Roman quarry of El Mèdol

The Roman quarry of El Mèdol is a limestone extraction site near Tarragona where blocks were removed in massive quantities for construction. The excavated area stretches more than 200 meters with walls dropping 10 to 40 meters deep depending on the section.

Romans began extracting limestone here during the Republic and continued through the Imperial period to supply building material for Tarraco, the main city of the province Hispania Citerior. The scale of extraction over centuries left this massive scar on the landscape.

The quarry belongs to the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Walking through the excavated area today shows how Romans transformed the land while extracting resources for their city.

The site is accessible from National Road 340 or the AP-7 highway via La Mora, with guided tours available through local tourism services. Wear sturdy shoes because the ground is uneven with steep drops in several areas.

In the center of the quarry stands an untouched limestone column marking the original ground level before Roman extraction began. This witness column is the site's most striking feature and helps visitors grasp just how much stone was removed.

Location: Tarragona

Part of: Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/875

GPS coordinates: 41.13800,1.33903

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03