Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona (National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona), Tarragona

This impressive museum charts the history of Roman ‘Tarraco’ and contains some of the most important finds from the city. It is a ‘must’ on any visit to Tarragona.

The basement includes a section of the original Roman city wall in situ, and subsequent floors include exhibits depicting civic, commercial and domestic life. Most impressive is the collection of statuary and funeral monuments, and a series of mosaics, including a wonderfully vivid and well preserved one showing some 50 species of marine life from the area.

Other finds include items from shipping such as anchors and a large collection of amphorae, and household luxuries, such as glassware and jewellery. A favourite of the school party visiting at the same time as us – much to the embarrassment of their teachers – was the collection of erotic objects. These include brooches, ritual objects in the shape of penises and a small statue of an infeasibly well-endowed Bacchus, sporting his appendage in front of him like a third leg!

Items are described in Spanish and Catalan, and there also are free guide pamphlets on each floor in English, French and German. The museum is also fully accessible with ramps and lifts. There is a small gift shop and audiovisual room used for occasional exhibitions.