Added: 04/21/2006 |
The Roman Ruins and Golden Beaches - Attractive Assets of Costa DoradaThe golden hue acquired by the fine sands of Costa Dorada beaches is due to their facing southeast as well as the intensity of the sun rays. The situation of the beaches, open to the sun, provides them with the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day during each of the seasons of the year. Add to this the protection offered by the nearby mountain range and a benign and stable climate is assured all year round.
The beaches are huge, with abundant fine sand allowing ample areas for safely going into the water. The large tourist centers along the beaches of the Costa Dorada have developed in recent times upon the old fishermen quarters in old towns mainly dedicated to agriculture, and sometimes located atop the hills near the sea in order to protect themselves from attacks by corsairs and pirates in earlier centuries. Inland one can easily reach places and towns with a great personality and historical interest, such as Reus, Valls, Montblanc, Tortosa and great medieval monasteries: Poble, Santes Creus and Scala Dei, as well as picturesque landscapes, rugged mountain ranges with big game reserves and the unique delta of the Ebro river.
Tarragona is the main city in Costa Dorada. Once a provincial Roman capital because of its strategic position today Tarragona is Spain's second most important port city, bearing its past in the Roman ruins. Still visible are remnants of its imperial days under the rule of Augustus in the Roman ruins of a great amphitheatre and other buildings in the gardens above El Mirade beach. While earlier settlements may have inhabited the area, the first occupation of Tarragona is attributed to Gneus Scipio, who founded a Roman military camp here in 218 B.C. It grew quickly and was named a colony of Rome in 45 B.C. by Julius Ceasar. Tarragona is considered the most important Roman town in Spain. There are many beaches and coves nearby.
The Roman Ruins of the Amphitheatre Roma, scene of the barbarity and cruelty of man, where men were pit against wild animals or each other to fight to the death, can be seen in the gardens above the El Mirade beach, Tarragona. Countless other Roman Ruins stand in silent testimony to a great and glorious past while modern 21st century life charges past in all its hurry and flurry.
Pont Del Diable - The Devil's Bridge bears testimony to the engineering skills of the Romans and is a well-preserved aqueduct that has lasted a lot longer that many of the constructions built by modern man probably will.
For a glimpse into the daily life of a people long gone along with statues and beautiful mosaics from the past, have a look at the ancient utensils displayed in the Museu Nacional Arqueologic. To learn about death in those days, check out the Museu i Necropolis Paleocristians on the edge of town, where a huge Christian burial site has given up a fascinating number of sarcophagi, tombs and other items relating to burial.
At Tarragona's apex sits the 12th century cathedral. Inside is the Museu Diocesa, with a collection of Catalan art.
Costa Dorada and the areas nearby offer an infinite number of possibilities year round. It's the place to be.
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