Exploring Tarragona: A Family Adventure in Spain's Historical Gem

Echoes of Emperors: Exploring Tarragona's Roman Past

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the rich history of Tarragona. As a software engineer with a keen interest in history, I was particularly excited to explore the Roman ruins that this city has to offer. Jana and Maximilian were equally enthusiastic, ready to discover the stories etched in stone and earth. The weather was perfect, sunny with a gentle breeze, making it ideal for a day of exploration. I made sure we all had our sunscreen on, remembering my promise to Jana to be more careful after forgetting it in Brno!

Our first stop was the magnificent Ferreres Aqueduct, also known as the Pont del Diable or Devil's Bridge. The drive there was smooth, and the anticipation built as we approached this ancient structure. It's located just a few kilometers outside the city, and the landscape transforms as you approach it. The aqueduct stands proudly against the sky, a testament to Roman engineering prowess.


Discover the stunning Ferreres Aqueduct in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Roman engineering amidst breathtaking landscapes.

As we stood before it, I tried to imagine how it must have looked nearly two thousand years ago, carrying water to the bustling city of Tarraco. The sheer scale of the aqueduct is impressive; its two tiers of arches create a striking visual. Maximilian was fascinated by the legend of the Devil's Bridge, a tale of a bet gone awry and a monkey outsmarting the devil himself. Jana, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the engineering aspects, marveling at how the Romans managed to construct such a durable structure with the materials available to them. We spent a good hour exploring the area, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. The site is well-maintained, and it's easy to appreciate the historical significance of this place.

To walk among these ancient stones is to feel a tangible connection to the past, a reminder that history is not just words in a book, but a living, breathing presence.

After the aqueduct, we headed back towards the city center to visit the Passeig Arqueològic, a walk along the ancient Roman walls. This promenade offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The walls themselves are incredibly well-preserved, a patchwork of different eras and building techniques. As we strolled along the path, we read the informative signs detailing the history of the walls and the city. Maximilian enjoyed spotting the various towers and fortifications, imagining himself as a Roman soldier defending the city.


Explore Tarragona's rich Roman history at Passeig Arqueològic, a stunning open-air museum featuring ancient ruins and breathtaking Mediterranean views.

The Passeig Arqueològic provides a unique perspective on Tarragona's history, allowing you to literally walk in the footsteps of the Romans who once lived here. The gardens along the walls are beautifully maintained, providing a pleasant and shady respite from the summer sun. It was interesting to see how the walls had been adapted and reused over the centuries, a testament to their enduring strength and strategic importance.

By this point, we were all feeling quite hungry, so we decided to head to La Caleta Restaurant Tarragona for breakfast. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. The Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines were delightful, and we enjoyed some tasty tuna tataki and cheese pies. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a family meal. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the fruitcake for dessert, while Jana and I savored the cheesecakes and tiramisu. The service was prompt and friendly, making our breakfast experience even more enjoyable.


Discover exquisite Mediterranean dining with breathtaking ocean views at La Caleta Restaurant in Tarragona.

After breakfast, we made our way to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona. As the oldest archaeological museum in Catalonia, it houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's history. Unfortunately, the main building was temporarily closed for renovations, but we were able to visit the “TARRACO/MNAT” summary exhibition at the Tinglado 4 branch in the Port of Tarragona.


Explore the rich Roman heritage of Tarragona at the National Archaeological Museum, where ancient artifacts reveal the city's vibrant history.

The exhibition was well-curated, showcasing a variety of sculptures, mosaics, ceramics, and everyday objects. Maximilian was particularly fascinated by the Roman mosaics, especially the one depicting the head of Medusa. Jana was interested in the displays of domestic and military utensils, gaining insights into the daily lives of Roman citizens. I appreciated the opportunity to see artifacts from important monumental buildings in the city, such as the theatre, circus, amphitheater, and forum.

One of the highlights was a large fragment of the original Roman wall, a tangible reminder of the city's ancient past. The museum also provided valuable context on the Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula, helping us understand the broader historical significance of Tarraco. Despite the renovations, the exhibition offered a rich and engaging experience, deepening our appreciation for Tarragona's Roman heritage.

For lunch, we decided to try El Llagut, a restaurant known for its seafood and rice dishes. Located in the heart of Tarragona's old town, this cozy restaurant offered a delightful culinary experience. The interior design was simple yet elegant, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. We started with some marinated anchovies and seafood appetizers, all incredibly fresh and flavorful. For the main course, we opted for the Marinière Rice with assorted seafood, a dish that was both delicious and beautifully presented. Maximilian, who is usually picky, surprised us by devouring his portion of rice and seafood. Jana and I enjoyed a glass of local Macabeo wine, complementing the flavors of the meal. The service was attentive and professional, making our lunch at El Llagut a truly memorable experience. I made a mental note to try and recreate the rice dish back in Brno – though I doubted I’d be able to source ingredients quite as fresh!


Experience authentic Mediterranean and Catalonian flavors at El Llagut in Tarragona - a culinary delight for every palate.

In the late afternoon, before dinner, we ventured to Korxo for a drink. This wine and tapas bar, located in the old town, had a cozy and inviting ambiance. We sat outside, enjoying the warm August evening and soaking in the atmosphere of the city. I ordered a glass of local wine, while Jana opted for a refreshing Sangria. Maximilian enjoyed a glass of juice, feeling very grown-up. We shared some tapas, including hummus and cheese, all delicious and well-prepared. Korxo was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring, a chance to simply enjoy each other's company and reflect on the day's adventures.


Discover the essence of Mediterranean dining at Korxo, Tarragona's top wine bar boasting a cozy atmosphere and exquisite dishes.

For dinner, we chose Filosofia, a restaurant known for its grilled meats and gourmet burgers. The restaurant was located in the upper part of the city, with a rustic and welcoming décor. The walls were adorned with portraits of philosophers, their quotes adding a touch of intellectual charm to the dining experience. I ordered a gourmet burger, while Jana opted for the grilled octopus. Maximilian, as always, chose the veal T-bone steak, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The food was excellent, the service attentive, and the atmosphere convivial. As we savored our meal, we discussed the day's adventures, sharing our favorite moments and reflecting on the rich history and culture of Tarragona.


Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at Filosofia in Tarragona - where culinary tradition meets modern elegance.

As we walked back to the AC Hotel Tarragona by Marriott, we were all tired but content. Today had been a day of discovery, a journey through time that had deepened our appreciation for the ancient city of Tarraco. We were looking forward to tomorrow's adventure at PortAventura World and Ferrari Land, a change of pace that Maximilian was particularly excited about. But for now, we were happy to rest and dream of emperors and aqueducts, mosaics and monuments. It’s amazing to think that these stones have stood for millennia, bearing witness to the rise and fall of civilizations. It makes one feel quite small, but also connected to something much larger than oneself.


Experience modern comfort and convenience at AC Hotel Tarragona by Marriott, ideally located near Tarragona's historical treasures and vibrant culture.

Tomorrow, we trade ancient stones for adrenaline, with a planned visit to PortAventura. Maximilian is beside himself with excitement, and I must admit, I'm looking forward to the thrill of the rides myself. Jana, ever the pragmatist, has already downloaded the park map and planned our route. It promises to be a day of fun and excitement, a different kind of adventure that will create lasting memories for our family. I need to remember to pack a portable charger this time… I don’t want to make that mistake twice!