The City Gates
by Ekaterinburg
The ancient walls had two gates: one on the western side of the city, the Roman-style Portal del Roser and the more classical-style Portal de Saint Antonio on the Eastern side. The photo shows the Portal del Roser, just at the entrance to the Paseig Arquelogic and if you look closely you can see clearly the three different layers which make up the stratification of the walls. On the bottom are huge foundation stones, in the middle is the typical Roman stonework and on top are stones added in the middle ages. Going out of the Portal del Roser is a major culture shock. It takes you out of the old quarter to the Via de L'Imperi Roma and from the enclosed shadowed world inside, you are suddenly exposed to a vast, crystal-clear panorama of the newer city spreading off into the distance.
Passeig Arqueologic - Walls of 217 and 197 BC.
by Jerelis
We walked along and on the defensive wall, the first major construction undertaken by the Romans. They began with it not long after they arrived in the area. This initial encampment was the origin of the future city of Tarraco. I can only assume that the first wall was a simple wooden stockade. We read that the fact that the settlement became a bridgehead for the disembarkation of reinforcements for Rome made it necesarry to built stronger defences. The first stone wall was built between 217 and 197 BC with Cyclopean stone and towers at vulnerable points. The perimeter walls were six metres high and 4,5 metres thick. The towers were higher, of which three of this period have been preserved.
As we already wrote, we actually wanted to visit the medieval tower we saw when we drove by it with our car. The fact that we ended with a huge hike next to and right at the Old City walls was a big plus! We didn´t know that this achaeological promenade was even there and we were happy to have found it. We saw nice manicured gardens next to the Iberian-Roman walls and had a view of the walls with a medieval tower in the background and artillery bastions from the early modern period in front of the walls. Have a look at Tarragona Packing List.
El Mèdol - Its size and state are spectacular.
by Jerelis
I did walk via a small road with beautiful trees on both sides of it, of which I later learned that this road was the old an historical Roman road 'Via Augusta', which used to link Rome with Tarragona. I hiked for over one kilometer and again, I did not see anymore signs to lead the way. But just when I lost hope I entered a small square and next to it I saw the pink entrance facade with the name 'Mèdol' on it. I was there ... finally!
It was quite weird to witness, but I was really the only one around. Was I the only one interested in this beautiful site? I could not imagine that. Just after the entrance facade an UNESCO sign said that in ancient times, stone was one of the main materials used in building. Each city had its own local quarries, although it was quite common to import types of stone not found in the area, usually by sea. The most common imported material was marble. Mainly calcareaous stone was quarried in the area around Tarragona. There are about a dozen of quarries, but the most spectacular of which, both for its size and its state of preservation, is El Mèdol.
Directions:
Coming from the A-7 motorway, stop at the service area. Follow the sign for over 1 kilometer and stay at the historical Via Augusta.
Praetorium and Roman Circus
by MalenaN
The Roman circus was built in the 1st century AD and it was 300 metres long. Here chariot races were held between different teams. The races could be dangerous and sometimes competitors died.
Some of the vaults of the circus are well preserved and other parts of the structure have been incorporated in buildings constructed later.
The Praetorium is a tower, first constructed by the Romans and later added to. It has been used as a feudal castle and later as the king’s castle. It has also been used as barracks and a prison. The view over Tarragona from the top is very nice.
From Easter to September the Praetorium and Roman Circus is open between 9 - 21, on Tuesday - Saturday, and between 9 - 15 on Sundays.
October to Easter the Praetorium and Roman Circus is open between 9 - 17 on Tuesday - Saturday and between 10 - 15 on Sundays.
Entrance fee was 2.45 Euro (March 2008).
I had the combination ticket for 9.25 Euro.
Cathedral
by arlequin_g
In the old side there is the cathedral. In front of it there are some antique stands and other interesting ones. Get inside the cathedral and don´t forget to visit the nice cloister. It's also worth going around the cathedral in the outside, there are interesing things to see.
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castells!
Tha Cathedral, Tarragona
Amfiteatre Romà
Chandelier in Museu Castellarnau
