Muralles Romanes de Tarragona (Roman Walls of Tarragona), Tarragona

Declared a Cultural Heritage Asset in 1884, the Roman Walls of Tarragona are an invaluable heritage site. Constructed in the 2nd century BC, the Roman wall played a pivotal role in the early development of Tarraco. Initially spanning approximately 3,500 meters, only about one kilometer of the original wall remains preserved in the present-day old city. This makes it one of the oldest Roman constructions outside of Italy.

The primitive military settlement that gave rise to Tarraco saw the initial construction of a simple wooden stake wall. However, with the city evolving into a strategic Roman stronghold, reinforcements arrived from Rome, prompting the need for stronger defenses. Between 217 and 197 BC, the first stone wall was erected, featuring Cyclopean locks reinforced with towers at vulnerable points. Towers such as the Archbishop, Capital, and Minerva bear witness to this early phase.

Around 150 to 125 BC, the wall underwent significant transformations, expanding in length, height, and width to encompass the entire city, including the port. Beyond a defensive structure, the wall became a defining element of the urban space during this period. The second-phase wall featured a megalithic base, 1.5 to 2 meters high, supporting ashlar facings forming compartments.

The Archaeological Promenade meanders through both the ancient Roman and contemporary curtain walls, adorned with tranquil gardens, evocative poetry, and informative historical insights.