Tarragona

Tarragona is a port city on the Mediterranean coast in Catalonia, Spain. It lies on the Costa Dorada and serves as the capital of the comarca of Tarragonès and of the province of Tarragona. The city has a population of roughly 135,000 residents and features a historic core known as the Barri Vell, where remnants of the ancient city can be found.

Historically, Tarragona was the ancient Roman city of Tarraco, capital of the province Hispania Citerior and later Hispania Tarraconensis. The Tarraco Archaeological Ensemble, which includes the Roman amphitheatre, a forum, city walls and other ruins, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today Tarragona sustains a port-based economy alongside tourism and education. Landmarks include the Cathedral of Tarragona (Cathedral of Santa Maria) and the medieval quarter surrounding the old Roman remains. The city hosts a campus of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and serves as a gateway to the Costa Dorada. Its climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.