Tarragona lies at the foot of Catalonia and is located to the south of Barcelona. As such it has been one of the main points of entry for many civilisations that spawned around the shores of the Mediterrean and who sailed in search of new trading destination and conquests.
In particular, there is ample evidence that the ancient Greeks and the Cartheginians used these shores as their base prior to their destruction and eventual domination by the unstoppable Roman war machine.
Today its fortunate position makes it a principal tourist destination for many visitors seeking the sucn and those looking for an unequalled views and excellent cuisine.
The capital city of the province, Tarragona, has a long and colourful history. As a Roman outpost the city was known a Tarraco and was capital of the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. However, indications are that the city was originally founded by the Phoenicians as a remote trading post.
During the Roman occupation Tarragona became an important logistical centre. The emperor Augustus stayed in this city after his successful Cantabrian campaign and there are many reminders of his time here, one of them being that it was given the power to mint its own coins, making it at one time the richest town on the Mediterranean coast.
The countryside around the capital city is noted for its fertile plain, its gentle climate and its sunny shores, all factors that are essential for the development of one of its principal products, wine for which it has developed a justly deserved reputation.
The city and the province have many important ancient remains. In particular, a building that was used in the 19th century is said to have been the palace of Augustus in the early years of the new dawn. The amphitheatre, once the glory of the Mediterranean coast, has been pulled to pieces over the centuries and recycled to other foms of habitation.
Today it is a shadow of its former self having basically been used as a quarry for hundreds of years. The Circus, once used for deadly races and simulations of naval battles, is now built over although attempts are being made to recover parts of it as its tourist attraction potential is realised. The city walls are, however, in relatively good repair with two of the original gates; Portal de Roser and the Portal de Sant Antoni, still being used today.
The fabulous aqueduct is still in quite good shape. Some 700 feet of its length remain in existence and, at its highest extent, reaches up to nearly 35 metres.
Today, the main tourist attractions of Tarragona are its Musuem of Archaelogy and the Roman ruins of Tarraco, the latter of which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Apart from its location to a major tourist resort of Salou, Tarragona is also home of the Univeral Studios of Porto Aventura, perhaps the largest theme park in Europe.
More Information:
Tarragona International Dixieland Festival. This unique dixieland festival, the only one to be held in Spain is also one of the most important in Europe. Every year there are loads of bands and many concerts and activities the week before Holy Week.
http://www.dixielandtarragona.com/en/index.html
Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition. An absulute must see, this is the most important fireworks contest to be held on the Mediterranean coast. The contest is held every first week of July in Tarragona, in the beautiful bay of Punta del Miracle, a place that held a special position in the esteem of Catalonia’s famous son, Antoni Gaudí.
http://www.pyroinfo.com/defaultE2.htm
Santa Tecla Festival is perhaps one of the most important Spanish traditional festivals to be held throughout Spain, so much so that it has been designated to be of national touristic interest by the Spanish government. Held between 15th and 23rd of September the festival has been celebrated since 1321. Its most famous events include human towers, traditional parades and spectacular fireworks displays.
http://santatecla.ajtarragona.es
More information:
www.tarragonaturisme.es
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Last Updated ( Friday, 03 October 2008 )
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