1st century BC · 217 metres of Roman engineering
Pont del Diable
The 1st-century BC Roman aqueduct that still carries water. 217 metres long, 27 metres high. 4 km from Tarragona, in the middle of nature.
The Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge) is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Iberia and the most unexpected in Tarragona: it appears in the middle of a green valley, 4 km from the centre, as if time had stood still. Built in the 1st century BC to carry water from the Francolí river to the Roman city of Tarraco, its two-level arch construction is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Legend has it the devil built it overnight in exchange for the soul of the first being to cross it.
Roman engineering that conquered time
217 m
length
27 m
maximum height
1st c. BC
construction
UNESCO
Heritage 2000
The aqueduct was built in the 1st century BC as part of Tarraco's water supply system. It channelled water from the Francolí river through a specus (covered canal) to the castellum aquae (storage tanks) of the city. The structure has two tiers of arches: the lower with 11 arches and the upper with 25. Maximum height is 27 metres. Included in UNESCO's declaration of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco in 2000.
Tarragona
Pont del Diable · s. I d.C.
Visitor information
Access
Free, 24 hours. Open-air natural setting.
Price
Free
Location
Les Gavarres, Tarragona. 4 km from the centre via N-240 road.
Getting there
By car (10 min from Rambla Nova). On foot or by bike along the Vía Verde (45 min). Bus L50 'Aquaduct' stop.
What to see and do at the aqueduct
Walk on top of the aqueduct
You can climb up at either end and walk literally on the specus — the channel where Roman water flowed 2,000 years ago. The valley views from the top are stunning.
The lower arches up close
The lower-level arches are the most imposing: enormous ashlar blocks with no mortar. The geometric perfection is astonishing for a 2,000-year-old work.
The Vía Verde greenway
A 4 km cycling and walking path connects Tarragona centre with the aqueduct following the historic water channel route. Ideal by bicycle.
Dawn and dusk photography
The raking morning or afternoon light on the Roman stone creates dramatic shadows. One of the best photography spots in the entire area.
How to get there from Tarragona
The Francolí Vía Verde is the most pleasant route: a signed cycling path that leaves from central Tarragona (near Rambla Vella) and reaches the aqueduct following the river. It's 4 flat kilometres, ideal by bicycle. By hire bike: about 30–40 minutes. On foot: 50–60 minutes. By car: 10 minutes via N-240 with free parking at the monument.
Tips
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Bring water: there are no services in the immediate area of the aqueduct.
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Best time to photograph it is early morning (raking light on the arches).
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Combine with a walk along the Vía Verde: from Tarragona to the aqueduct by bike is a pleasant 30–40 minutes.
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It can be visited at night (illuminated until around 11pm). Very spectacular.
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In winter the surrounding green valley is particularly beautiful. No heat and no tourists.