UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Tarragona
Spain

Tarragona

Roman heritage site with ancient ruins

Location

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Historical Context

About

Tarragona, formerly known as Tarraco, is an archaeological gem located on Spain's Mediterranean coast. This historic city, once a vital Roman outpost, boasts an array of well-preserved ancient structures, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tarraco played a pivotal role during the Roman Empire as the capital of Hispania Citerior and later Hispania Tarraconensis. The city is renowned for its Roman ruins, including the amphitheatre, aqueducts, and various public and civic structures. Its strategic location made it a bustling center of trade and military operations. Throughout history, Tarragona has seen various rulers, from Romans and Visigoths to Muslims and the Crown of Aragon, each leaving a distinct mark on its architectural and cultural landscape. Today, Tarragona's rich archaeological heritage offers invaluable insights into ancient urban planning and Roman provincial life.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileBuilding_of_historical_Chartreuse_factory_in_Tarragona.jpg
FileCarrer_Major_Tarragona.jpg
FileCatedral_de_Santa_Maria_Tarragona_-_17.jpg
+7 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Roman establishment of Tarraco

218 BCE

Augustus honors Tarraco

26 BCE

Vandal and Visigothic capture

409 CE

Umayyad conquest

714 CE

Christian reconquest

1117 CE

Expulsion of Jews

1492 CE

Peninsular War sieges

1811 CE, 1813 CE

Spanish Civil War capture

1939 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Warehouses
category

Defensive Structures

Fortresses
category

Water Management Features

Aqueducts
category

Public and Civic Structures

AmphitheatresPlazasCouncil Chambers
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Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
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Artistic and Decorative Features

InscriptionsStatues
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

Cities
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Transportation and Communication Structures

RoadsBridges
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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Spain

Coordinates

41.12° N, 1.25° E