Cathedral of Tarragona

The Primatial and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Spains, dedicated to Sant Thecla, rises in the highest area of Tarragona, on a site formerly occupied by a Roman temple, a Visigothic church and an Arab mosque. The construction started in the last quarter of the 12th century and finished in the 14th century, resulting in a work in transition from Romanesque to early Gothic.

The cathedral has a Latin cross basilical ground plan with three naves covered with ribbed vaults, three circular apses, transept and octagonal dome. The central nave is 104 meters long by 16 meters wide and 26 meters high.

The cathedral can be visited by making a Cultural Visit that includes the Cathedral, the Cloister, the Treasury and the Diocesan Museum, or by the Complete Guided Tour. This includes a guided visit to the Cathedral, the Cloister, the Treasury, the remains of Roman walls, the Diocesan Museum, and also the belfry.

Highlights

✔ The majestic main facade, with a large Gothic central doorway made up of pointed archivolts and two small Romanesque side doors with semicircular arches. The large Gothic rose window that presides the facade has a diameter of 10.50 meters.
✔ The main altarpiece, realized in polychrome alabaster, work of Pere Johan (15th century). Considered as one of the jewels of Catalan Gothic sculpture.
✔ The white marble sarcophagus of the archbishop John of Aragon, located on the high altar.
✔ The 14th century chapel of St. Mary of the Taylors.
✔ The chapel of St. Michael and All the Angels (mid-14th century).
✔ The squared Romanesque cloister with Gothic elements. It has four galleries with large arcades pointed out over twin columns, very decorated.
✔ The magnificent Gothic stained glass windows.
✔ The Gothic style belfry (12th - 14th centuries), 70 meters high.
✔ The Diocesan Museum of Tarragona, with collections of religious art..