Exploring the Roman Amphitheater at Tarraco

Tarragona is known for being the site of the ancient city of Tarraco. There seems to be a lot of ruins in this area that it reveals a lot about the how it was back in Roman times. So important is this place, that it was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 2000. Being a “collector” of UNESCO World Heritage sites, I try to make it a point to visit these important places. Somehow, this one actually slipped my mind. I knew Catalonia had a few sites but it didn’t occur to me that Tarragona itself would have one. I was fretting because we won’t be able to visit another one which can only be access through Tarragona. I was then consoled since Tarraco turned out to be a UNESCO World Heritage site itself.

The first site in the Archeological Ensemble of Tarraco we visited was the Roman Amphitheater. Looking at the map, it is a bit removed from the rest of the ruins unearthed in Tarragona. The modern city of Tarragona seemingly built on top or around the ruins. Fortunately, the Roman Amphitheater was too large and too important to build on. Now, it is open for visitors to explore. This reminds me of the Colloseum in Rome, which remains one of my dream destinations. For now, I would need to be contented with this one. There is an entrance fee to be paid to enter the ruins. You can purchase an all in one ticket which allows you entry into the other sights of Tarraco. For best photos, you would be better off standing a bit further away. There is a viewing deck on one side of the amphitheater where you can see all of the amphitheater. For best results, you need a wide angle lens.

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