Mèdol Quarry
Explore a vast ancient Roman quarry, marvel at a colossal monolith, and step back in time. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, golden light
Mèdol Quarry
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast ancient Roman quarry, marvel at a colossal monolith, and step back in time. Free entry!
"OMG... This place is amazing. It makes you feel like in Jurassic Park..."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is rocky and gravelly. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
No facilities on-site. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration of this large site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Monolith
Central Quarry
A stunning, ancient monolith standing tall, a testament to Roman engineering and ambition.
Roman Quarry Expanse
Entire Quarry Site
Explore the vast, open-air quarry where Romans extracted stone, feeling the echoes of history.
Informative Plaques
Throughout the site
Learn about the quarry's history and Roman techniques through multilingual information posts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is rocky and gravelly. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
No facilities on-site. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration of this large site.
Interesting stuff to do around Torredembarra?
🚗 Parking Advice
Follow signs for 'El Medal' from the service station; avoid unmarked dirt tracks.
⚠️ Beware of Wasps
Swarming wasps have been reported, especially near lookout points. Be cautious.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is rocky and gravelly. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
No facilities on-site. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration of this large site.
🚗 Parking Advice
Follow signs for 'El Medal' from the service station; avoid unmarked dirt tracks.
⚠️ Beware of Wasps
Swarming wasps have been reported, especially near lookout points. Be cautious.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
The site is free and well-signed, allowing for self-guided tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the historical significance and impressive scale of Mèdol Quarry, often comparing it to a 'Jurassic Park' feel. The free entry and well-maintained site are major draws, offering a unique glimpse into Roman engineering. However, some find the noise from the nearby highway disruptive, and the rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear.
"OMG... This place is amazing. It makes you feel like in Jurassic Park...the only bad thing is the constant noise from the highway, but there is so much beauty around and you will ignore it. The place is free to visit, at least in the winter time. So clean, so well maintained."
suzana r
"Amazing old roman quarry. Very tourist attractive with modern made routes with different languages information posts and terraces with benches for rest. Quarry is not small, spent there about an hour walking around and the bottom part of it. I was there early in the morning, just at sunrise absolutely alone all the time. Fantastic experience. Stunning monolith about 20 meters high and around couple of thousands years old provides authentic feelings."
Rupas
"A delightful place to visit. Free to wonder around, with plaques in various languages. Not sure how you get to the main entrance. We parked in a layby when Google maps wanted us to drive up a dirt track! But there was a footpath sign post and it was easy to reach. A bit rocky and gravelly underfoot."
angela banks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Mèdol Quarry is by car. From the service station, look for signs directing you to 'El Medal'. Follow a gravel road for about 1km to a parking area. Some visitors have found success parking in a layby and following footpath signs.
Public transport options are limited. It's primarily a destination for those with private vehicles. Consider it as part of a larger road trip around Tarragona.
The site has well-signed paths that take you up and down hills. Multilingual plaques explain the history and Roman techniques used.
Yes, there is a large parking area available. It's recommended to follow the official signage from the service station to find it.
Yes, Mèdol Quarry is a recommended visit when staying in or around Torredembarra, offering a historical excursion away from the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to Mèdol Quarry is free, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.
The quarry is generally accessible year-round, especially during daylight hours. However, specific internal walkways might be closed seasonally, so it's wise to check for any updates.
No, booking in advance is not necessary as the site is free to enter and explore at your own pace.
Currently, there are no guides available on-site. The multilingual information posts provide a self-guided experience.
Yes, visitors have reported visiting and enjoying the quarry in winter, often finding it clean and well-maintained with fewer people.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the vast Roman quarry, a stunning 20-meter high monolith, and learn about ancient stone extraction techniques through informative plaques.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the quarry, walking around the main areas and the bottom part.
Yes, there are paths to walk around, but the terrain is rocky and gravelly, requiring sturdy footwear. Some parts involve hills.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven, rocky ground. Light clothing is advisable, especially in warmer weather.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms, food, or water available on-site. It's essential to bring your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The impressive monolith is a prime subject. Capture the scale of the quarry from different vantage points, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Absolutely! The unique landscape, ancient structures, and natural light create fantastic photographic opportunities, evoking a sense of ancient history.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more atmospheric feel.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific restrictions for historical sites before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the quarry. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning, to make the exploration more comfortable for younger ones. The free entry is a significant plus for family budgets. While the site is not a playground, the sheer scale and historical significance can provide a memorable and educational outing for the whole family.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's best combined with visits to nearby towns like Torredembarra or Altafulla for a more comprehensive experience. Remember to factor in travel time and the need for your own vehicle, as public transport is not ideal for reaching the quarry. Pack essentials like water and snacks, and be prepared for a bit of walking on uneven ground.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Legacy of Mèdol Quarry
One of the most striking features is the 'Pedra de Sant Pere' (Saint Peter's Stone), a colossal, roughly hewn monolith that stands testament to the quarry's potential. This massive stone, estimated to be around 20 meters high, was likely left unfinished or intended for a monumental structure. Its presence adds a dramatic focal point to the quarry. The site is also equipped with multilingual information plaques that detail the history of Roman quarrying techniques, the types of stone extracted, and the logistical challenges of transporting such heavy materials. These plaques enhance the understanding of the site's historical importance and the daily lives of the people who worked there.
While the quarry itself is the main attraction, the surrounding landscape also offers a glimpse into the Mediterranean environment. The site is free to visit, making it an accessible historical exploration. However, it's important to note that internal walkways within the quarry have experienced closures at times, so checking for current access is advisable. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history at their own pace.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Secondly, hydration and sustenance are key. There are no facilities on-site, meaning no water fountains, restrooms, or places to buy food. Visitors are strongly advised to bring ample water, especially during warmer months, and any snacks they might need. The exploration can involve walking up and down hills, so staying energized is important.
Finally, be aware of the local wildlife. Reports of wasps, particularly angry swarms near lookout points, have been noted. While not a constant issue, it's wise to be cautious and avoid disturbing any nests. The best times to visit are typically early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day and potentially larger crowds, offering a more serene experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit