On to Tarragona
We left Barcelona and made the one-hour-plus drive south to Tarragona on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Tarragona was the first Roman colony outside of Italy, making it an ancient city with many layers of history from Roman times to the Medieval period to the present day. After checking into our very contemporary hotel overlooking the sea, we crossed the Roman road, today a main artery, walked a short distance, and then climbed 2 sets of stairs to the higher level of the old town. It was Saturday, and a farmers’ market was bustling with people and produce, while sidewalk cafes served patrons enjoying drinks or snacks.
Eating in Tarragona
We meandered a bit looking for an enticing spot for some lunch. Many of the cafes were already full so we snagged the last table at what turned out to be Home Run Food. The patatas bravas were covered in melted cheese and dotted with slices of pepperoni (not the usual preparation), and the mixed croquettes were acceptable, while the chicken fingers with mustard dipping sauce were the best of the lot. The Chief Penguin was skeptical at best about my ordering them, but he ate several!
In the evening, we wanted to come back to a small restaurant with a more varied menu. After our rigorous afternoon tour, we were ready to sit at a comfortable place. The town plaza was crowded with folks awaiting a live music event, and nearby restaurants were busy or not yet open. When we found our desired restaurant, it was closed!
Tired and hungry, we walked back to the hotel to order food at the main floor bar. It was minutes away from closing and did not serve any food. The main restaurant didn’t open until 8:00 pm (it was about 7:15), so we were directed to the rooftop restaurant. Up to the 6th floor, outside on the pool terrace on a breezy night, we found a table and inquired about food. Only drinks now, no food until 8:00 pm! We ordered a glass of wine each and at 7:57, the waiter came to take our food order.
The tempura veggies with olive hummus were particularly good, and the salad of cherry tomatoes and chunks of tomatoes with slices of tuna was a good concept which would have been better with truly ripe tomatoes.
Roman Tour
We began our afternoon tour with the Roman amphitheater that is in front of and about at the same level as the beach. This stadium with higher walls than exist today could accommodate 4,000 people. Our British guide was especially knowledgeable about this history and keen on explaining the various levels of warriors and their weaponry and how that played out in the fighting. A whole series of fights and gory deaths occurred in this space, some ordered by the emperor. Today, it’s a peaceful empty space.
From the amphitheater, we walked back toward the city walls and explored the remains of the Circus where thousands of spectators watched chariot races.
We also walked in the amazing vaults that were the foundation for part of the Roman Forum, a vast public square that still exists today and is where the farmers’ market and the evening entertainment took place.
Up hill a bit more is the Cathedral of Tarragona, a medieval church that was built between the mid-12th century and 1331 A.D. This stunning architecture dominates Tarragona’s skyline and is a combination of Romanesque elements and Gothic ones.
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
