Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona

About Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona

Dedicated to Saint Tecla, Tarragona Cathedral was built on approximately the same site of what was once the Roman temple that formed part of the provincial forum, being the seat of the Tarraco provincial government in the 1st century A.D.

Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona 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 a magnificent temple of the imperial cult.

Construction of Tarragona Cathedral began in 1171, when Hug de Cervello, archbishop of Tarragona, bequeathed a sum of money in his will. The Cathedral is constructed following a Romanesque style with construction continuing throughout the Gothic period until consecration in 1331. However, finishing the cathedral was delayed due to the Black Death.

Notable features are the steps in Plaça de la Seu that lead up to the soaring entrance and rose window of its façade. At the cloister entrance, visitors will find the Diocesan Museum and spectacular Saint Tecla altarpiece. The cloister's sculpture work is a fine example of Romanesque art from Catalonia dating to the turn of the 13th century.

The cathedral was consecrated in 1331, when the John of Aragon was Archbishop of Tarragona and Patriarch of Alexandria. Its grandiosity and solidity have earned it the reputation of the finest cathedral in Catalonia.

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Visiting Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona

Tarragona Cathedral is not part of the MHT roman museums collection so a separate ticket should be purchased to the MHT multi-pass.

Tarragona Cathedral Opening Hours

November 2nd to March 10th:

Monday to Friday: 10:00h to 17:00h
Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00h
Sunday: Closed to tourist visits

March 11th to June 17th:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00h to 19:00h
Sunday: Closed to tourist visits

June 18th to September 10th:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00h to 20:00h
Sunday: 15:00 to 18:00h

September 11th to October 31st:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00h to 19:00h
Sunday: Closed to tourist visits

Special Religious Holidays:

21st January: 14:00h to 18:00h
23rd January: 12:00h to 17:00h
25th January: 11:30h to 17:00h
2nd February: 11:30h to 17:00h
22nd February: 13:00h to 17:00h
3rd April: 12:00h to 19:00h
8th April: 13:00h to 16:00h
15th August: 15:00h to 20:00h
12th October: 15:00h to 19:00h
25th - 26th December Closed

What to take with you for Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona

Access to the Tarragona cathedral is via a flight of stairs from plaza de seu or at the same level from Carrer de les Coques. The exit is in Carrer de la Mare de Deu del Claustre at street level. The visit is all on one level. the museum is children friendly with access for push chairs. For access with reduced mobility you can confirm access calling +34 977 226 935 or write to info@catedraldetarragona.com.

There are no bicycle anchorage points near to the museum.

Large rucksacks and bags will not be permitted inside the museum, nor is there space in reception to leave them. I was allowed inside with my small 10L museum rucksack.

Don't forget take headphones for the audio guide.

Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona Tickets

Discover one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain with a visit to the spectacular Tarragona Cathedral. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries on the site of an old Roman temple, Tarragona Cathedral will take you through more than 2,000 years of art. Your ticket gives you full access to all of the Cathedral's different rooms, allowing you to discover the magnificent fusion of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You’ll also be able to access the Chapel of Saint Thecla, an 18th-century mausoleum that is said to contain a relic of a saint's arm. Optional Audio Guide available.