Once you have landed in Barcelona, we suggest a three-day route to discover Catalonia’s architecture and history on the Costa Daurada. You can start in Tarragona, travelling by high-speed train, to discover the remains of the Roman city. The second day takes a more introspective route, visiting three of the most prominent Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia. The third day is dedicated to Modernisme and its most universally celebrated architect, Antoni Gaudí. Let yourself be carried away by a region where every era has left its mark and where culture is lived with ease. Take the chance to savour it: a romesco by the sea, a vermouth in the square, or a glass of wine among vineyards and architecture. Day 1. Tarragona: history that lives alongside everyday life Tarragona is one of those Mediterranean cities best discovered on foot, at a leisurely pace. Without a fixed itinerary, letting the streets of the old town guide you, history appears almost without you having to look for it. The archaeological ensemble of Tàrraco, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important Roman legacies in Europe. This recognition is due to its historical value and its uniqueness: here, the remains of the ancient city are not a separate setting but form part of the urban fabric and coexist with daily life. The past is lived here every day. What can you see of the archaeological ensemble? Opening out to the sea, the Roman amphitheatre rises like a natural balcony over the Mediterranean. The sounds of wild beast fights and gladiatorial combat still echo here. It is one of the most iconic settings of this coexistence between past and present. Underfoot, the Roman circus can be glimpsed through the corridors and galleries that run through Tarragona’s old town. It was the venue for chariot races, one of the most popular spectacles of the Roman era. Despite the silence today, you can imagine it full of people, noise and excitement. Romesco: a sauce that captures the essence of Mediterranean life Romesco sauce is made with garlic, dried bread, dried peppers, oil, salt and wine. It is the sauce that calçots are dipped in, but it also accompanies fish and meat. It is typical of the Tarragona area, but you can find it throughout Catalonia. In October, take advantage of the Romesco Gastronomic Days in Tarragona to try this sauce that captures the essence of Mediterranean life.