Tarragona Part Alta – Roman & Medieval Historic City Centre Walk
Explore Tarragona’s Part Alta, the Roman and medieval walled historic centre. A walking route through ancient squares, city gates, Jewish quarter streets and cathedral surroundings
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About Tarragona Part Alta Historic City Centre Walking Route
Tarragona has one of the most historically layered old towns in Catalonia. Once the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, ancient Tarraco grew into a fortified city whose streets, walls and public spaces still shape the modern layout. The Part Alta is the Roman and medieval walled historic centre, located on a rocky plateau about 160 metres above sea level.
This walking route highlights the most interesting squares, gates, medieval streets and archaeological remains that link the Roman provincial forum, the medieval Jewish quarter, the Gothic cathedral precinct and the Baroque city gates. It’s an ideal way to explore the upper city between museum visits and cathedral tours.
The Part Alta is compact but dense with history: Roman arches and walls appear beside medieval courtyards, Renaissance façades, Baroque fountains and 19th‑century civic squares. Many of Tarragona’s major festivals—Santa Tecla, Sant Magí and Holy Week—use these streets and plazas as their traditional stages.
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Visiting Tarragona Part Alta Historic City Centre Walking Route
The Part Alta walking route takes around 60 to 90 minutes at a relaxed pace, not including time spent visiting museums, the cathedral or the Roman sites. The route passes through the main historic squares and gateways of the old town:
- Plaça del Rei: Located beside the Roman Praetorium, with two historic churches and the meeting point for the Holy Week misteris procession.
- Plaça d’en Rovellat: Heart of the medieval Jewish quarter (Call jueu), with arches and ruins believed to belong to the former synagogue complex.
- Plaça del Fòrum: Built over the Roman Provincial Forum’s representation square. Today it hosts a Saturday market and Santa Tecla festivities.
- Portal de Sant Antoni: The eastern gate of the city, rebuilt in 1737 in Baroque style with the shield of Philip V and Roman‑style military motifs.
- Font d’Armanyà: An 18th‑century fountain supplied by the Archbishop’s aqueduct, located in Plaça de Sant Antoni.
- Plaça de Santiago Rossinyol & Pla del Seu: Medieval market squares beside the cathedral, framed by the 14th‑century Merceria porches.
- Pla de Palau: A medieval trading square behind the cathedral where oil and soap were once measured and sold.
- Plaça de Sant Joan: A quiet stone‑built square with houses embedded into the Roman wall and the modern Font de la Pitja.
- Portal del Roser: The western gate and traditional landward entrance to the city.
- Plaça del Pallol: Preserves part of the western gallery of the Roman Provincial Forum, with walls rising up to 17 metres.
- Escales de la Baixada Misericòrdia: Medieval steps linking the upper forum area to the lower Roman Circus district.
- Plaça dels Sedassos: Famous for Carles Arola’s trompe‑l’oeil mural and visible remains of the Roman Circus.
- Plaça de la Font: The largest square in the Part Alta, built over the Roman Circus arena and now lined with restaurants and the neoclassical Town Hall.
The route combines archaeology, medieval architecture, street art and lively public spaces, making it one of the most rewarding ways to experience Tarragona’s historic centre.
What to take with you for Tarragona Part Alta Historic City Centre Walk
For this walking route I carry a small 10 L daypack with a fleece and, if rain is forecast, a lightweight waterproof poncho. The Part Alta is paved with uneven cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Tarragona Part Alta Historic City Centre Walking Route Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 16.10
FREE
Child
€ 16.10
FREE
Getting to Tarragona Part Alta Historic City Centre Walking Route
Address: Plaça de la Font, Tarragona, 43004
For detailed directions, see the #getting to section of the Tarragona overview page, which explains how to reach Tarragona by train, car or bus.
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