Colonia Iulia Urbs Triumphalis Tarraco

Tarraco is a Roman archaeological site in Tarragona with remains from different periods spread across three elevated terraces. The complex includes a forum, amphitheater, circus, and defensive walls that show the scale and organization of this ancient port city.

Romans founded Tarraco in the 3rd century BC as their first settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and later made it the capital of Tarraconensis province. This early role shaped regional development and its importance to the empire for centuries.

The amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD and hosted gladiatorial games and public events that drew thousands of spectators. This arena shaped the social life of the city and its location near the Mediterranean made it a gathering place for the population.

The site spreads across several areas in and around Tarragona, so it helps to learn about locations like the amphitheater or Ferreres Aqueduct before visiting. Visitors should plan to explore different parts of the complex at various locations and allow extra time to move between them.

The Villa of Centcelles stands out for its rare domed ceiling decorated with elaborate mosaics that has puzzled art historians for decades. The exact original purpose of the building—whether it served as a basilica or mausoleum—remains disputed and actively debated by scholars.