Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum – Fòrum Colonial de Tarraco

About Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum (MHT)

The Roman Colonial Forum was the religious, political and social heart of ancient Tàrraco, the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. Created during the late Republican period and monumentalised around 30 BC, it functioned as the administrative centre of the Roman colony. At its core stood a temple dedicated to the Capitoline Triad—Jupiter, Juno and Minerva—symbolising the civic identity of the city.

While the Provincial Forum in the Part Alta served as the administrative hub for the entire Roman province of Hispania Citerior, the Colonial Forum acted as the town hall of Tàrraco, where local elites gathered, legal matters were handled and civic life unfolded. It was the focal point of the residential district, positioned midway between the provincial complex and the port, with all major streets converging on this square.

The original forum was an open rectangular plaza surrounded by porticoes and public buildings. During the Augustan era (27 BC–14 AD), the construction of the nearby theatre reshaped the space, opening the square toward the theatre’s cavea. In the Tiberian period (14–37 AD), a second elevated square—the forum adiectum—was added. This new complex included a three‑aisled basilica and a porticoed courtyard supported on a cryptoportico, sections of which have been documented in excavations along Carrer de Gasòmetre.

Today, the archaeological remains of the Colonial Forum occupy a block bordered by Carrer del Cardenal Cervantes, Carrer de Lleida and Carrer de Gasòmetre. Although only fragments survive, the site offers a clear sense of the urban layout and civic importance of Roman Tàrraco.

Roman Colonial Forum Homepage

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Visiting Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum (MHT)

There is a ticket office cabin at the entrance in Carrer de Lleida. You can buy a single ticket or a combined ticket for all MHT attractions. Reduced prices are available for seniors (65+), students and children. For details on the MHT multipass, see the Tarragona overview page’s #tickets section.

Roman Tarragona Colonial Forum opening hours

Summer: 1st April to 30 September

Tuesday to Friday: 9:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday and Holiday's: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Closed: Monday's and 5th April
Open mornings only: 1st May, 24th June, 19th August, 11th September and 23rd September

Winter: 1st October to 31 March

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Sunday and Holiday's: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Closed: Monday's, 24th December, 25th December, 26th December, 31st December, 1st January, 6th January, 1st November
Open mornings only: 12th October, 6th December, 8th December

Free Entry:International museum day in May, 19th August, 18th September, 23rd September, 8,8 and 10th October. The last Tuesday of January, February, march, May, October, November and December.

Access closes 30 minutes before final closing time.

MHT ticket Prices MHT Opening times

Accessibility to the Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum (MHT)

For the Tarragona day trip I pack a small 10L rucksack with a fleece jersey and if the weather forecast says rain, a waterproof poncho. Wear comfortable shoes so that your ankles are not destroyed on the cobble streets.

The entrance to the Colonial Forum on Carrer de Lleida includes a flight of steps leading up to the archaeological platform. Due to the uneven terrain, exposed stonework and lack of alternative ramps, the site is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

Once inside, the ground surface consists of compacted earth and irregular stone, typical of open archaeological sites. Visitors who require step‑free access may find it difficult to navigate the area safely.

Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum (MHT) Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 16.10 € 5.00 Students, Over 65 years, 2.50 Euros Child € 16.10 FREE For under 16 Years Group/Family Ticket? See Website. Notes Combined ticket for all MHT 15.00 Euros.

Getting to Tarragona Roman Colonial Forum (MHT)

Address: Carrer de Lleida s/n, Tarragona, 43001

For detailed directions, see the #getting to section of the Tarragona overview page, which explains how to reach Tarragona by train, car or bus.

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