[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Secci\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Tarragona<\/strong>,\u00a0formerly\u00a0known\u00a0as\u00a0Tarraco<\/strong>, fascinates visitors not only for its imposing amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean and its medieval old town. Its true grandeur is, quite literally, hidden beneath our feet.<\/p>\n \u00a0The\u00a0city’s\u00a0subsoil\u00a0<\/strong>is\u00a0a\u00a0historical\u00a0labyrinth\u00a0that\u00a0holds\u00a0ancient\u00a0vestiges\u00a0of\u00a0Roman\u00a0splendour,\u00a0constituting\u00a0a\u00a0heritage\u00a0as\u00a0vast\u00a0as\u00a0that\u00a0which\u00a0stands\u00a0above ground.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For those passionate about history and archaeology who come to the city, comfort is essential. Ensuring an efficient\u00a0<\/span>Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona<\/span><\/b>\u00a0allows visitors to\u00a0immediately\u00a0immerse themselves in the city’s rich past, without wasting time on travel arrangements.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Get ready to descend and uncover the\u00a0<\/span>secrets\u00a0<\/span><\/b>that make\u00a0<\/span>Tarragona\u00a0<\/span><\/b>a living testimony to its ancient history. With\u00a0<\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s\u00a0low-cost\u00a0and sustainable\u00a0<\/span>shared\u00a0transfer services<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, you can travel to\u00a0<\/span>Tarragona\u00a0<\/span><\/b>and\u00a0<\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span>Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|60px|30px|60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The\u00a0<\/span>Urban Cave of Tarragona\u00a0<\/span><\/b>(Cova Urbana) is one of the most intriguing discoveries beneath the city. Discovered in 1996 during construction work on\u00a0<\/span>Carrer\u00a0Gas\u00f2metre<\/span><\/b>, it is a complex underground system that intertwines Roman history with natural formations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The core of the find is a series of\u00a0<\/span>Roman underground galleries<\/span><\/b>,<\/span>\u00a0excavated more than 2,000 years ago,\u00a0possibly created\u00a0for drainage or water extraction. These galleries connect to\u00a0<\/span>natural cavities<\/span><\/b>\u00a0and wells that have\u00a0remained\u00a0hidden for centuries. A visit to the Urban Cave offers an\u00a0<\/span>urban caving\u00a0<\/span><\/b>experience,\u00a0distinguishing it from\u00a0a traditional archaeological tour.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0<\/span>adventure<\/span><\/a>, led by experts, lasts approximately\u00a0<\/span>3 hours<\/span><\/b>\u00a0and begins on Carrer\u00a0Gas\u00f2metre, accessed via an underground car park. The route is demanding and requires physical preparation, as it involves descending through a small well,\u00a0wading through water-covered rooms, crossing narrow passages, and, in the\u00a0final section, using ropes and handrails to overcome obstacles. <\/span><\/p>\n Visitors must be equipped with<\/span>\u00a0wetsuits and helmets with lights<\/span><\/b>, which underlines the exploratory and challenging nature of this immersion in the hidden history of Tarragona.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tarragona-subterranea-Shuttle2Sun-1.png” alt=”Secrets of Underground Tarragona” title_text=”Secrets of Underground Tarragona” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The\u00a0Francol\u00ed\u00a0sector, just outside the ancient Roman city and beneath the current\u00a0<\/span>Parc Central<\/span><\/b>\u00a0shopping centre, is one of the most important sites for understanding the origins of Christianity in\u00a0Tarraco:\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span>Early Christian Complex of\u00a0Francol\u00ed<\/span><\/b>. This site is part of a large funerary complex that also includes the extensive early Christian necropolis.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dating back to the second half of the 4th century and in use until the 5th century, this complex consists of six buildings and is dominated by a\u00a0<\/span>funerary basilica<\/span><\/b>\u00a0with an atrium. Access is free during the centre’s opening hours, allowing visitors to\u00a0view\u00a0the foundations of this structure, which is essential for understanding the heritage of early Christian Tarragona.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that with\u00a0<\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s\u00a0low-cost\u00a0and sustainable\u00a0<\/span>shared\u00a0transfer services<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, you can travel to\u00a0<\/span>Tarragona\u00a0<\/span><\/b>from\u00a0<\/span>Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tarragona-subterranea-Shuttle2Sun-2.png” alt=”Transfer Barcelona Airport to Tarragona Shuttle2Sun” title_text=”Transfer Barcelona Airport to Tarragona Shuttle2Sun” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The importance of Tarragona’s underground is not limited to the Roman era. During the\u00a0<\/span>Spanish Civil War<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>(1936-1939)<\/span><\/b>, the vast network of galleries, cellars,\u00a0and ancient tunnels was quickly adapted for a vital purpose: survival. <\/span><\/p>\n The need to protect the civilian population from\u00a0<\/span>air raids\u00a0<\/span><\/b>led the city to excavate and equip\u00a0numerous\u00a0<\/span>air-raid shelters<\/span><\/b>, creating a hidden network that forms a fundamental part of Tarragona’s historical memory.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Due to its strategic port position and military and industrial importance, Tarragona was a recurring target of Franco’s air force\u00a0and,\u00a0primarily,\u00a0the Italian fascist air force. The city suffered\u00a0<\/span>more than a hundred air raids\u00a0<\/span><\/b>throughout the conflict, causing great devastation and a\u00a0significant number\u00a0of civilian casualties.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Of this entire underground protection network, the\u00a0<\/span>air-raid shelter at the\u00a0Museu\u00a0B\u00edblic\u00a0Tarraconense<\/span><\/b>\u00a0(located\u00a0in the former\u00a0<\/span>Casa dels\u00a0Concilis<\/span><\/b>, on\u00a0<\/span>Carrer de les Coques<\/span><\/a>) is one of the most unique spaces that can be visited. <\/span><\/p>\n This shelter was not only used between 1937 and\u00a01939, but\u00a0also has the added value of\u00a0<\/span>utilising\u00a0and\u00a0showcasing\u00a0previous\u00a0historical structures<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” min_height=”181.8px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The shelter is structured on\u00a0<\/span>two levels<\/span><\/b>\u00a0and reaches a maximum depth of about 10 metres below street level. What makes it exceptional is that it is integrated into the\u00a0<\/span>Tarracr\u00f3polis\u00a0<\/span><\/b>space, where visitors can see how the Civil War galleries and tunnels were excavated through Roman,\u00a0medieval,\u00a0and modern structures of the Imperial Cult Enclosure.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tarragona’s passive defence network was much more extensive, covering\u00a0numerous\u00a0strategic points in the city. The\u00a0<\/span>municipal archives<\/span><\/a>\u00a0preserve the plans and documents that attest to the massive construction of these protective structures. Among the documented\u00a0<\/span>shelters\u00a0<\/span><\/b>is the one in<\/span>\u00a0Pla\u00e7a\u00a0de la Font<\/span><\/b>, a clear example of those built under important buildings in this square, including the\u00a0<\/span>former\u00a0Provincial Council building<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Extensive shelters were also set up to protect the population and workers in the areas most affected by air raids, such as the\u00a0<\/span>Serrallo\u00a0Maritime District<\/span><\/b>. As well as those in\u00a0<\/span>Carrer\u00a0Apodaca<\/span><\/b>,\u00a0<\/span>Carrer\u00a0August<\/span><\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Parc de Saavedra<\/span><\/b>, which had large-capacity public shelters, many of them dug to a considerable depth to ensure maximum safety during the bombings.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Exploring\u00a0<\/span>underground Tarragona<\/span><\/b>\u00a0is to embark on a fascinating journey through tunnels, vaults and galleries that have been part of the capital throughout history.\u00a0Don’t\u00a0think twice and book your\u00a0<\/span>transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona<\/span><\/b>\u00a0today.\u00a0<\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>\u00a0offers\u00a0low-cost\u00a0and sustainable\u00a0<\/span>shared\u00a0transfer services<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span>Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tarragona,\u00a0formerly\u00a0known\u00a0as\u00a0Tarraco, fascinates visitors not only for its imposing amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean and its medieval old town. Its true grandeur is, quite literally, hidden beneath our feet. \u00a0The\u00a0city’s\u00a0subsoil\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0historical\u00a0labyrinth\u00a0that\u00a0holds\u00a0ancient\u00a0vestiges\u00a0of\u00a0Roman\u00a0splendour,\u00a0constituting\u00a0a\u00a0heritage\u00a0as\u00a0vast\u00a0as\u00a0that\u00a0which\u00a0stands\u00a0above ground.\u00a0\u00a0 For those passionate about history and archaeology who come to the city, comfort is essential. Ensuring an efficient\u00a0Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Tarragona\u00a0allows visitors to\u00a0immediately\u00a0immerse themselves […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23704,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,42,29,41],"tags":[46,69,135,45,44,43,125,139],"class_list":["post-23697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-costa-dorada-2","category-spanish-culture","category-travel","category-travel-tips","tag-airports","tag-holidays","tag-private-transfer-2","tag-shuttle","tag-transfer","tag-travel","tag-vacances-2","tag-winter"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Urban Cave of Tarragona<\/h2>\n
A caving adventure for the more daring<\/h3>\n
The early Christian complex of\u00a0Francol\u00ed\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n
The Civil War shelters\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Air raids and the need for shelter\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
The air-raid shelter on Carrer de les\u00a0Coques\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Other shelters hidden throughout the city\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n