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Spain - Costa Dorada - Tarragona |
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Located on the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Spain,
is the Costa
Dorada's main city, Tarragona. It is the most southern of the Catalan provinces
and originally built on a rocky bluff, can trace its roots back to 218 BC, when it was founded
by the ancient Romans as a legionnaire's military base. In the last few decades it has almost
doubled in size, its residential districts continually expanding around the medieval core.
Enjoying a temperate Mediterranean climate, Tarragona enjoys mild winters, low rainfall and a
large number of bright, sunny days during any season of the year.
The ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct, forum and other buildings sited on the
Paseo Arqueologico ( Archaeological Avenue ), pay homage to its past. In contrast, a wide
boulevard called the Rambla Nova represents the modern main street outside the old city
walls.
The city also sports some excellent beaches, including Playa Llarga, regarded as one of the
biggest and best on the Catalonian coast. Among the many museums is an archaeological museum
devoted to Roman antiquities; the Diocesan Museum displaying Gothic paintings, sculptures and
tapestries; and a house museum detailing the life and career of renowned cellist,
Pablo Casals.
Within easy reach of the city are the vibrant capital of Barcelona, Port Aventura theme
park, a number of 18 hole golf courses, and the lively coastal resort of
Salou. Inland
there are also many natural parks and nature reserves to explore. |
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