The History of Tarragona

The Spanish city of Tarragona holds some amazing tales of Roman roots that can still be seen throughout its ruins and ancient architecture   . . . 

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It was during an excursion from Barcelona that I had the opportunity to explore the city of Tarragona, and was immediately taken in by its fascinating history and wondrous sights to behold. Here is what happened.

An Exploration into Conflict and Conquest

A group of about seven of us packed into a passenger van and left out of Barcelona early one morning heading south toward one of the most amazing destinations I have visited. Our first stop along the way was Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge). This is a 2,000 year old aqueduct that spans from one hillside to the next. This beautiful construct once carried water to the nearby Roman settlement that we would soon be exploring. The water is no longer flowing, but you can now walk from one side to the other.

Pont del Diable

Once named Terraco, the Catalonian city of Tarragona represents the oldest Roman settlement in Spain. The Romans arrived on the Iberian Peninsula around 200 BC, but evidence of prior civilization dates back to nearly 400 BC. Not only did these invading newcomers construct the aqueduct, many of the fortifications you will see are also attributed to the ingenuity of The Roman Empire. 

Rolling into town, we began our adventure along the main promenade of Rambla Nova. This bustling center of activity is home to countless shops, restaurants, and hotels. As you approach the end, you are greeted with a view of the Balearic Sea as well as a statue of 13th century naval officer Roger de Lluria. 

Tarragona Coastline

Roger de Lluria

Take a stroll along the Passeig de les Palmeres and you will catch a nice above view of The Amphitheater of Tarragona. This ancient entertainment venue was constructed around the end of the 1st century AD. It was here that the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered the town's bishop and deacons to be burned alive in the year 259. At the eastern edge of the amphitheater you can see the remains of the ancient cross-shaped church known as Santa Maria del Miracle, which once belonged to The Trinitarian Order. 

Amphitheater de Tarragona

Santa Maria del Miracle

Just across the street you will find yourself starring up at the mighty city walls that once protected its inhabitants. The colossal tower in the photo below is referred to as the Torre de les Monges. Just on the other side of the wall resides what is left of the Circ Roma de Tarragona. This is the track which chariots would once race as spectators watched from the stone stands.

Torre de les Monges

Circ Roma de Tarragona

Follow the main street (Carrer Major) northeast to reach Catedral de Tarragona. This impressive Roman Catholic Church has gone through many transitions over the years to become the modern day cathedral you see here. Its foundations are said to date back to pre-Christian times when emperors were worshiped as deities. You may even hear tale of this site once being tied to the god Apollo before he was displace by his human successor. 

Catedral de Tarragona

Torre del Pretori

​A visit the city's archaeological museum will provide greater detail of the cultural development of the region. After the museum be sure to explore the area around Torre del Pretori down into the Necropolis (catacombs) which will bring you back out at the city walls where you entered.

This entire region suffered much conflict throughout its impressive history. From conquest of The Roman Empire to the destruction inflicted from multiple wars, remains of civilizations long past can be found all over town. Each of these struggles has helped to sculpt the city of Tarragona into the treasure trove of ancient wonder that it is today. 

Whatever you do, don't leave town without trying one of the amazing empanadas from the many bakeries that you will smell while exploring the streets. There seems to be an endless amount of things to experience in the area. I hope to one day return to explore the history of Tarragona more thoroughly. 

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​Ancient Greece

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