Wanloria › Destinations › Tarragona › Balcó del Mediterrani

Balcó del Mediterrani

The Balcó del Mediterrani is the viewpoint that closes off the Rambla Nova on the seaward side, some 40 metres above the level of the coast. Emilio Castelar gave it its name when he visited the city in 1863, and Charles IV is credited with saying, in 1802, that it was the finest balcony over the sea in his dominions. The iron railing is the work of the Tarragona architect Ramon Salas Ricomà, who designed it in 1889. From here you can see the Mediterranean, the port, the Miracle beach and the Roman amphitheatre. Flights of steps leading down to the beach start at either side. The local custom is "tocar ferro" (touching the iron): walking the length of the Rambla and placing your hand on the railing, a gesture the people of Tarragona have repeated for generations. Next to the viewpoint stands the monument to Admiral Roger de Llúria, which marks the start of the Rambla.

Things to do at Balcó del Mediterrani: 3 missions

• Spot the Roman amphitheatre from the viewpointLean over the railing and look for the amphitheatre's tiers and the Miracle beach down by the sea.
• Touch the iron of the Balcó railingWalk the length of the Rambla Nova to the end and rest your hand on the iron railing, as the city's custom demands.
• Go down the steps towards the beachTake one of the flights of steps on either side of the Balcó and head down to the seafront promenade.

Near Balcó del Mediterrani

Source: Ajuntament de Tarragona - Arxiu Municipal, «Balcons del Mediterrani»