Tarragona

Overview

Tarragona 'the Balcony of Spain' is, owing to the Romans, arguably the most elegant city of the Iberian peninsula. Just like in Barcelona, Tarragona's main promenades are called 'Ramblas', where you can see the beautiful modernista buildings. Tarragona also has a beautiful beach which you can admire from the clifftop Balco del Mediterrani. This balcony divides the city into an old and new part. Furthermore there are interesting museums and the remains of Tarragona's Jewish quarter is also worth seeing.

The Romans called it Tarraco and the huge part of Spain they conquered was called Tarraconensis. The Roman walls surrounding the Old Town were built on even older huge stones that had been placed there to fortify the hilltop town long before the Romans arrived. These days is is a thriving city, centered around the elegant Rambla Nova and expanding away from the sea into uninteresting suburban zones of apartment blocks. The interesting parts of the main town can easily be explored on foot, though it is probably less suitable for weelchair users. It is a long way up from the railway station at sea level to the Cathedral at the highest point of the Old Town. The Cathedral is attractive outside, the interior is rather dull. A walk around the walls, a visit to the old Roman Forum and a drink and snack on the Rambla Nova or in the Placa de la Font would be suitable way to pass a few hours. Longer stays could include visits to a wider range of...more

History