Costa Dorada, known for its stunning beaches and landscapes, combines natural beauty with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Among its architectural treasures are numerous churches that reflect the history and tradition of the region.
These architectural gems not only attract religious people, but also captivate curious travellers, making them obligatory stops in places such as Tarragona, with its Tarragona Cathedral, or in Reus, with the Church of Sant Pere. In addition, in coastal towns such as Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda there are also numerous churches, although less well known, which offer a wealth of architectural and historical richness that deserves to be discovered.
In this post, we are going to show you some of the most outstanding churches in the towns of Costa Dorada, so that you can include them in your travel plans. You must take into account that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can move to any town in the area, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Cathedral and the Church of San Pere Apòstol, in Tarragona
The city of Tarragona, with its impressive Roman legacy, is home to a group of churches that are true architectural gems.
Tarragona Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Tecla, is one of the main symbols of the city. It was built on the site of an ancient Visigothic church in the 12th century. It has an impressive Gothic architecture, with high vaults and beautiful stained-glass windows. The building is striking for its majestic main façade formed by a large Gothic portal surrounded by abutments and large arches. Inside, we find one of the most outstanding elements, the cloister, with its elegant spans and turns and a large garden.
There are different legends surrounding this cathedral. One of the most popular is that of the “Devil of Tarragona“. It is said that the architect locked the devil in one of the pillars of the cathedral. Therefore, it is said that if you put your ear close to the pillar, you can hear his whisper trying to escape.
On the other hand, we find the Church of Sant Pere Apòstol, located in the picturesque fishing quarter, the Serrallo, a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. The parish, dedicated to Sant Pere Apòstol, celebrates festivities such as Mare de Déu del Carme, patron saint of sailors, and Sant Magí, co-patron saint of Tarragona, events that reflect the rich maritime and cultural tradition of the neighbourhood.
Remember that, with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can travel to Tarragona from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The most outstanding churches in Reus
Reus is popular for the great influence that the artist Antoni Gaudí had on the city and for its rich cultural activity. These include a visit to its most characteristic churches.
The Priory Church of Sant Pere, the oldest of Reus’ heritage, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture, dating from the 15th century. On its façade, above the entrance door, we find the spectacular rose window so characteristic of this church. Inside, treasures abound, from the sculpture of the city’s patron saint, Sant Pere, to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which houses the heart of the universal painter, born in Reus, Mariano Fortuny. Antoni Gaudí was baptised in one of the side chapels. Years later, the architect was inspired by the stairs of the bell tower for his masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Speaking of the bell tower, this iconic symbol of Reus offers a breathtaking panoramic view, stretching from the city to the Prades mountains and the coastline.
Misericordia Sanctuary is located at the end of a charming tree-lined promenade. The Renaissance building is notable for its incomplete but imposing main façade. Inside, visitors are impressed by the frescoes and the majesty of its design, with a single nave and three chapels on each side. The sanctuary contains the image of the Virgin of Mercy, an object of deep-rooted devotion in the city. In addition, next to the sanctuary is the Apparition Chapel, which, according to legend, marks the exact spot where the Virgin appeared to the shepherdess Isabel Besora during a plague epidemic in 1592.
The story of the apparition and the Virgin’s promise of protection and mercy plays a large part in the festivities of Reus, especially on the Virgin of Mercy Day, where processions and celebrations are organised in honour of the patron saint of the city.
Cambrils and its places of worship
The church of Santa Maria of Cambrils, located in the old quarter of the town, is an architectural treasure that combines Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic elements. Built from 1550 on the foundations of a 12th-century church, its majestic bell tower and neo-Gothic façade stand out in Plaça Vidal i Barraquer. Every year, during the local festivities in honour of Santa Maria, the church comes alive with religious events and celebrations that reflect the rich history and tradition of Cambrils.
The church of Sant Pere of Cambrils, declared a Cultural Asset of Local Interest, is a modern jewel that captivates visitors to this charming seaside town. The church, dedicated to Sant Pere, patron saint of Cambrils, is a deep-rooted symbol of the seaside neighbourhood of Cambrils. Its 33-metre bell tower was inaugurated in 2008 and is notable for the sculpture of Sant Pere on its façade.
Santa Maria del Mar church, a must-see in Salou
In the heart of Salou, Santa Maria del Mar church stands like a Baroque treasure that captivates visitors. It was built in the 18th century and remodelled in the middle of the last century. Inside, the figure of the Virgin Mary, with Baby Jesus holding a boat, symbolises the protection that Santa Maria del Mar offers to the local fishermen and sailors.
The church is the epicentre of the festivities in honour of its patron saint, Santa María del Mar, where the community gathers to celebrate a solemn mass, a maritime procession and fireworks.
Discover the Sanctuary of Mare de Déu de la Pineda, in Vila-seca
The Sanctuary of Mare de Déu de la Pineda, located on Raval de la Mar road, was built in the 13th century. Initially, it was the parish church of La Pineda, although later, in the 18th century, it was restored and converted into a sanctuary. The temple stands out for the altarpiece that frames the image of the Virgin and for the adjoining medieval defence tower that is still preserved from the initial construction.
If you want to know more about the different historical buildings and monuments of Vila-seca, we encourage you to read our post “Discover the historical heritage of Vila-seca La Pineda“.
If you visit Costa Dorada, take advantage of your stay to visit some of these churches. With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to any location, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
