Introducing Tarragona
Tarragona was first occupied by the Romans, who called it Tarraco, in 218 BC. In 27 BC Augustus made it the capital of his new Tarraconensis province (roughly all modern Spain) and stayed until 25 BC, directing campaigns in Cantabria and Asturias. Tarragona was abandoned when the Muslims arrived in AD 714, but reborn as the seat of a Christian archbishopric in 1089. Today its rich Roman remains and fine medieval cathedral make it an absorbing place.
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Orientation
The main street is Rambla Nova, which runs roughly northwest from a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean. A couple of blocks to the east, and parallel, is Rambla Vella, which marks the beginning of the old town and, incidentally, follows the line of the Via Augusta, the Roman road from Rome to Cádiz.
The train station is about 500m southwest of Rambla Nova, near the seafront, and the bus station is about 2km inland, just to the northwest, off Plaça Imperial de Tàrraco.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Typical Spanish Village between Barcelona and Valencia
by Belsa 07 May 2012
Some comments about the area seem to be quite prejudiced. Yes, the area is Catalan/Valenciano speaking... and... what? Does this makes…
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RE: Need help planning a week in Spain with 2 toddlers.
by Nice_But__ 05 May 2012
South of Barcelona there is a train line running along coastal towns to Tarragona. Many nice beaches down there. Tamarit was nice. …
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RE: Typical Spanish Village between Barcelona and Valencia
by Garrufatus 04 May 2012
Oh Dear, a "Spanish" village between Barcelona and Valencia? Most of the villages between these two cities are catalan speaking and, at…
