Tarragona, the capital of the southernmost province of Catalonia, was founded by Publius Cornelius Scipio Tarraco during the Punic Wars (218 BC). Its location made it a great Roman city, Tarraco, with a circus, an amphitheatre, an aqueduct, a forum and ramparts, the remains of which can still be seen. Some famous Roman emperors resided there during their visits to the peninsula, such as Augustus, Galba and Hadrian. Occupied by the Visigoths from the 5th century onwards, they were driven out by the Moors in the year 714. In medieval times, the city acquired a great reputation: it became the metropolitan seat of the crown of Aragon. Its cathedral is the main witness. Tarragona also bears the imprint of the modernist era, with works by Gaudí (altar of the church of Jesús y Maria), Jujol (Metropol theatre) and Domènech i Montaner (mausoleum of Jaume I). The city is also known for having welcomed the Chartreux Fathers at the beginning of the last century, driven from France in 1903, who resumed the production of Chartreuse in a distillery in the port area until 1989, when production began again in France. Even today, the monks' alcohol is still sold and consumed in the city under the name "La Tarragona".
Until a few years ago, Tarragona was a very quiet small residential Mediterranean town. Since then, its structure has changed with the installation of several oil refineries and a major industrial area, including the largest petrochemical complex in Spain. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2000, Tarragona therefore offers three facets: Roman, medieval and modern. With a good tourist infrastructure, well-designed sites, affordable entrances and an interesting museum of modern art, this city with its rich historical heritage is very pleasant to visit.
A city that can be visited on foot
Despite its status as provincial capital, Tarragona is not a gigantic city and you can quickly spot it. To the north is the old quarter surrounded by Roman walls: this is the area covered by the ancient Roman Tarraco. La Rambla Vella, which borders the old Tarraco, marks the boundary between the latter and the more modern part of the city, mainly occupied by shops. Rambla Nova, parallel to La Vella, is the busiest artery in the city, offering pedestrians many cafeterias and shops. Finally, by the sea, there is the port and fishermen's district called Serrallo. It is possible to walk through the city, not forgetting that it is located on a hill!
To the far north, surrounded by Roman walls, lies the old quarter. La Rambla, very lively during the day, marks the beginning of the modern and commercial district. The Rambla Nova, lined with cafeterias, is a meeting point and the place to go for a walk. Some streets, dating from 1854, are pedestrianised. Further down, the port district with its narrow streets extends. In the south, the fishermen's district called Serralló. The city has expanded inland from Plaça Imperial Terraco, a large roundabout from which roads lead to Valencia, Lleida and Barcelona.
A renowned gastronomy
Tarragona, as the provincial capital, has the advantage of concentrating all the culinary specialities of the province, offering a personal cuisine that reflects its history and culture. As a major Mediterranean port, its fishing tradition is old and has greatly contributed to shaping its character, with the picturesque fishing district of El Serrallo as its emblem. It is here that you will find the best tables of seafood specialities, with fish and other seafood delicacies (such as the unmistakable gamba vermella or red shrimp) in the pans, all the freshest ingredients (the "Poisson bleu de Tarragone" designation of origin being a guarantee here). Let us mention some typical Tarragona dishes such as the romesco casserole, the paella marinière, the black rice (in cuttlefish ink), the watering (golden rice in the pan covered with garlic), the fideus rossejats (paella made from noodles), and other grilled or fried fish, prepared in accordance with traditions, sometimes reviewed and corrected by creative chefs. The old town welcomes its share of good restaurants and other tapas bars, housed directly in the walls of ancient buildings, giving the meal a curious and pleasant atmosphere. Finally, the provincial capital is famous for its Tarragona appellation of origin wine, which is particularly appreciated as an accompaniment to a dessert. Moreover, the city offers a very diversified nightlife. The lower part of the city includes several musical bars that periodically organize concerts of rock, pop, jazz, etc. In the old town (Part Alta), where the atmosphere is quieter but nevertheless full of enthusiasts of aperitifs on weekends, there are also many leisure activities and it is possible to enjoy characteristic places: exhibitions, soft music, live....
Ferrari Land, sensitive souls, abstain!
The brand new Ferrari Land attraction, which has enriched the PortAventura World complex, is sure to thrill thrills seekers. In a setting that smells of Italy recreating the Colosseum of Rome, the colourful facades of the Italian streets, the Venetian bell tower of the Basilica of St. Mark or the house of Enzo Ferrari (founder of the brand), rises the highest and fastest attraction in Europe, Red Force, a roller coaster that propels you at nearly 180 km/h in 5 seconds, your head in the clouds at 112 meters high. Sensitive souls, abstain! Those who are not satisfied will be able to test the Rebound Tower, which revives the feeling of the mechanical gearing of a Ferrari engine, the free fall tower (and its 55-metre high descent into hell), or the Pole Position Challenge, a real F1TM simulator. Other attractions include a race track, a gallery dedicated to the history of Ferrari, a virtual experience on board a GT, a Kids' Podium with slides for the youngest and a Pit Stop Record to test your mechanic skills in record time. On the catering side, we stay in the theme with the great classics of Italian gastronomy and even an Ice Cream Box to catch our breath with an ice cream. In addition, itinerant shows and shows will immerse you even more in the world of Ferrari. Speed lovers, go for it!
Smart info
When? When? The coastal climate is obviously Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry and winters are very mild (about 10°C). Overall, the best times to visit Tarragona are spring and autumn because the temperatures remain very pleasant and the few tourists are appreciable.
Getting there. By plane (Reus airports 7 km away and Barcelona 82 km away), by train (via Barcelona with Renfe) or by car (Barcelona, Tortosa and Valencia by the AP-7 motorway and N-340 national road).
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Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible
TARRAGON TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
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