Tarragona was chosen because that is where we ended up when we decided we had driven far enough for the day. It is on the Costa Duarada – Golden Coast- and about one hour south of Barcelona. It is a very interesting town full of Roman ruins, a legacy of the time it was the Roman town Tarraco. One of the principal streets, Rambla Vella follows the line of the Via Augusta, the Roman road from Rome to Cadiz. Those Romans got about.
Roman ruins by the beach
Rambla Vella sometime after the Romans were here
We had our last Spanish paella at El Palau del Baro, a restaurant in a lovely old mansion in Carrer de Santa Anna.
El Palau del Baro
El Palau del Baro
It was served by the very friendly Jose. We had ordered just the paella, but Marco, the chef came out to our tabel and told us it would take a while to prepare and suggested we try a couple of his special dishes while we waited. We did, and they were delicious. Thank you Marco.
Jose and the paella
Marco the chef came for a chat
The restaurant was in a beautiful old part of the town. There was a square not far from the restaurant where what looked like an old Roman wall was incorporated into a cafe – what fun. I want one too.
a lovely square in Tarragona
a great backdrop for a cafe
The next morning we did a quick skid around the town before we headed off. We walked to the catheral at the top of the town. It was built between 1171 and 1331 on the site of a Roman temple. It was closed, but it looked impressive from the outside.
walking up to the cathedral
I liked the drinking fountain at the front
decoration on the front of the church
an interesting roof line
was it something he ate?
We came upon an interesting painted house.
a painted house
And a very cute little garden in a tiny courtyard.
a great courtyard
We thought it quite odd that the railway line runs between the town and the sea.
the railway line cuts the beach off from the town
We stayed at Hostal La Noria which is in an excellent position in the main square of the old town, Placa de la Font. We even had a balcony looking over the square. The car park is under the square so we were able to park in front of the hotel – very convenient. The hotel cost 38 euro for a double room with a bathroom.
Placa de la Font
the narrow, red Hostal La Noria
Tarragona is well worth a visit. The beach looks good and there are lots of interesting things to look at in the town. Call in and say hello to Jose and Marco.
Palau del Baro – http://www.palaudelbaro.com