Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco in Spain

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Patrimonio de la Humanidad en España (in Spanish only)
Tarragona
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad de Expaña

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage: 33 ha
- Buffer zone: 110 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 1,259°
Latitude: 41,115°

Summary

Tárraco (modern-day Tarragona) was a major administrative and mercantile city in Roman Spain and the centre of the Imperial cult for all the Iberian provinces. It was endowed with many fine buildings, and parts of these have been revealed in a series of exceptional excavations. Although most of the remains are fragmentary, many preserved beneath more recent buildings, they present a vivid picture of the grandeur of this Roman provincial capital.

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Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco: A Glimpse into Ancient Roman Civilization

The Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, located in the Province of Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating insight into the ancient Roman civilization. This exceptional ensemble comprises various archaeological remains that bear witness to the grandeur and significance of Tárraco, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior.

History

Tárraco, founded in the 3rd century BC, played a crucial role in the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. It quickly became a thriving city and an important administrative, economic, and cultural center. The city reached its peak during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD when it was adorned with magnificent buildings and infrastructure.

During this period, Tárraco boasted impressive structures such as the Provincial Forum, the Circus, the Amphitheater, and the Aqueduct. These architectural marvels showcased the wealth and power of the Roman Empire and left an indelible mark on the city's landscape.

However, with the decline of the Roman Empire, Tárraco gradually lost its prominence. The city was sacked by the Visigoths in the 5th century and later fell under Muslim rule. Over time, the once-glorious city was abandoned and its structures fell into disrepair.

Current State

Today, the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco stands as a testament to the city's rich history and the grandeur of Roman civilization. The site covers an area of approximately 74 hectares and includes various well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the past.

The Provincial Forum, the heart of the ancient city, is one of the most remarkable features of the ensemble. This vast square was surrounded by porticoes and adorned with statues and monuments. It served as a hub for political, social, and commercial activities, reflecting the importance of Tárraco as a regional capital.

The Amphitheater, another highlight of the ensemble, was a venue for gladiatorial contests and other spectacles. Its elliptical shape and tiered seating allowed thousands of spectators to witness thrilling events. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the Amphitheater and imagine the excitement that once filled its walls.

The Aqueduct, an engineering marvel, supplied the city with water from the nearby Francolí River. Its impressive arches and intricate construction demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. Although only a section of the aqueduct remains, it still stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Roman engineering.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Calle Cervantes 6
43001 Tarragona
Spain

Time Information

Checkout: 22:00 - Checkin: 09:00
Reception
Weekday: 11:30 - 21:30
Weekend: 11:30 - 21:30

Videos from the area

Tarragona- Spain

Published: May 15, 2012
Length: 10:03 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: wjzima

Santa Tecla 2013 (Tarragona): baixada del Bou

Published: September 28, 2013
Length: 47:19 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Sergey Pogodin

23.09.2013 at fiesta mayor de Tarragona, Santa Tecla 2013. The bull is following from Cathedral down the calle Mayor, breathing fire on the way.

Castells Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona

Published: March 31, 2013
Length: 58:56 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: juandiegomaldonado

Sant Magí. Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona. Sábado 13 de agosto 2011.

Tarragona, Spain

Published: March 21, 2013
Length: 17:53 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Nadia Olkhovskaia

Tarragona is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It is a beautiful and quiet town with a huge ancient Roman heritage.

DRINKING BLACK BEER IN TARRAGONA

Published: May 27, 2008
Length: 09:57 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: TVsMrHappyTalk

After enjoying the taste of Romania's rather fab Ursus Black beer I set myself the task of finding some interesting dark ale in Spain... which is, of course more famous for it's lagers. ...