Circ Roma, Tarragona

Historic Site, Roman Site and Ruins in Tarragona

Circ Roma
Circ Roma
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pere López

Circ Roma (the Roman Circus of ancient Tarraco) is one of those places in Tarragona that surprises you twice: first because it blends into the Old Town streets, and then because it opens into a world of vaulted corridors and hidden chambers beneath today's buildings. You'll find it around Rambla Vella and Plaça del Rei, right in the historic center, where Roman engineering still shapes the city's layout.

It's an ideal stop on a self-guided walking tour of Tarragona's UNESCO-listed Roman heritage, especially if you're linking the Pretori, the Cathedral area, and Plaça de la Font. Even if you only have a few hours in town, Circ Roma is one of the best places to understand how modern Tarragona was literally built on top of Roman foundations.

History and Significance of the Circ Roma

Circ Roma dates to the late 1st century CE, when Tarraco was a major Roman power center on the Iberian Peninsula. Built as a circus for chariot racing, it formed part of a larger monumental complex and once drew huge crowds for the most popular mass entertainment of the Roman world.

What makes Tarragona’s circus especially compelling is how much of its structure survives in situ. Instead of being a single open ruin, many of the most impressive remains are the internal vaults and passageways that supported seating and controlled crowd movement—spaces that later centuries repurposed as the city evolved.

Over time, parts of the circus were absorbed into medieval and modern Tarragona, with homes and streets rising above the Roman skeleton. Visiting today feels like stepping into a layered city: Roman infrastructure below, living neighborhoods above, and viewpoints that help you connect the two.

Things to See and Do in the Circ Roma

Start by heading into the vaulted underground areas, where the scale of the engineering becomes clear. The tunnels and corridors are the star attraction here—cool, echoing spaces that make it easy to imagine the flow of spectators on race days.

As you move through the site, look for interpretive panels and architectural details that reveal how the circus was constructed and later adapted. One of the most memorable moments for many visitors is realizing how closely the modern buildings sit on top of the ancient structure, with hidden rooms tucked beneath everyday streets.

Finish your visit by going up to the higher levels and viewpoints for a sweeping look over Tarragona's Old Town. It's a great way to orient yourself for the rest of your walking tour—spotting where the Roman forum areas, cathedral quarter, and main plazas sit in relation to the circus footprint.

How to Get to the Circ Roma

The nearest major airports are Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) and Reus Airport (REU), with Girona (GRO) sometimes useful depending on your route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Tarragona on Booking.com.

Tarragona is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to start a city-center walking day since the main station puts you within reach of the historic core. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim to park outside the tightest Old Town streets and walk in, as lanes can be narrow and parking is limited near the monuments. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Circ Roma

  • Official website: https://www.tarragona.cat/patrimoni/museu-historia/monuments/el-circ-roma
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €5.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 26; Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00–20:45. Sunday: 09:00–14:30. Closed on Monday. (Winter) October 27 – March 31; Tuesday – Friday: 09:00–20:00. Saturday: 09:30–20:00. Sunday: 09:30–14:30. Closed on Monday.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for quieter tunnels and better photos, or late afternoon if you want softer light from the viewpoints.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45–90 minutes for the circus itself, or longer if you’re pairing it with the Pretori and nearby Roman sites.
  • Accessibility: Much of the experience involves uneven surfaces and steps, but visitors often report that strollers can work; check on-site for the smoothest route through the tunnels.
  • Facilities: Expect basic visitor amenities on the monument circuit, with restrooms available and plenty of cafés nearby in the Old Town for a break afterward.

Where to Stay Close to the Circ Roma

Base yourself in Tarragona’s Old Town (Part Alta) if you want to walk to the Roman sites, viewpoints, and evening tapas without relying on transport.

H10 Imperial Tarraco A top pick for location and views, sitting right by the historic core—ideal if you want a comfortable, walk-everywhere base after a day of Roman monuments.

Hotel Astari A practical, good-value option with a relaxed feel, useful if you want quick access to both the Old Town and the seafront.

AC Hotel Tarragona by Marriott Great for travelers who prefer modern rooms and easy logistics, especially if you’re arriving by train or continuing onward.

Hotel SB Ciutat de Tarragona A convenient mid-range base near a major city landmark, making it easy to connect the Old Town with the newer shopping and dining areas.

B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis A budget-friendly, central stay that keeps you close to everyday Tarragona—handy for quick walks up to Part Alta and the Roman circuit.

Is the Circ Roma Worth Visiting?

Yes—Circ Roma is absolutely worth visiting if you like places that feel “hidden in plain sight.” The underground vaults are genuinely impressive, the preservation is better than many travelers expect, and the viewpoints help you understand Tarragona's Roman footprint in a way that a standalone ruin often can't.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and only want one Roman highlight, you might choose the Amphitheatre for its dramatic seaside setting. Also consider skipping Circ Roma if you dislike enclosed spaces or have mobility limitations that make steps and uneven surfaces frustrating.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (9,036)

With a strong 4.5/5 average from thousands of reviews, travelers consistently describe Circ Roma as a standout Roman site that's more impressive inside than it looks from the street. Common highlights include the surprisingly extensive underground corridors and tunnels, the sense of exploring beneath modern buildings, and the panoramic views from the upper levels. Visitors also frequently mention good value for money and that it can work for families, including those with strollers. The most common downsides are practical rather than dramatic: some areas can feel tight or dim, and the experience involves walking on older surfaces and navigating steps in places. A few reviewers also note that entry conditions can vary on certain days (including occasional free-entry days), so it's worth checking ahead if your schedule is fixed.

martin de goeij
3 weeks ago
"I visited this historic landmark today. From the outside, you have no idea what awaits you inside. This is truly one of the ancient sites thatimpressed me the most. The houses are built on top of the arena, with many corridors and rooms hidden underneath. It is amazing how well this has been preserved. The entrance fee is also very reasonable. Highly recommended!..."
Paweł
5 months ago
"A very interesting place with a lot of history. The entrance fee is €5 per adult and it’s definitely worth it. We visited with a baby stroller and itwasn’t a problem. The tu els are fascinating, especially one that is really tall. At the end, you can go up and enjoy a beautiful view over Tarragona and the amphitheater. It’s also convenient that there are toilets available. Highly recommended!..."
Jane
4 months ago
"Wonderful place to wonder and get the feel of how this place was during roman times. Great value for money at only 5 euros entry. You can see wherethe modern city has been built on roman streets. Not to be missed. Great view of the city from the tower..."

For Different Travelers

Circ Roma works well as a flexible stop: you can do a quick loop for the tunnels and views, or slow down and treat it as part of a deeper Roman-history day across the Old Town.

Families with Kids

Kids who like “secret passages” tend to enjoy the tunnel-like corridors and the sense of exploring beneath the city. It’s also a manageable visit length, which helps if you’re balancing naps or snack breaks.

To keep it fun, turn the visit into a simple scavenger hunt: spot arches, count the different corridor sections, and end with a reward at a nearby plaza. If you’re visiting with a stroller, plan a little extra time for navigating tighter sections.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Circ Roma is a great shared discovery—especially because it doesn't look dramatic from the outside, but feels atmospheric once you're inside. The contrast between cool stone tunnels and bright city viewpoints makes for a memorable mini-adventure.

Pair it with a sunset walk through Part Alta and a relaxed dinner nearby. The viewpoints are also a nice place to pause and plan the rest of your Tarragona itinerary together.

Budget Travelers

Circ Roma is one of the better-value paid attractions in Tarragona, and it fits perfectly into a low-cost walking day through the Old Town. You can combine it with free viewpoints, plazas, and beach time to build a full day without spending much.

If you’re watching your budget closely, look out for special free-entry days and consider buying a combined ticket if you plan to visit multiple MHT sites. Bring a refillable water bottle and take breaks in the public squares nearby.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate that Circ Roma isn't just a “photo stop”—it's a structural lesson in Roman urban design. The internal vaults make the building's function and scale easier to grasp than many more fragmentary sites.

Use the visit to connect the dots across ancient Tarraco: how entertainment, politics, and monumental architecture were physically linked in the provincial capital. It’s also a strong example of how Roman infrastructure was reused and built over through the medieval period and beyond.

FAQs for Visiting Circ Roma

Getting There

Yes, it sits in the Old Town area and is easy to reach on foot from major plazas and the cathedral quarter. Expect some uphill walking if you’re coming from the seafront.
Yes, it fits well into a one-day plan alongside the Pretori, cathedral area, and the Amphitheatre. Many travelers treat it as a mid-day stop on a walking loop.
The site can feel subtle from the street because parts are integrated into the city. Use signage around Rambla Vella/Plaça del Rei and allow a few minutes to orient yourself.

Tickets & Entry

Usually you can buy on arrival, but booking ahead is smart in peak season or if you’re coordinating multiple sites. Combined tickets can be a good deal if you’re visiting several monuments.
Yes, discounts and free entry for younger children are commonly offered on the MHT circuit. Check the official ticket page for the current eligibility rules.
Yes, Tarragona’s monument network sometimes offers free-entry days (for example, certain monthly or heritage events). If your dates are flexible, it’s worth planning around them.

Visiting Experience

Head straight for the underground vaults and corridors, then finish at the viewpoint for a quick city overview. That gives you the best “wow” moments fast.
It’s a mix, with a strong indoor/underground component in the tunnels and vaulted spaces. You’ll also have outdoor sections and viewpoints.
Yes, the site is enjoyable even without deep background because the architecture is so tangible. Reading the on-site information as you go adds helpful context.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

If you enjoy storytelling and want the bigger picture of ancient Tarraco, a guided tour is a great choice. Self-guided works well too if you prefer to move at your own pace.
The Pretori is a natural pairing, and the cathedral quarter is close for a contrasting medieval layer. Many visitors also add the Amphitheatre later in the day.
Start in Part Alta for Circ Roma and the Pretori, then drift toward the cathedral area and plazas. Finish by heading downhill toward the seafront for the Amphitheatre and views.

Photography

Yes—expect dramatic stone textures and strong perspective lines in the tunnels, plus wide city views from above. A phone camera does well, but low light can be tricky underground.
Morning is best for quieter corridors and cleaner shots without crowds. Late afternoon can be great for warmer light at the viewpoints.
Rules can vary by site and crowd levels, so it’s best to ask staff on arrival. In tight corridors, a small tripod or handheld stabilizer is usually more practical.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be challenging due to steps and uneven surfaces, but there are often alternative routes and assistance options on the monument circuit. Check at the entrance for the most accessible path.
Many visitors manage with a stroller, though you may need to navigate narrow sections and occasional changes in level. A compact stroller is easier than a large travel system.
Restrooms are available within the broader monument network and nearby facilities in the Old Town. Plan a quick stop before entering if you’re traveling with kids.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Part Alta and the surrounding streets have plenty of cafés and tapas spots within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a break before or after your visit.
Water is generally fine and recommended, especially in warmer months. Be mindful in enclosed areas and follow any posted rules.
Head to a nearby plaza in the Old Town for open air and people-watching. It’s a nice contrast after the underground spaces.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a managed heritage site with clear visitor routes. Watch your footing on stone surfaces, especially in dimmer tunnel sections.
It can, particularly in peak season and on weekends. Arriving early helps you enjoy the corridors with more space.
This is a good rainy-day option because much of the experience is sheltered underground. Just take extra care on potentially slick stone floors.

Nearby Attractions to the Circ Roma

The Circ Roma appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tarragona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April 1 - October 26; Tuesday - Saturday: 09:00-20:45. Sunday: 09:00-14:30. Closed on Monday.

(Winter) October 27 - March 31; Tuesday - Friday: 09:00-20:00. Saturday: 09:30-20:00. Sunday: 09:30-14:30. Closed on Monday.

Price:

Adults: €5.

Address: Rambla Vella, 2, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
Tarragona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 977 23 01 71
Official Website

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