Full of appeal without crowds of tourists, Tortosa makes for a refreshing visit.
Here, you can lose yourself in the old part of the town and relax by the river. This city has its own charm, nestled near the Delta de l’Ebre on the River Ebro and close another small town, Amposta. Tortosa is a city which has strong Muslim and Jewish remnants and relics from medieval times.
Tortosa has a number of Gothic buildings dotted around the town. The Castle of the Suda, proudly sitting above the town, is now a luxury parador, which were our lodgings for two nights. This castle is a local monument with magnificent views over Tortosa, the River Ebro and surrounding countryside and distant mountains.
The views over to the mountains are impressive. The Romans built the initial walled structures, but it was the Moors who really shaped what you can see here today – and this is only some 60 metres above sea level.
From the castle, narrow streets wind their way down to the old city.
Located behind and down the hill from the castle, the Jardins del Princep provides a blend of history and art. It is an outdoor sculpture park and is built on the same site on what was once a luxury spa. Some of the spa’s foundation still remains and you walk down several flights of stairs to see the natural spring that first made this place famous.
The Cathedral of Tortosa has a magnificent entrance but the unique element of the cathedral is its flat roof.
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its market, and Tortosa is no exception. Built next to the Ebro River, the market is a nice place to take a stroll, interact with locals (limited English), and shop for regional treats.
The river Ebro weaves its way under the spectacular, historic bridge of Amposta. This town is an easy and relaxing place to explore. You can wander around the town or sit by the river enjoying the views across to the bridge and watch the locals enjoying their natural treasure.
Hemingway was in Amposta and wrote the short story, Old Man at the Bridge, which was inspired by his travels as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.
The municipal market of Amposta was built in 1947 and is a striking structure for such a small town, with covered porches and large windows which feature beautiful stained glass, with images of flora and fauna from the region.