Century before Christ, elements of a first stable establishment have been discovered in the area of Jaime I Street; these elements must be interpreted as the remains of an Iberian oppidum (fortified village) of an important dimension, known under the name of Tarrakon. Close to this Iberian city, in 218 before Christ, during the first stages of the Second Punic War, a Roman military base is installed, in accordance with the strategic interests of the Republic during military operations and after the conquest of Iberia. During the Republican era, this military colony becomes the basis of Rome in the peninsular conquest, which is converted into a city during the 2nd and 1st Centuries before Christ, and obtains the status of colony during the reign of Julius Caesar. A unique urban dichotomy is established, the praesidium-oppidum which, with time, becomes an urban reality – Tárraco – but which reappears in late antiquity and in medieval times. And it is only during the 19th Century that the urban space of the Parte Alta is united with the area of the former Iberian colony and the harbour.

With Augusto, the politico-administrative role of Tárraco is consolidated as the capital of the Province of Hispania Citerior. From that time on, and especially during the First Century, Tárraco undergoes a spectacular process of construction of large buildings and of thermae, and especially the urbanization of the former military base at the top of the hill, by erecting the Concilium of the Province of Hispania Citerior Complex. The territorium is already getting organized during the Republican age, with various centuriations and the birth of villae, among which those of Munts (Altafulla) and Centcelles (Constantí) are worth mentioning. The evolution of the city throughout the Antiquity undergoes changes in Late Antiquity, in such a way that Tárraco gradually loses ground in comparison with Barcino and Toletum. Further to the arabo-berber invasion at the beginning of the 8th Century, it can be said that Tarragona is loosing ground as a major city, and is recuperated only in the 11th and 12th Centuries, further to the restoration of the episcopal see (1091).

In the space of the former seat of the Concilium, in the Parte Alta, the medieval modern age city is developing, adapting the urban fabric and the constructions to the outstanding ruins of the Roman era. Simultaneously, in the area of the former Roman harbour and market town, a harbour area is developing and expands rapidly during the 19th Century. The urban expansion in the middle of this century, with the demolition of the fortifications dating from the 16th to the 19th Century and the vestiges of the roman era in the lower area allows for the union of the two spaces and leaves room for all that which, throughout the 20th Century, will form the configuration of the present Tarragona.

The important Roman legacy owned by Tarragona has overshadowed to a certain extent the legacy from other eras. Examples would be the paleontological and prehistoric site of the Boella, the rock paintings of the Apotecari (UNESCO World Heritage since 1998), the largest cathedral of Catalonia or the fortifications of the 16th to the 19th Centuries, which are both present and unknown. Nonetheless, Tárraco and its transformation throughout the centuries remains the model of Tarragona.

The coexistence of a city of the 21st Century with such an extensive past is rather complex, complicated, but also enriching. Simultaneously with time, certain variables and needs come into play: historic knowledge, protection and conservation in a growing city, enhancement and socialization. There is in fact a complex and problematic dialectic, the solution of which is not often obvious, as is the case for the protection of the historic heritage, the management and the daily life of an ever-growing city. Finally, the addition of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco on UNESCO’s World Heritage List involves a compromise on both the institutional level and the citizen level.

The archaeological ensemble of Tárraco is made up of fourteen monuments, six of which are located in the municipality of Tarragona: the walls, the imperial cult enclosure, the Provincial Forum or Place of the Representación, the Circus, the Amphitheatre, the Colonial Forum, the Theatre, the Christian Necropolis, the Tower of the Scipios, the Medol Quarry, the Roman Aqueduct/Devil’s Bridge. The Munts and Centcelles Villas as well as the Triumphal Arc of Berá must be added. Furthermore, the rock paintings of Abric of the Apotecari, which are part of the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988, must be added.

To these monuments, we must add other elements of the territory that are part of the province of Tarragona, one of the European regions that has the most elements recognized by the UNESCO, which represents without a doubt an asset for the promotion and protection of the territory. Thus, we have the Real de Santa Maria de Poblet Monastery (1991), the castells (human towers) and the Mediterranean diet that have been part of the intangible cultural heritage since 2010 and 2013. The Delta del Ebro is part of the List of Biosphere Reserves (2013) and a file is opened so that the wine region of the Priorato can be included as a cultural landscape on the World Heritage List.

The addition of the Ensemble on UNESCO’s List in 2000 has without a doubt been an incentive and has marked the start of a phase stage in the understanding of the heritage of the city, not only by the institutions, but also by the civil society. Thus, we become aware of its importance, its value, and recognize it not only as heritage that is exclusive to the elite, the intellectuals or the tourists, but also as reality and a compromise for the citizens. The success of Tárraco Viva is an undeniable example of this.

Tarragona as an urban society of the 21st Century is complex and is characterized among others by an important critical mass, sometimes difficult to please, but that clearly recognizes that historic heritage is one of its assets. It must not be perceived as an obstacle or a fossil. Tarragona must be seen as a living city, but with an important heritage and cultural asset, the core of which is made up of its Roman past. Tárraco transformed itself and has generated Terracona and Tarraquna, and then Tarragona that is in turn medieval, modern, of the 19th Century, contemporary and present.

The socialisation of the heritage of the city, the central axis of which is located in Tárraco, is one of the most important accommodations. The application of new technologies and the smart heritage and smart city concepts come into play, in addition to the activities of a more traditional style, such as the Tarragona Radio, Tarragona Història programs or the recent initiative of temporary exhibitions on the monuments in the various civic centres. The purpose is to bring historic heritage closer to the neighbourhoods, which often feel remote from the reality of the city. Another highly positive activity is the Escola adopta a monumento (the School adopts a monument) in which the educational centres concentrate a series of activities around the knowledge and the enhancement of a given monument, if possible in its range.

Active participation in the Group of World Heritage Cities and in European projects makes it possible to have exchange of students between the cities (To learn about heritage cities), or the active participation in the Comenius Regio programs of the European Union. In this context, the action of the education department of the municipality, together with the provision of education of the Camp d’Aprenentatge de la Generalitat de Catalunya, are of paramount importance.

To talk about Tarragona is to talk about its past, its heritage, and its people. But to talk about the people of Tarragona is to talk about their heritage and their city. And to talk about the heritage of Tarragona is to talk about the Tarragona people and the city. They cannot be disassociated. This is how the urban landscape of Tarragona is, no more and no less.

Registration Criteria

Criterion (ii): The Roman remains of Tárraco are of exceptional importance in the development of Roman urban planning and design and served as the model for provincial capitals elsewhere in the Roman world.

Criterion (iii): Tárraco provides eloquent and unparalleled testimony to a significant stage in the history of the Mediterranean lands in antiquity.

Historical Reference

Fifth century BC. Iberian people of Tárraco in the lower area of the city.
218 BC. 2nd Punic War (218-201), Publio Cornelio Escipión lands in Emporion (Ampurias) and organizes his army in Tárraco. Victory of the battle of Kesse.
197 BC. Beginning of the Roman conquest of Hispania, which is divided in two provinces: Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior. Construction of phase one of the wall.
195 BC. Tárraco is turned into a base of operations to quell the indigenous rebellion of Porcio Catón.
150-125 BC. Renovation and extension of the wall. Beginning of the operation of the Roman quarry of el Médol.
27 BC. Augusto awards the title of capital of the Province of Hispania Citerior to Tárraco.
27-25 BC. Stay of Augusto in Tárraco. The city is converted into the political center of the empire. Construction of theatres and major renovations in the Forum de la Colonia. Construction of the Arco de Berà.
12-6 BC. Reforms of the Vía Augusta.
15 AD. Construction of the Augusto Temple after his death (14 A.D.).
50 AD. With Tiberio and Claudio, beginning of the Imperial Cult in Tárraco. Major urban renovations of the Parte Alta. Construction of the Tower of the Scipios.
70 AD. During the Vespasiano, construction of the Place de Representación del Concilium of the Province of Hispania Citerior.
81-96 AD. Construction of the Circus during the reign of Domiciano.
100-120 AD. Construction of the amphitheater.
122-123 AD. Stay of Adriano in Tárraco with the celebration of a meeting of the Conventus. Restoration of the Augusto Temple. The emperor is violently attacked by a slave. The city is at its maximum extension of 90 Ha, with an approximate population of 20,000 inhabitants. Major enlargement of the dels Munts Roman villa (Altafulla).

End of the 2nd Century Abandonment of the Roman theatre area.
218 AD. Remodelling of the amphitheatre during the reign of Emperor Heliogábalo (218-222).
250 AD. First Christian inscriptions.
260 AD. Invasion of the Franks. Edict of tolerance of Gallienus. Fires on the fringes of the city and first symptoms of urban shrinkage.
284-305 AD. Diocletianic Reforms with the reduction of the Tarragona territory.
IVth Century Fire and abandonment of the Forum de Colonia. First symptoms of urban abandonment of the intramural central area. The city is centralized between the harbour area and the seat of the provincial Council, the official area of the Parte Alta. Restoration of the thermae and urban recuperation of the harbour area.
360 AD. Germanic invasions.
385 AD. Bishop Himerio, metropolitan of the province and supremacy of the Hispanic Diocese.
391 AD. Christianity becomes the official religion of the empire. Rise in the Christian necropolis of Francolí and construction of the episcopal see and the monastery.
476 AD. Further to the invasion of Eurico, Tárraco starts being part of the Visigothic Kingdom of Tolosa. End of the Roman Empire in the Western World. Beginning of the construction of the Visigothic ensemble of Plaza Rovellat. The seat of the former provincial council is converted into a residential area.
Beginning of the VIth Century. Last burials in the Francolí necropolis. Transformation of the Imperial Cult premises into a new Episcopal See. Construction of the Visigothic Basilica of the Amphitheatre, the place of worship of the martyrs Fructuoso, Augurio and Eulogio. The city is centralized in the harbor area and in the Parte Alta.
713-714 AD. Arab-Berber conquest of Tárraco. The city stops being an urban reality until the restoration of the Episcopal See in 1091.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/875/

Tarragona (Spain) – all about the city, sights and photos Tarragona

org/ListItem”> Europe . The main attractions of Tarragona with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Tarragona (Spain)

Tarragona is a city in northeastern Spain in Catalonia. This is one of the oldest cities in the country and a major seaport. Tarragona is an ensemble of ancient Roman ruins that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and date back to the period when Tarraco (the ancient name) was one of the most important in Iberia. This city, soaked in the sun, hugs the golden shores of the Costa Dorada. Tarragona is several thousand years of history, frozen right on the streets: ancient antique ruins, a medieval Gothic cathedral and old cobblestone lanes.
1. Geography and climate
2. Tourist information
3. Best time to visit
4. History
5. Getting there
6. Shopping
7. Food
8. Videos
Geography and climate

Tarragona located on the coast of the Balearic Sea in northeastern Spain. The city is located in the south of Catalonia, 100 km south of Barcelona. The climate is typical Mediterranean with very warm, dry summers and mild winters. The average annual rainfall is 500 mm. Most of them fall from September to November. Snow and frost are rare.

Tarragona

Tourist information
1. Population – 131.5 thousand people.
2. Area – 63 square kilometers.
3. Language – Spanish and Catalan (Catalan).
4. Currency – Euro.
5. Visa – Schengen.
6. Time – Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. The Tourist Information Center is located at: C/ Fortuny, 4.
Tarragona Beaches

Tarragona is one of the largest cities on the Costa Dorada. This coast of the Balearic Sea (part of the Mediterranean) is famous for its blue flag sandy beaches.

L’arrabassada
- CALA TOBERA is a small secluded cove surrounded by pine trees, which can be reached on foot or by car. The beach is located at the foot of Tamarit Castle.
- L’ARRABASSADA – blue flag beach with excellent infrastructure.
- EL MILAGRO – located in the center of Tarragona with a beautiful view of the Roman amphitheatre.
- LA MORA – a very well equipped beach with showers, restaurants and even small houses.
- LA SAVINOSA – a small beach near the city.
- LOS CAPELLANES – a small rocky cove.
- TAMARIT – located in a beautiful location, surrounded by a large pine forest and with a beautiful view of the castle of the same name.
- PLATJA FONDA – nudist beach, which is located behind the forest.
The best time to visit

The best time to visit is May-October.

History

The first settlement was founded by the Iberians in the 5th century BC and was called Kesse. In 218 BC, these territories were captured by the Romans, who founded the city of Tarraco here, which is considered the oldest Roman colony in the Pyrenees. Before the fall of the Roman Empire, Tarragona was the provincial capital.

After the Cantabrian War, the emperor Octavian Augustus lived in Tarraco for a whole winter, and ordered to build many buildings here. Also, the future emperor of the Roman Empire Septimius Severus lived here for several years.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Tarragona was captured by the Visigoths. At the beginning of the 8th century, the city was conquered by the Arabs, who ruled it for four centuries. The city was conquered by the kings of Aragon only in the 12th century and even for some time was the capital of the kingdom.

Tarragona

Starting from the 16th century, new fortifications were built here to protect Tarragona and its surroundings from continuous wars and pirate attacks. The city was significantly damaged during the War of the Spanish Succession and the Napoleonic Wars.

Getting there

A major international airport is located in the capital of Catalonia – Barcelona. Tarragona is located on the Barcelona-Alicante railway line and is served by night trains from Granada and Madrid. High-speed trains go to Madrid, Zaragoza, Malaga, Seville, Bilbao, Vigo. The railway station is located in the city center.

Streets of Tarragona

Shopping

There are many interesting shops in the Rambla Nova area, as well as throughout the old part of the city. There you can buy many typical Catalan items.

Food

Tarragona is famous for its typical Catalan gastronomy, fish dishes and seafood. Here you can try excellent tapas, paella, langoustines, vegetables with romasco sauce, stew, cod balls, rice with cuttlefish ink.

Tarragona

Many restaurants and cafes can be found from Plaça de la Font to the cathedral, in the area of Carrer Nau and Plaça del Rei and Plaça del Fòrum. In the Serrallo area, near the fishing harbour, there are excellent fish restaurants.

Attractions

The historic center is located between the coast and the medieval walls. Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and Romanesque cloisters – history and architecture mingle in the streets of ancient Tarraco.

Roman Amphitheater

Roman heritage can be found on almost every corner of Tarragona. The old city is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain. The ancient Roman amphitheater is the most impressive of the ancient buildings. It is built on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Refers to the 2nd century AD and the period of the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus. The amphitheater is a huge stadium for gladiatorial games in the shape of an ellipse. It held about 12,000 spectators. Pits and other auxiliary facilities were located under the arena. Also in the 3rd century, several executions of Christian martyrs were carried out here. In the center of the amphitheater are the remains of an ancient 6th-century basilica and a 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic church.

Ferreres Aqueduct

Ferreres is an ancient Roman aqueduct often referred to as the Devil’s Bridge. It was built about two thousand years ago and is an outstanding example of ancient engineering. The aqueduct carried water from the Francoli River to ancient Tarraco. It is located north of Tarragona and crosses a wooded valley. It has a length of 250 meters, a height of 57 meters and consists of 36 arches.

Tarragona Cathedral

Tarragona Cathedral – an old church of the 12th century, built on the site of a Moorish mosque. It is a great example of the evolution from Romanesque to Gothic. The main façade has two 12th-century Romanesque portals and a stunning rose (large round window) with an openwork pattern. The austere three-aisled interior has beautiful stained-glass windows in the transepts. Medieval chapels contain precious works of art. Above the altar is the Gothic tomb of the archbishop.

Through the Romanesque door on the left you can enter the ancient monastery of the 13th century, which is considered one of the best in Spain. Beautifully designed large Gothic arches, each consisting of three smaller rounded arches, adjoin the central courtyard. In the western wing of the monastery is a mihrab (prayer niche) from the mosque that once stood on this site. In the northeast corner of the monastery is the Diocesan Museum, which displays a collection of religious art.

Walls of Tarragona

Walls surrounded Tarragona in Antiquity. A small section from the Vía del Imperio to the gate del Rosario, dating back to the 5th century, has survived to this day. Part of the ancient fortifications has remained virtually intact, including one section that is 1 km long with walls from 3-10 m high. The amazing ancient defensive structure is distinguished by its monumental masonry and consists of massive irregularly shaped blocks. Three towers also survive: Cabiscol, Arzobispo and Minerva. The Minerva Tower is a fine example of Roman defensive architecture. Arzobispo was rebuilt in the Middle Ages.

Mediterráneo

Mediterráneo – terrace with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean, the Roman amphitheater and El Milagro beach. It is the end point of the Rambla Nova.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a monumental ancient ruin located west of the Rambla Nova. Contains fragments of many Roman buildings that date back to the period when Tarraco was the capital of the Roman province.

Serrallo

Serrallo is an old fishing village almost in the center of the city, which has retained its provincial charm. The picturesque waterfront is the highlight of the area and is a great place for leisurely strolls. Here you can also try the most delicious and fresh seafood.

Castellarnau

Castellarnau is an elegant Gothic building built in the 15th century. Interesting architectural details are the courtyard and staircase with Gothic columns and capitals. The rooms are decorated with impressive paintings and contain original furniture, archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.

Not far from Tarragona is one of the best theme parks in Europe – PortAventura. There are many attractions, a water park and golf courses.

Interesting excursions

Tatiana54

€125 per tour

Ancient, medieval and modern Tarragona

Rich history, ancient legends and original traditions of the second largest city of Catalonia

Maria52

Tor

tour €150 Redembarra – the charm of the Catalan antiquity
Complete the idea of the region and rare monuments of the Middle Ages in the vicinity of Tarragona

more excursions

Barcelona

Spain

Alicante

Madrid

Tarragona on the map of Spain Description of the city

General information

Description of the city

Tarragona is an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, the administrative center of the province and district of the same name in Catalonia. It occupies an area of 61.9square kilometer, population – more than 140 thousand people. The current Tarragona is a major port, economic center and popular resort on the Costa Dorada – the Gold Coast of Spain. This quiet cozy city harmoniously combines the past and the present – the ruins of the Roman era, medieval architecture and developed tourist infrastructure. The historical part of the city has been perfectly preserved to this day. Here are the fortress walls of the old Tarraco, Roman buildings and objects of later eras. Noteworthy is the Roman-Gothic cathedral (XII-XIV) and the Palace of Congresses carved into the rock. The main street of Tarragona – the New Rambla – is a wonderful combination of Art Nouveau, Neoclassicism and Baroque. One of its attractions is the “Balcony of Europe” – an observation deck with a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the sea. In addition, Tarragona is famous for its unique museums, clean and well-equipped golden beaches, gentle sea, cozy restaurants and a wide range of entertainment. Colorful national holidays and large-scale festivals are held here every year, attracting guests from around the world.

Attractions

Roman Amphitheater of Tarragona

Buildings and constructions

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The Roman amphitheater is located in a picturesque park, spread out under the famous hill – the so-called Mediterranean balcony of Tarragona. The building of the amphitheater has the shape of an ellipse. The spectator rows, the stage with an area of 62 x 38 m, as well as the main gate leading to the arena, are well preserved. The Roman amphitheater was built in the II century, and archaeologists discovered it only in the 1952 year.

The construction of an amphitheater in the city meant the appearance of another type of entertainment – bloody gladiator fights. Later…

Cathedral of Tarragona

Shrines and temples

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The Cathedral of Saint Thekla is the most significant and famous monument of Tarragona. The cathedral began to be built in 1171 on the site of the former Roman temple of Jupiter, which was preceded by a Visigothic temple and a mosque. The consecration of the cathedral took place in 1331, and the construction was completed in 1350.

From the side of the central facade, a majestic staircase leads to the cathedral, and the main portal is decorated with a magnificent carved bas-relief depicting scenes of the Last Judgment, a statue of the Mother of God . ..

Streets of Tarragona

Urban areas and streets

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The ancient city of Tarragona is located on the coast of Spain, in the autonomous region of Catalonia. The history of the city begins from the 3rd century BC. Tarragona is divided into two parts, Lower and Upper. It is in the Upper part, located on a hill, that the main ancient and medieval sights of the city are located.

Once in the Old Town of Tarragona, you can see the remains of the Roman wall, on the Royal Square is Pretori Roma – a Roman tower built in the 1st century. Cause interest and ruins …

features

Amphitheater of Tarragona

Despite the fact that Tarragona has a major seaport, the beaches in the city and beyond are standards of cleanliness and comfort. Many of them have been awarded the Blue Flag, a kind of quality certificate.

Tarragona has a large number of tourist centers where you can find out about the location of attractions, shops and attractions, as well as get free maps of the city and the entire Costa Dorada.

Kitchen and restaurants

Bar Fox and Hounds

The nearest airports to Tarragona are located in Reus (7 kilometers) and Barcelona (82 kilometers). Commuter trains connect the city with the major resorts of the Costa Dorada, including Sitges and Salou. High-speed express trains run to Madrid, Zaragoza and other cities of the country. In the center of Tarragona there is a bus station, from where intercity and international buses leave.

The historic part of Tarragona is very compact and the best way to get around is on foot. You can move around the city by regular buses, taxis and rented cars. In addition, tourist trains run here, equipped with an audio guide in eight languages (ticket price – 8 €).

Shopping: shops

park central

Shopping in Tarragona offers several colorful markets, various shops, a Carrefour Express supermarket and a large Parc Central shopping center with boutiques, a modern cinema and beauty salons. Here you can buy fresh local products, clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, household goods and much more. Small retail trade is widespread on the pedestrian streets of the city. Most of Tarragona’s shops are open from 9-00 to 13-00 and from 16-00 to 20-00.

Climate

Prades Mountains

The climate of Tarragona is Mediterranean, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. It is always comfortable here, there are no strong winds and sudden temperature changes. The hottest month of the year is July (+28°C), the coldest month is January with an average air temperature of +10°C. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in spring and autumn, the least – in summer. The high beach season in the city lasts from May to October, attracting beach lovers, yachtsmen, divers and surfers. From November to the end of spring, Tarragona is visited by travelers who prefer sightseeing tourism and a quiet holiday.

Transport

Seaport of Tarragona

The nearest airports to Tarragona are located in Reus (7 kilometers) and Barcelona (82 kilometers). Commuter trains connect the city with the major resorts of the Costa Dorada, including Sitges and Salou. High-speed express trains run to Madrid, Zaragoza and other cities of the country. In the center of Tarragona there is a bus station, from where intercity and international buses leave.

The historic part of Tarragona is very compact and the best way to get around is on foot. You can move around the city by regular buses, taxis and rented cars. In addition, tourist trains run here, equipped with an audio guide in eight languages (ticket price – 8 €).

Mobile communications and internet

Tourist Office of Santa Coloma de Queralta

There are no problems with the Internet and mobile communications in Tarragona. The flagships of the Spanish mobile communications Movistar, Jazztel, Orange, Vodafone, YA.com and Ono offer favorable rates and conditions for mobile Internet access. Roaming is available from major Russian operators, but for international calls it is more profitable to use a local SIM card. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and the Parc Central shopping centre.