Castell de Tamarit, Medieval castle at the Gaià River estuary in Tarragona, Spain
Castell de Tamarit is a medieval fortress sitting on a rocky point where the Gaià River reaches the coast. The compound contains a three-nave chapel, former prison cells, and two defensive towers that remain intact.
The castle was built in the 12th century as part of a chain of roughly fifty fortifications along the Gaià valley. It served to defend the coastal region from seaborne attacks.
The chapel inside displays Romanesque features with its barrel vault and straight chevet, still visible to visitors today. These architectural elements reveal how the building served both defensive and spiritual purposes for the community.
The site sits on a headland with direct sea views and can be reached by local bus from the city center. Wear sturdy shoes because the ground is uneven and rocky throughout the grounds.
The fortress now hosts wedding ceremonies, blending its long military past with modern celebrations. This uncommon dual use keeps it alive as a place where history meets present-day life.
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