Tarraco, Roman heritage

A little history: Hispania, the empire Tarragona feet

The early years before Christ, Tarragona started living a revolution, went from being a Phoenician city (Tarcon) of little importance to be occupied by the Romans (Tarraco), and be declared military base, the first outside of the Italian peninsula . From there the invasion and prompted a structuring of the whole empire of Hispania. Tarraco later became the capital of Tarragona, area occupied the Iberian Peninsula current except southern Portugal, Extremadura and Andalusia.

Five hundred years later, the successes and the majesty of Tarragona were fused with the fall of the Roman Empire and the entry of the Visigoths who destroyed and burned the city as a symbol of strength and occupation.

The three symbols of the supremacy of Tarrago

We begin our journey through the Tarragona from 2000 years ago, visiting the Roman amphitheater, built the second century. You'll find it towards the sea, in front of Miracle Beach, where the animals came and touched the Via Augusta, driveway to the city. It was built to celebrate the fights with the gladiators and the hunting of wild animals but also was the scene of public executions. It had a capacity of 14,000 people settled into the stands carved into the rock that can still be visited today.

Then, taking the walk of the palms, we dated Roman Circus I. century It is considered one of the best preserved of the West and unique structure as it was built in the inner city. Here took place the horse races, the mass spectacle of the Roman world, which explains the large capacity of this room, 30,000 spectators. Then use changed during the nineteenth century and other buildings were built inside.

Finally, it would be interesting to see the Roman theater construction in conjunction with two previous praise symbolized the supremacy of the Roman city. Unfortunately the theater is in very poor condition and can not be visited inside.

The daily life of the Romans in Tarragona

Beyond the great buildings are the legacy of everyday Romans in Tarragona . In the area near the Circus we find remains of the Provincial Forum, the political and administrative center of the province Tarragona, built the first century The most important remains are those of Pallol Square (gate turn and pilasters of the Old Beguine) and at the end of the Rambla Vella, the Praetorium (tower that allowed the passage of the Provincial Forum lower city), which connects through underground passageways to the Circus.

Walking along these streets you will meet the Tarragona Cathedral, the late Middle Ages, the fourteenth century, long after the buildings mentioned above, but it remains a symbol of the city and shows the passage of different cultures by this earth. It is built on a mosque, in turn, built on a Roman temple that was part of the provincial forum buildings.

Also in the Plaza del Rey, since 1848 you can visit the National Archaeological Museum which gathers all objects and furniture from Roman times found in Tarragona .

All around this area within the old town, is the wall. It is the oldest Roman building preserved outside Italy, was built during the second century BC and 1100 meters can still see the original 3500 that protected the city.

If we move to the other side of the Rambla Nova, Lleida street, find the local forum or Cologne, the religious and social center of the Roman city. The oldest remains are Tarragona , dated 40AC year. Originally a large square covered with the most important buildings around the area of ??worship, political and commercial center of the city. Currently only left standing part of the Basilica, which housed the court of law.

Finally, out of Tarragona by the Ramón y Cajal avenue we find the Early Christian Necropolis cemetery and funeral set of structures, dating from the mid-third century and perfectly suitable to be visited.

The Romans around the capital

Beyond the center of Tarragona , which we can spend all day, find other constructions, the farthest to 20 km from the city, which include a weekend dedicated to the Roman legacy in the area.

If we take the N-340 towards Barcelona we will find the Tower of the Scipios, 6 km, the most famous monument of Tarragona , almost entirely preserved. Following the same road, 14 km is Altafulla , which preserves the Roman Villa Munts. Its owner, a senior administration Tarraco, bore their wealth with murals, statues, mosaics, marble columns ... much of which has remained until today. Finally, if we return to the N-340 to Roda de Berà , 20 km from the capital, see the Arc de Berà. It is an arch dedicated to Emperor Augustus, located on august and received via the city of Tarraco. Years ago the road passed through it, but later moved to avoid damaging the monument, which except for some inscriptions, is in perfect condition.

If we change direction and take the N-240 towards Constanti , 4 km from Tarragona find Centcelles the Roman Villa. He thinks that corresponds to a rural village dedicated to farming and livestock. The most important remains are considered a key monument dome for knowledge of early Christian art, as it is covered with paintings and mosaics depicting hunting scenes and biblical scenes.

Finally, it is a must visit Tarragona Aqueduct, commonly called the Devil's Bridge. Taking the N-240 towards Lerida in Ferreres population stands this famous aqueduct built to supply water from the river to the city Francolí Tarragona is built on two rows of arches, a lower one and an upper 11 of 25 that allow water to save the slope of the valley. It has a length of 217 meters and a maximum height of 27 meters.

During the second half of the month of May is celebrated as Tarraco Viva, the Roman festival of Tarragona (International Conference of Roman historical disclosure). An art show, food, trade, traditions, history, film ... about Roman Tarragona.