Plaça dels Sedassos, Tarragona

Attraction, Sculpture and Square in Tarragona

Plaça dels Sedassos
Plaça dels Sedassos
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alberto-g-rovi

Tucked into Tarragona's Part Alta (old town), Plaça dels Sedassos is a small, atmospheric square best known for the giant painted mural that covers a building façade and turns the space into an open-air art stop. It's the kind of place you'll likely stumble upon while wandering the medieval lanes—then end up staying longer than planned to spot all the details.

Because it sits just a few minutes from major sights like Plaça de la Font and the Roman Circus area, it fits perfectly into a walking tour of Tarragona's historic center. For the best views, step back to the edges of the square to take in the full mural, then move closer to appreciate the illusion and the local scenes woven into it.

History and Significance of the Plaça dels Sedassos

Plaça dels Sedassos is less about grand monuments and more about how Tarragona's layers of history show up in everyday corners. In a city shaped by Roman Tarraco, medieval streets, and modern Catalan life, this little square captures that blend in a single glance.

Its fame largely comes from the large-scale mural art that depicts historical and cultural moments associated with Tarragona. The artwork functions like a visual shortcut to the city's identity—Roman echoes, local traditions, and daily life—making it a meaningful stop even if you only have an hour or two to explore the Part Alta.

The square’s location also reinforces its significance: it’s surrounded by narrow streets that naturally funnel walkers through the old town, so it becomes a memorable “pause point” between bigger-ticket attractions.

Things to See and Do in the Plaça dels Sedassos

The main event is the mural itself. Spend a few minutes viewing it from different angles: from farther back, the composition reads as a single dramatic scene; up close, you’ll notice smaller vignettes and clever perspective tricks that reward slow looking.

Also look around for hints of Tarragona's Roman past nearby—this part of town is close to the Roman Circus remains, and the surrounding lanes often reveal unexpected fragments, vaulted spaces, and stonework that make the walk feel like a mini time-travel experience.

Finally, use the square as a springboard for a self-guided route: pair it with Plaça de la Font for café terraces, then continue toward the cathedral area for viewpoints, architecture, and more quiet corners.

How to Get to the Plaça dels Sedassos

The nearest major airports are Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) and Reus Airport (REU), both offering convenient access to Tarragona. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Tarragona on Booking.com.

Tarragona is well connected by rail, with frequent services linking it to Barcelona and other Catalan cities; from Tarragona station you can walk or take a short taxi/bus ride up toward the Part Alta. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for public parking on the edge of the old town and continue on foot, since the historic center has narrow streets and limited access in places. 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 Plaça dels Sedassos

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for quieter photos, or late afternoon when the old-town light is warmer and the square feels livelier.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is enough for the mural and photos, but plan longer if you’re linking it with nearby Roman and cathedral-area sights.
  • Accessibility: The Part Alta has slopes, steps, and uneven paving; approach slowly and consider a route that avoids steep lanes if you have mobility concerns.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities in the square itself, but you'll find cafés, restrooms, and services around Plaça de la Font and nearby streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaça dels Sedassos

Base yourself in the Part Alta or the central area just below it so you can walk to the square and Tarragona’s main historic sights in minutes.

H10 Imperial Tarraco A polished, central option with a prime location for walking between the old town and the seafront—great if you want comfort plus quick access to major landmarks.

Hotel Astari A practical, well-located stay that works nicely for travelers who want an easy walk into the historic center while keeping a bit of breathing room from the busiest lanes.

Hotel Lauria Right on Tarragona’s main boulevard, ideal for transport links, shopping, and an easy stroll up to the Part Alta without feeling tucked away.

B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis A solid value pick near the central market area—handy for quick breakfasts and a straightforward walk to the old town.

AC Hotel Tarragona by Marriott A dependable business-style hotel with good access to the city’s wider transport network, useful if you’re day-tripping while still visiting the Part Alta on foot.

Is the Plaça dels Sedassos Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you enjoy street art, quick “hidden gem” stops, or building a walking itinerary through Tarragona’s Part Alta. It’s free, central, and memorable, and the mural gives you a strong sense of local character without needing a long visit.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and only want major Roman-ticketed sites, this square may feel like a brief photo stop rather than a destination. In that case, treat it as a pass-by highlight on the way between the Roman Circus area, Plaça de la Font, and the cathedral.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (21)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors calling it a must-see stop in Tarragona. Travelers consistently praise the striking façade mural, noting its detailed scenes that reflect local history and everyday culture, and many like how easy it is to visit while exploring the old town on foot. A minor drawback mentioned implicitly is that the square is small and functions more as a quick photo-and-look stop than a place to spend a long time.

David Wilson
a year ago
"A must see when visiting Tarragona"
Lucy Cortez
2 years ago
"The mural in Plaça dels Sedassos in Tarragona is an artistic work depicting historical and cultural scenes from the city. Located on the facade of abuilding, this mural showcases various significant moments in local history and the daily lives of Tarragona's inhabitants throughout the ages. With its vibrant colors and intricate details, the mural is a complete artistic expression that enriches the urban landscape. It was a must-see during our visit to Tarragona...."
Davinciviews
a year ago
"In the plaza, you'll find a mural that's very representative of Tarragona's culture and the remains of the Roman circus. There's a wooden recreationof the stands and you'll see some vaults...."

For Different Travelers

Plaça dels Sedassos is flexible: it works as a quick check-in for fast-paced itineraries, or a slow-looking moment for travelers who like details, photography, and wandering without a strict plan.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “spot the scene” aspect of the mural—turn it into a mini scavenger hunt by looking for figures, costumes, and story moments. Because the square is small, it’s an easy win between bigger attractions.

Pair it with a gentle old-town walk and a treat stop nearby, rather than trying to make it a long standalone visit. Keep an eye on little ones, as the surrounding lanes can be narrow and occasionally busy.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a great couples stop for a relaxed, artsy photo and a quiet pause while exploring the Part Alta. The intimate scale of the square makes it feel like a discovery rather than a checklist sight.

Visit around golden hour, then continue to a terrace nearby for drinks or tapas. It’s an easy way to add a “local texture” moment to a Roman-history-heavy day.

Budget Travelers

It’s one of the best free things to do in Tarragona’s old town: no ticket, no queue, and it’s naturally on foot-friendly routes. If you’re traveling light, it’s also a good navigation marker while you wander.

Build a low-cost itinerary by combining it with other free experiences: viewpoint walks, cathedral exteriors, and simply exploring the Part Alta’s streets and squares.

History Buffs

While the square itself is modern in feel, it sits in a neighborhood where Tarragona’s history is always close—Roman remains, medieval street patterns, and civic spaces that still shape how the city moves.

Use it as a connector stop between deeper history sites, and treat the mural as a cultural “summary” that complements what you’ll see in museums and ruins.

FAQs for Visiting Plaça dels Sedassos

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk from the city center, especially from Rambla Nova and Plaça de la Font. Expect some uphill sections as you enter the Part Alta.
You can get close by local bus and then finish on foot through the old-town lanes. The final approach is best done walking due to narrow streets.
Yes, it’s ideally placed for linking Plaça de la Font, the Roman Circus area, and the cathedral neighborhood. It works well as a short stop between bigger visits.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public square and you can enter freely. There are no gates or ticket checks.
No, you can enjoy it independently in a few minutes. A guide can add context, but it’s not necessary.
Not specifically in the square itself. Any costs would come from nearby attractions, cafés, or guided walking tours in the area.

Visiting Experience

The large mural on the building façade is the focal point and the reason most travelers stop here. Take time to view it from both near and far.
It’s usually a quick-stop location, so crowds tend to come in small waves. Mornings are typically calmer for photos.
It can still be worth a brief stop because it’s on the way to major old-town sights. If you’re indifferent, treat it as a 5-minute look rather than a must.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a connector between Plaça de la Font and the cathedral area, then continue toward Roman sites. It’s best as a short, scenic pause.
Many old-town or highlights walking routes pass nearby because it’s centrally located. If your tour focuses on Part Alta, it’s a common add-on stop.
Plaça de la Font is a natural next stop for a break, and the Roman Circus area is close if you’re doing heritage sights. The cathedral neighborhood also links easily on foot.

Photography

Step back to the edge of the square to capture the full façade, then take close-ups for details. A wide-angle lens (or phone wide mode) helps.
Late afternoon often gives warmer tones on the buildings and mural. Early morning is best if you want fewer people in frame.
Yes, just keep to the sides and be mindful that it’s a small square used as a passageway. Quick shots and stepping aside work well.

Accessibility & Facilities

The square itself is small, but the surrounding old-town approach can involve steep grades and uneven paving. A step-free route may require detours.
Not in the square itself. Use cafés and facilities around Plaça de la Font or other central areas nearby.
Seating is limited in the square, so plan to rest at nearby terraces. The area is better for short stops than long breaks.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Plaça de la Font is close and has plenty of terrace options. It’s a convenient place to pause before continuing your walk.
Yes, the Part Alta and central streets nearby have many casual restaurants and tapas spots. You won’t need to plan far ahead.
You can take a quick snack, but it’s a compact urban square rather than a park-like picnic spot. For a longer sit-down, nearby plazas work better.

Safety & Timing

Generally yes, as it’s in a central, well-visited area, but keep normal city awareness. Stick to well-lit routes when moving between lanes.
Plan 10 minutes for a look and photos, plus walking time between nearby sights. It’s easy to keep it brief.
Either works, but it’s especially nice as a palate cleanser between ticketed ruins and museums. Use it to break up your day with something visual and relaxed.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaça dels Sedassos

The Plaça dels Sedassos 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:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Pça. dels Sedassos, 2, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
Tarragona: 1 km

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