Terragona Spain

About an hours ride by train south of Barcelona is Terragona, a small city set on the edge of the Mediterranean that played an important role in the Roman Empire during the first and second century. The Roman archaeological complex of Tarraco is a World Heritage Site and I spent the day exploring the small quiet streets, monuments, and ruins of Terragona. One day did not seem enough and I would like to have spent several days here. The Beach was beautiful and there was much more to see and do than I had time for.

Most of the Roman ruins are concentrated within the old part of the city behind Roman walls that have been built up around over the years as the city grew and changed hands throughout history. My favorite place was the Roman Amphitheater built overlooking the sea.  The oval structure built in the 2nd century contains stands carved directly out of the underlying bedrock and held up to 14,000 spectators. 

In its day, it was the scene of fights between gladiators and against wild beasts, as well as public executions. It is easy to stand at this place and feel the excitement of how it must have been with hordes of toga clad screaming Romans packed into this amazing structure.

Aside from the history, museums, monuments and ruins of Terragona, I really enjoyed just wandering the tiny colorful streets. Once away from the major sites, I easily found quiet streets and often felt like I was the only one in the city, a vast difference from Barcelona.

The Hermitages of Montsurrat

Montserrat lies a quick 50k train ride northwest of Barcelona. The name means serrated mountain and stands 1236 meters high. The limestone conglomeration forming these spires cradles The Monastery of Montsurrat at 725 meters and a complex of 13 hermitages scattered around the high part of the mountain.

I took the train from Barcelona which connects directly to the cremallera, a rack and pinion train that climbs to the monastery. Built in 1025 the monastery now serves as home to a community of about 80 monks none of which I saw. I suspect they were seeking refuge from the hordes of loud tourists.

From the monastery I hiked on a beautiful series of trails climbing amongst spires overlooking the monastery and valley far below. I saw many rock climbers scattered all over the bolted routes up each spire and it made me wish I had brought my gear. The weather was perfect and the climbing looks outstanding.

The trails I hiked climbed past several of the hermitages, each mostly in ruins and the beautiful more modern New Chapel of Saint Joan.

What an amazing outdoor playground, and so close to Barcelona. Does anyone know what this tiny wild flower to the right is? I have never seen anything like it. I can say the same for all of Montserrrat.

Postcard from Barcelona

I’m on the move again and I’ve arrived in Barcelona visiting another long time friend Kristen. She lives here now with her husband Xavier and their son Jordi. Barcelona is a big city on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and this is my first time seeing both.