Family Adventure in Tarragona: History and Culture Unveiled

Whispers of the Past

Today was a day of diving deep into the historical heart of Tarragona. From ancient Roman ruins to serene parks and sacred museums, every moment felt like stepping back in time. The crisp December air added a certain magic, making the experience even more immersive.

Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Mas Roselló Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its location between Playa del Milagro and Playa de la Arrabassada. The restaurant was decorated with candles and angels, which created a unique atmosphere. With full stomachs, we were ready to explore the wonders of ancient Tarraco.

Our first stop was the Roman Theatre. As we approached, I could almost hear the echoes of ancient performances. The theatre, dating back to the 1st century AD, was built during the time of Emperor Augustus. It was strategically located between the local forum and the port. The structure itself is a testament to Roman engineering, with the cavea (seating area), orchestra, and scaena (stage) still discernible. Standing there, overlooking the Mediterranean, it was easy to imagine the lively spectacles that once unfolded on that stage. The kids were fascinated, James was snapping photos, and I was lost in thought, picturing the processions that once began at the forum and ended at the theatre.


Explore the Roman Theatre of Tàrraco, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture and history in Tarragona.

To walk through Tarragona is to walk through layers of history, each stone whispering tales of empires and civilizations long past.

After the theatre, we strolled through Parc de Saavedra. It was created in honor of Eduard Saavedra i Moragas in the late 19th century. The park offered a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The children enjoyed the playground, while James and I admired the ancient stonework and serene water views. Despite it being December, the park was lively with families, and we enjoyed watching Eglė make some new friends. I even managed to sneak in a bit of mushroom foraging, a little piece of home in this ancient city. It's amazing how a simple park can offer such a blend of history and relaxation.


Experience tranquility in the heart of Tarragona at Parc de Saavedra, a beautiful urban park filled with lush greenery and cultural treasures.

For lunch, we headed to Restaurant Taranta. It is located between Carrer Mallorca and Carrer Sevilla. The restaurant is known for offering a midday menu at a reasonable price. I had salmon salad with egg and cherry tomatoes dressed with honey and mustard sauce.


Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant Taranta in Tarragona - a perfect blend of flavor and affordability.

Our afternoon was reserved for the Museu Diocesà de Tarragona. Housed within the facilities adjoining the cloister of the Cathedral, the museum is a treasure trove of medieval and modern religious art. The collections include altarpieces, sculptures, gold work, and textiles. I was particularly drawn to the Mudejar Gothic artwork in the Treasury room and the archaeological elements dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. James was impressed by the paleochristian Bethesda sarcophagus. Eglė, surprisingly, was captivated by the collection of medieval religious art. The museum provided a profound insight into the religious history of Tarragona and its dioceses.


Explore Tarragona's ecclesiastical art and history at the Museu Diocesà, a key attraction for culture and art enthusiasts in the heart of the city.

Before dinner, I wanted to do a little shopping, so we stopped by Natura. I picked up a few small gifts for friends back home, little reminders of our Tarragona adventure.


Discover unique gifts and fashionable clothing at Natura, Tarragona's charming gift shop, offering local treasures and stylish finds.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Lo Gat for dinner. This cozy restaurant in the old town exceeded our expectations with its vegetarian and vegan options. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We enjoyed a variety of tapas and salads, savoring the local flavors. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with history and culture.


Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Lo Gat in Tarragona—a must-visit restaurant for food lovers seeking quality and charm.

Tarragona continues to surprise me with its ability to blend the ancient and the modern. Each day here feels like a new chapter in a story that spans millennia. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Quinta de Sant Rafael, Museu Bíblic Tarraconense, and Pilons Street. I’m eager to see what new wonders await us.

The city is also celebrating Christmas. There's a Christmas market, Christmas organ concerts at the Cathedral, and a Nativity scene at the Antiga Audiència. It is nice to experience the city during the holiday season.

Even though I forgot to pack a raincoat and a portable phone charger, we are making the best of our trip.