Tarragona Off The Beaten Path Tips by DSwede Top 5 Page for this destination

Mausoleo de Centcelles

Built on the site of an ancient Roman Village, it was then turned into a mausoleum in the 5th century.

It is an off-the-beaten-path tip for Tarragona, because it is actually 6km to the north in the small town of Constanti.
To get there from Tarragona -- take N-241 north and follow the signs to Constanti (do not get on the Autovia or Autopista). Once you enter Constanti from the south, follow the signs to Centcelles. Constanti is north of Autopista AP-7 and west of N-240.

Opening Hours:
Junio a Septiembre, de 10:00 h. a 13:30 h., y de 15.00 h. a 18:30 h.
Octubre a Mayo, de 10:00 h. a 13:30 h., y de 15:00 h. a 17:30 h.
Festivos, de 10:00 h. a 13:30 h.
Lunes cerrado (Closed on Mondays)

After you have made your short tour of the Mausoleum, if you continue on the small road for another ~300m, you will cross a small creek, then on your left hand side will be a still-functioning Roman aqueduct. It only takes a few minutes to park and walk around, but is an impressive sight to see.

From unknown author:
"In the I century there was an important Roman village in that place which was abandoned and it was in the V c. that it was reformed, later on, the mausoleum was built. This big mausoleum has a unique sepulchral chamber for must one person; this fact shows us that it was the tomb of an important Roman patriarch whose identity is unknown. The German archaeologist Schlunk thought that it was the tomb of the Emperor Constant I, Constanti's son, who died in the year 350 in Elna, near the Pyrenees... The imperial character of the mausoleum explains the beauty, magnitude and high quality of the mosaics (partially preserved). These mosaics, covering the dome of a Christian building, are the most ancient in the whole old Roman Empire."

Website: http://www.spanisharts.com/arquitectura/imagenes/roma/tarragona_centelles.html

Swimming in the mountains

On the road from Tarragona/Reus to Prades, you will climb up the mountains on a series of beautiful winding roads.

Check out your road map and make your path take you anywhere near the two large lakes. The lake is a result of damn, but as you can see, has a nice backdrop.

Many locals will come up here, rest in the sun, swim in the water and spend a leisurely afternoon.

The water level varies depending on rainfall and other conditions, therefore the shoreline can vary. But since it is a mountain/dam, there really is no beach, but instead a steep gravel shore line. Bring sandals or shoes that can go in the water.

Museu de Fars (Lighthouse Museum)

Originally built in 1864, this lighthouse signaled the coast line north of Tarragona. Originally using olive oil lamps for light, it was updated with more modern times of fuels and gases. Dismantled in 1975 when a new light house was constructed. It was restored and relocated to Tarragona in 1984, where it currently signals the end of the Llavant Breakwater.

To get here, you can drive, walk or ride a bike. Simply go to the end of the Breakwater Wall/road that protects the port. The road begins just across the tracks from the train station, to the right of the restaurants by the beach.

Castellers gymnasium

The photo of the Human Towers in the Ramble Nueva and the Festival of Santa Tecla could not happen with out people practicing, right?!

Its not off the beaten path physically, but its is small and most visitors walk right by without knowing it is there. If you stop in, you can walk up the stairs to have various views of the towers and their practices with the floor padding, safety nets and work out equipment. The walls are full of old photographs and information that documents the history of the Castellers.

Located on Biaxada de la Mistercordia, it is on the right, half way between the city square and the church on the top of the hill. (Very close to Placa del Rei and Carrer de Santa Anna)