National Archaeological Museum Tarragona (MNAT)
Discover Roman Tarraco's treasures at MNAT's temporary exhibition, showcasing mosaics, sculptures, and daily life artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
National Archaeological Museum Tarragona (MNAT)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Roman Tarraco's treasures at MNAT's temporary exhibition, showcasing mosaics, sculptures, and daily life artifacts.
"A well-curated insight into Roman Tarraco, offering a rewarding experience despite the main building's renovation."
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get the MNAT combined ticket for access to villa sites like Els Munts & Centcelles. Great value!
🚶♀️ Explore Roman Tarraco
This exhibition is key to understanding Roman Tarraco. Don't miss it if you love history!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gladiator's Shield Relief
Tinglado 4 Exhibition
A striking marble relief depicting a gladiator's shield, a powerful symbol of Roman martial culture.
Ornate Roman Balance Scale
Tinglado 4 Exhibition
Discover the intricate details of Roman commerce and craftsmanship through this beautifully preserved balance scale.
Mosaics and Portraits
Tinglado 4 Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the daily life and artistry of Roman Tarraco with vibrant mosaics and lifelike portraits.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Temporary Venue Alert
Unlock Roman Tarraco
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get the MNAT combined ticket for access to villa sites like Els Munts & Centcelles. Great value!
🚶♀️ Explore Roman Tarraco
This exhibition is key to understanding Roman Tarraco. Don't miss it if you love history!
📱 Audio Guide App
The site offers an audio guide app with English descriptions. Very helpful!
✨ Modern & Bright Space
The temporary venue at Tinglado 4 is modern, bright, and easy to navigate. Enjoy the exhibits!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get the MNAT combined ticket for access to villa sites like Els Munts & Centcelles. Great value!
🚶♀️ Explore Roman Tarraco
This exhibition is key to understanding Roman Tarraco. Don't miss it if you love history!
📱 Audio Guide App
The site offers an audio guide app with English descriptions. Very helpful!
✨ Modern & Bright Space
The temporary venue at Tinglado 4 is modern, bright, and easy to navigate. Enjoy the exhibits!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona's temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 for its excellent curation, modern and accessible space, and impressive collection of Roman artifacts. The affordable pricing and the option of a combined ticket to explore nearby Roman villas are also highly appreciated. Some visitors note the main building's renovation but find the current venue a rewarding experience.
"While the main building of the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona is undergoing long-term renovation, the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 in the port offers a well-curated insight into Roman Tarraco.
Among the most impressive pieces is a marble relief in the shape of a gladiator’s shield, originally from the Roman villa of Els Munts.
Another standout object is an ornate Roman balance scale, which reflects the everyday economy and attention to detail in trade and measurement.
The exhibition also includes mosaics, portraits, domestic objects, jewelry and religious iconography each piece selected to show the scope of life in Tarraco, one of the most important Roman cities in Hispania.
The space itself is modern, bright and easy to navigate. Despite being only a temporary venue, the experience feels complete and rewarding.
Entry is affordable, and with the MNAT combined ticket you can also visit Els Munts and Centcelles, two Roman villa sites nearby.
This exhibition is absolutely worth a stop for anyone interested in Roman history, archaeology or classical art, especially if you’re following the ancient traces of Tarraco across the region."
Ancient Tracks
"The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona was a very interesting visit. We got to see many statues and artifacts, which gave us a good impression of the city’s rich history. Overall everything was very well organized. The tickets were reasonably priced, and for what we saw, it felt more than worth it.
In general, it was a very nice experience and definitely worth visiting if you are in Tarragona."
Y T
"Many exhibits, good place to learn about the Roman roots of Tarragona!
Prior reservations is not required, you can walk in and buy tickets"
Vince Dang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main museum building is currently under renovation. The temporary exhibition is located at Tinglado 4 in the port area of Tarragona. You can reach Tinglado 4 by public transport or a short walk from the city center.
Parking is generally available in the port area, though it can be busy. Consider public transport or walking if you are staying in the city center.
Yes, the MNAT combined ticket typically includes entry to nearby Roman villa sites such as Els Munts and Centcelles, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Roman Tarraco.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As the main building is under renovation, check the official MNAT website for the most current opening hours for the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4.
Entry to the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 is affordable, and the museum often has free entry days or special offers. The combined ticket offers great value for visiting multiple sites.
Prior reservations are generally not required for walk-in visits to the temporary exhibition. You can usually buy tickets upon arrival.
Yes, a combined ticket is available which often includes access to the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 and the Roman villa sites of Els Munts and Centcelles.
The temporary venue at Tinglado 4 is described as modern and easy to navigate, suggesting good accessibility. It's always best to confirm specific accessibility features directly with the museum.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 features impressive artifacts from Roman Tarraco, including a marble relief of a gladiator's shield, an ornate Roman balance scale, mosaics, portraits, jewelry, and domestic objects.
Yes, the site offers an audio guide app that includes English descriptions, enhancing the visitor experience and providing deeper context for the exhibits.
A visit to the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 can take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend with each exhibit.
Tarraco was one of the most important Roman cities in Hispania, serving as the capital of one of the largest Roman provinces. Its archaeological ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage site. +1
Absolutely! Besides the MNAT exhibition, Tarragona boasts numerous Roman ruins, including the Amphitheatre, Circus, Forum, and aqueduct (Pont del Diable). The combined ticket also covers the Roman villas of Els Munts and Centcelles. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted in many museum spaces, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff.
The marble relief of the gladiator's shield and the intricate mosaics offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The modern exhibition space itself also provides a clean backdrop.
Tarragona is incredibly photogenic! Don't miss the Roman Amphitheatre overlooking the sea, the Pont del Diable aqueduct, and the panoramic views from the Balcó del Mediterrani.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the combined ticket to visit nearby Roman villa sites like Els Munts, which can offer more interactive elements or open spaces for kids to explore. The audio guide app can also be a fun way for older children to learn about the exhibits.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to use the combined ticket to explore the Roman villas of Els Munts and Centcelles. These sites offer a more immersive experience of Roman domestic life and architecture, complementing the artifacts seen at the museum.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opting for the combined ticket can also be cost-effective if you plan to visit the other Roman sites. Walking between the port exhibition and other central Roman ruins in Tarragona is also a great way to save money and see the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Roman Tarraco
The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT) plays a crucial role in showcasing this rich history. Although the main building is undergoing renovation, the temporary exhibition at Tinglado 4 provides a compelling glimpse into daily life, art, and commerce during the Roman era. Visitors can marvel at artifacts that speak volumes about the sophistication and grandeur of Roman civilization in this region.
Exploring Tarraco is like stepping back in time. From the imposing amphitheater to the intricate mosaics and everyday objects, each piece tells a story. The MNAT's collection, even in its temporary setting, offers an invaluable educational experience for anyone interested in Roman history and its enduring impact.
Navigating the Temporary Exhibition
Key highlights include the striking marble relief of a gladiator's shield, offering a powerful visual of Roman martial culture, and an ornate Roman balance scale that underscores the precision and artistry in everyday trade. The collection also features a diverse array of mosaics, portraits, domestic items, and religious iconography, each carefully selected to illustrate the breadth of experiences in this significant Roman city.
To enhance the visit, an audio guide app is available, providing detailed explanations in English and other languages. This resource is highly recommended for gaining deeper insights into the historical context and significance of each artifact, making the experience both informative and engaging.
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