The cloister is rectangular in shape. The round arches, supported by double columns, are grouped in threes under pointed relieving arches.

Cathedral and Diocesan Museum

A highlight of a stay in Tarragona, the 12th-14th century Cathedral was built in the highest point of the capital on the same site as the Roman temple. A visit to the Diocesan Museum completes a traveller's education.

Dedicated to Saint Tecla, the city's cathedral was built on approximately the same site of what was once the Roman temple. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

The 14th century main façade, with its enormous rose window, is
of particular interest. It is also a fine example of the transitional architecture that linked the Romanesque and Gothic periods – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

The high altar has a magnificent frontal from the early 13th century, which depicts scenes from the life and martyrdom of St. Tecla, one of the city's patron saints. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

The collections of medieval and modern religious art from Tarragona and its dioceses in the Diocesan Museum deserves special attention. Examples include: altarpieces, stone and carved wood sculptures, and ceramics. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

The cloister's sculpture work is one of the best examples of Romanesque art in Catalonia. The reliefs are concentrated in the capitals and ogees are characterised by the great wealth of their iconographic repertoire. Pay special attention to the famous "procession of rats." – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

Dedicated to Saint Tecla, the city's cathedral was built on approximately the same site of what was once the Roman temple. – © Manel Antoli RV Edipress / Tarragona Tourist Board

Dedicated to Saint Tecla, the city's cathedral was built on approximately the same site of the former Roman temple, which formed a part of the provincial forum. The forum was the seat of the Tarragona provincial government in the 1st century A.D. and was built around two terraced squares. The upper square (the imperial cult complex) was surrounded by a portico, large portions of which can be seen today in the cloister of the city's cathedral. At one end was a large hall, which has been identified as the cella (or inner sanctuary) of the temple.

Construction on the cathedral began in the 12th century, in the Romanesque style and continued throughout the Gothic period. The building was consecrated in 1331; however, it could not be finished due to the Black Death, which took a severe toll on the region. The soaring entrance and rose window of its façade are one of the city’s most emblematic images.

At the cloister entrance, visitors will also find the Diocesan Museum and spectacular Saint Tecla altarpiece. The cloister’s sculpture work is one of the best examples of Romanesque art in Catalonia and dates back to the turn of the 13th century. Special attention should be given to the collections of mediaeval and modern religious art from Tarragona and its diocese. These include altarpieces, stone sculptures and wood carvings, goldwork, wrought-iron work, textiles, and ceramics.

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