The old town of Tarragona is called Part Alta. It is centered on the hill around the Cathedral. All other areas of the city are located at the foot of this hill. Most of the historical sights of the medieval period are located here.
The "Medieval route of Tarragona" passes through the old town of Part Alta. It is as interesting as the Archaeological route that passes through the Roman attractions of Tarragona.
The center of Part Alta is the huge Cathedral of Tarragona, founded in the 12th century. It is located on the highest point of the hill, where the temple of the Emperor Octavian Augustus used to be in the center of the spacious Roman Forum. In the middle ages, residential buildings were built almost close to the Cathedral, but the beautiful Cathedral Square remained in front of it. It to the right of the Cathedral is the house of Casa Balsels. It was built in the 13th century and is still very well preserved. All these years, the house has been occupied by a Abbot of the Cathedral of Tarragona. From the Cathedral down to the Harbor goes Carrer Major, the main street of the old town of Part Alta.
Near Casa Balsels is the Rectory, a house built in the 14th century in the Gothic style. In many parts of the old town of Part Alta, you can see Gothic arches built in the Middle ages and various houses that are several centuries old. St Paul`s and St Thecla`s hospitals are also located near the Cathedral. The construction of this building dates back to 1171.
