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Tarragona

Tarragona-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Tarragona, a beach city and municipality in the Costa Daurada area of Catalonia, Spain, enjoys a fantastic position along the Mediterranean coast. The most populated town and capital of Tarragonès County, the Camp de Tarragona area, and the province of Tarragona, it has around 134,000 people. This ancient city honors the human civilization of the Iberian Peninsula with its great historical background and modern relevance.

Tarragona’s past stretches thousands of years; the Roman Empire was the pinnacle of its glory. Known in Latin as Tarraco, the city was the capital of the Roman provinces of Hispania Citerior and, later, Hispania Tarraconensis, and had great importance. Tarragona’s topography and cultural identity have been irreversibly changed by this privileged Roman position; this legacy still defines the city now.

Arguably the clearest illustration of the historical relevance of the city is the Archaeological Complex of Tàrraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site acting as an urban museum of Roman architecture and urban design. Among the few brilliantly maintained monuments and relics that comprise this complex are the Roman walls, the Provincial Forum, the Circus, and the Amphitheatre. Apart from offering a glimpse into the beauty of Roman city life, these monuments link the past and present of the city.

Tarragona has successfully merged in the current modern economic and cultural vitality with its historical legacy. The city hosts one of Spain’s largest ports, which is essential for the export of Spanish products, particularly vehicles. A main pillar of Tarragona’s economy, the robust chemical manufacturing industry west of the city accentuates this maritime strength. Apart from providing stability for the economy, these industries have created Tarragona as a main player in Spain’s industrial scene.

Essential elements of Tarragona’s modern character also are research and education. Major contributor to the intellectual and cultural life of the city is the Rovira i Virgili University, situated there. Apart from supporting creativity and maintaining Tarragona’s relevance in the fields of humanities, science, and technology, this academic presence ensures a continuous flow of new talent.

Though a major tourist destination, Tarragona’s continuous cultural traditions are equally intriguing as its Roman past. The Popular Retinue is an amazing procession featuring oral presentations, bestiary, and traditional dances that clearly celebrates local culture. Among these traditions, the most well-known is perhaps the building of human towers, or castells, which UNESCO has named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These cultural expressions peak during the Santa Tecla Festival, when the entire city comes alive with festivals, music, and a real sense of civic pride.

Tarragona’s physical location is quite amazing. Many breathtaking beaches around the coast of the city have earned the coveted Blue Flag designation for their quality and cleanliness. Apart from providing leisure activities for locals as well as guests, these golden stretches of sand significantly support the tourism industry of the city. Because of its Mediterranean climate—which is typified by mild winters and warm summers—Tarragona is a popular destination all year long.

Tarragona’s appeal extends beyond national boundaries. Its near proximity to the renowned PortAventura World theme park complex and the well-known resort town of Salou makes it more enticing as a tourist destination. Along with Ferrari Land and the PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, PortAventura Park is Spain’s most well-known theme park, drawing in millions of visitors annually and significantly boosting the local economy.

The city’s infrastructure helps to further its reputation as a modern metropolitan center. With about a million passengers annually, the nearby Reus Airport provides simple air connectivity; the Camp de Tarragona high-speed train station connects the city to significant metropolitan areas all around Spain. Apart from encouraging travel, these transit links support Tarragona in keeping its position as a center of business and industry.

Proof of Tarragona’s capacity to host significant international events in recent years came from the 2018 Mediterranean Games. Notwithstanding a one-year delay brought on by political and financial challenges, the effective staging of this multi-sport event proved the city’s organizational capacity and modern facilities.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

5th century BC (as Tarraco)

Founded

+34 977

Calling code

141,542

Population

65.2 km² (25.2 sq mi)

Area

Catalan, Spanish

Official language

68 m (223 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Time zone

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