The Act of the Martyrdom of Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons Auguriusand Eulogius explains that on Sunday 16 January 259, as a result of the

persecution by Emperors Valerian and Gallius, the Governor of the Province of Tarraconense ordered the imprisonment of the city’s Bishop, Fructuosus, and his two deacons, Augurius and Eulogius. In prison they were visited and ministered to by the Christian community. In the prison itself,

the bishop conducted a baptism in the name of Rogatianum. On Friday 21 January, the martyrs were escorted before Governor Aemilianus to be sentenced. In a quick and infl exible

sentence, the bishop and his deacons were condemned to be burnt alive in the amphitheatre. The Christian community accompanied the martyrs on their calvary while praying for them. Fructuosus and his deacons, confi dent of the salvation awaiting them, accepted their martyrdom bravely and selfl essly. They prayed for the Universal Church and comforted the community with the promise that never again would they lack a clergyman because the love and promise of the Lord would always be with them. The Christian community later gathered up their remains and buried them in the cemetery by the River Francolí.

The Passion of Fructuosus should be understood as a Christian literary document which refl ects the direct testimony of those who witnessed the martyrdom of the Tarragonan saints, a direct account of the public events of the process by the writer, with additional devout background material that gives shape to the narration. They are the oldest reports of martyrdom in the Iberian Peninsula.

From the Late-Roman era, worship of Saint Fructuosus of Tarragona spread across the whole Roman world, and from the medieval and modern eras, across the rest of the world. The most devout worship of Saint Fructuosus today can be found in Catalonia, Aragon, Occitane and northern Italy, though communities have even been documented as far away as Latin America.

Fructuosus, Bishop of Tarragona, and Augurius and Eulogius, his deacons

1,750TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. FRUCTUOSUS, THE BISHOP, AND HIS DEACONS, SAINT AU-GURIUS AND SAINT EULOGIUS

WelcomeTarragona is a Mediterranean city that stands on the edge of the River Francolí

at an altitude of just 70 metres above sea level, with a population of some 150,000 inhabitants. Its mild climate, privileged geographical position and hospitable nature were extolled even in classic poetry. The Roman poet Publius Virgilius referred to the city thus: “Look then, I have been delighted by its hospitality: it seems that for all I have travelled this is the most gratifying place of all for repose”.

Having been occupied by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, during the 1st century BC the capital of the Provincia Hispania Citerioris or Tarraconensis was built, going on to boast great power and prestige. By the 3rd century there was documentary evidence of a Christian community which would become very important after the Late-Roman era as a leading metropolitan centre. After the Visigoth era, around the time of the Islamic advance, the city was abandoned. Its restoration effectively started from the 12th century onwards. In the 13th and 14th centuries the city experienced tremendous growth and the municipal government was strengthened. From the 15th century on, Tarragona went through a strong recession. During the modern era, the city consolidated itself as a major military outpost and duly suffered from the vicissitudes of the times (pirate attacks, plagues, the Reapers’ War and the War of Succession). In 1811 it was occupied by Napoleonic forces after a ferocious siege. During the 19th century, the city experienced a progressive demographic and economic recovery.

Today, Tarragona is a tremendously dynamic hub of industry, trade and tourism. In 2000 its Roman monuments were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI decreed a Jubilee Year (2008-2009) for its Diocesan Church on the occasion of the 1,750th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons Augurius and Eulogius, who were burnt at the stake on 21 January 259 following persecution by Emperors Valerian and Gallius.

The city and its Diocesan Church invite you to come and discover its magnifi cent heritage and to follow in the footsteps of our martyrs by means of this route.

Published by: Tarragona Municipal Tourist Board • Texts: Andreu Muñoz Melgar • Photos: Josep Ma Macias, MNAT/Ramon Cornadó, Andreu Muñoz, Albert Sanahuja, Quim Vendrell • Design: Mira, Factoria de Disseny • Translations: Tarraco Translation • Printing: I.G.Gabriel Gibert • D.L. T.659-2008• Thanks to: St. Fructuosus Cultural Association.

Jubilee Year Offi ce:Pontifi cal Seminary of TarragonaC/de Sant Pau, 4 - 43003 TARRAGONATel: + 34 977 233 412 ext. 245 - 977 252 186Fax: + 34 977 251 847email: ajubilar@arquebisbattarragona.catwebsite: http://ajubilar.arquebisbattarragona.cat

2- Chapel of St.Fructuosus

3- Praetorian Towerand Vault

4- Amphitheatre

6- Funerary area around the Francolí

1- Chapel of St. Paul

5- The road to the cemetery

7- The Roman villa of Centcelles

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Tourist information points

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Tourist Offi ce:C/ Major, 3943003 TarragonaTel. + 34 977 25 07 95www.tarragonaturisme.cat

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6- Early Christian Basilicain Parc Central

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3. Praetorian Tower and Vault

The structures of the Concilium Provinciae or Provincial Forum were the architectural manifestation of Rome’s power in Tàrraco.

The city’s bishop, St. Fructuosus, and his two deacons, St. Augurius and St. Eulogius, were imprisoned on 16 January 259 at the order of Governor Aemilianus and subsequently sentenced. The remains of that impressive building can still evoke the atmosphere of the tribunal. Inside the complex you can visit the “long vault”, a tunnel vault of 93 metres, much of which runs underneath the present Carrer de l’Enrajolat. There may initially have been a public grain store (horreum), and during the period of Emperor Domicianus it was used as the structure for the Roman circus. The vault ended at the presentation plaza of the Concilium Provinciae, the so-called Provincial Forum. Although we do not know the location of the prison of Tàrraco as narrated in the Passion of Fructuosus, which archaeologically is impossible to identify by the “long vault”, this space and its atmosphere give us some idea of what the martyrs must have experienced during their imprisonment.

“When they arrived, they were immediately imprisoned. Fructuosus, however, confi dent and happy, for the Lord’s sanctity to which he was destined, prayed without weakening.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 1)

4. AmphitheatreThe amphitheatre was an elliptically-shaped edifi ce for putting on gladiatorial spectacles. It

had a capacity of around 14,000 spectators and was built during the fi rst half of the 2nd century AD. During the period of Emperor Heliogabalus, at the start of the 3rd century, the amphitheatre underwent some renovations. Shortly afterwards, on 21st January 259, in that very arena, bishop Fructuosus and his deacons Augurius and Eulogius were burnt alive. In the 6th century, the Church of Tarragona built a basilica in memory of the martyrs, possibly on the exact spot where the saints were immolated. In the 12th century a new church was built on top of this construction, dedicated to St. Mary of the Miracle, as documented by a Papal Bull from Pope Anastasius IV, dated 1154. In the 16th century, the Trinity Friars erected a convent alongside the temple. The community continued in this spot until the 18th century.

“Standing still at the entrance to the amphitheatre, about to accede to salvation more than suffering, in the presence of the soldiers mentioned before, Fructuosus, in a way that

they and our brothers could hear him, and inspired by the Holy Ghost who spoke through his mouth, said: “Never again will you lack clergyman nor will fail you the predilection and renewed

promise of the Lord, neither now nor later. This, you see now, is just a passing weakness”. After having comforted the brothers, they achieved salvation, worthy and even happy in their martyrdom, as a promised fruit in the Holy Scripture.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 3)

5. The road to the cemeteryWe assume that the funerary procession would have followed a road

parallel to the sea, which would have taken it as far as the port zone where the service roads and hedgerows alongside the storage silos at the port would have kept them concealed as far as the Francolí path and the property chosen for the burial. An approximate recreation of that journey on today’s streets would have us leaving the Amphitheatre and going down William J. Bryant road towards the railway station, then taking Carrer Reial to go up Avenue Vidal i Barraquer to the area of the Paleochristian cemetery.

“When night fell, they hurried to the amphitheatre with wine in order to extinguish the dead bodies, still smoking. After that, each one tried to get the largest quantity of ashes.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 6)

6. Funerary area around the FrancolíThis was the area where the martyred saints were buried by the Christian community in Tàrraco.

This spot became hugely signifi cant to the local Church and the congregation was very interested in enclosing the area around the martyrs’ reliquaries (tumulatio ad sanctos o martyres). At the end of the 4th century, or beginning of the 5th century, a large basilica was built with a baptistery to venerate the martyrs’ reliquaries. Also in the 5th century, about 200 metres away, a new church complex was built, inspired by the architectural structure of St. Peter’s in the Vatican, which was built by Emperor Constantine. It must be assumed, therefore, that this whole area was extraordinarily important to the Church of Tarragona, arising as a result of the martyrdom worship of saints Fructuosus, Augurius and Eulogius.

“Fructuosus and his deacons appeared to Aemilianus, who had condemned them, in their tunics of promise, upbraiding and reproaching him, saying that in vain had he stripped the bodies from, and buried those who, fi nally, he would have to recognize as winners.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 7)

7. The Roman villa of CentcellesThis complex, made up of the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC, can

be found in the town of Constantí, about eight kilometres from Tarragona next to the river Francolí (the former Tulcis). Around the middle of the 4th century, the villa underwent a series of reforms. A large square edifi ce was built topped with a dome and decorated with lavish mosaics. Among the different scenes it featured (hunting, the different seasons, imperial personages, etc.), the biblical scenes were very prominent (Adam and Eve, Jonas, the three Jews in Babylon, Daniel the Prophet, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection of Lazarus, etc.) with an evident scatological and salvationary signifi cance. This is one of the most impressive examples of Paleochristian art in the Roman world. Although we do not know the name or function of the building, some writers have ascribed it with funerary use in the form of a large mausoleum, while others believe it was just a secular reception area for guests. In any case, the building’s owner was an important Christian landowner. This complex proves that the Church of Tarragona survived Valerian’s persecution.

“Oh blessed martyrs, pure as gold in the furnace, covered with the breastplate of faith and helmet of hope, wearing the diadem and the unfading crown for having trampled on the head of the Evil One! Oh blessed martyrs, who deserve a glorious place in Heaven, on Christ’s right, glorifying God, the Almighty, and Jesus Christ his Son, and the Holy Spirit! Amen!.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 7)

1. Chapel of St. PaulA small chapel built in the 13th century which is

currently located inside one of the cloisters of the Pontifi cal Seminary of Tarragona. It was associated with a community known as Saint Paul made up of nursing presbyteries from the canon’s hospital at the Cathedral. It is a venerable spot which, for the Church of Tarragona, has become a symbol that evokes the Paulinist roots with which the city has a long-standing tradition.

“Therefore when I have completed this mission and consigned to them the fruit of this harvest, I shall come to visit you, heading towards Hispania.” (Rm 15, 28)

2. Chapel of St. Fructuosus in the Cathedral of TarragonaA Renaissance chapel which was ordained by Archbishop Joan Terès and planned

by architect Pere Blai. The images of the martyred saints are the work of Benet Baró and date from the beginning of the 17th century. The reliquaries of the martyred saints are kept on the altar. The modern parietal paintings are by Hermini Sentís and depict the story of the martyrs and the transfer of their reliquaries to Italy by St. Prosper, the last Bishop of Visigoth Tarragona. The chapel houses a crypt where Cardinal de la Pau, Francesc d’Assís Vidal i Barraquer (1919-1943) and Archbishop Josep Pont i Gol

(1970-1983) are buried. The same crypt houses a memorial to assistant bishop Manuel Borràs, martyred in 1936.

During the time of St. Fructuosus, this area was the location of the sacred Concilium Provinciæ, probably presided over by the temple of Augustus. Despite the fact that we do not know the exact spot where the judgement and sentencing of the Tarragonan martyrs actually occurred, it is quite possible that the large complex of the Concilium Provinciæ was the scenario. In this particular spot the words of the Passion are particularly evocative:

“Governor Aemilianus spoke to Fructuosus: “Are you a bishop?” Fructuosus said: “I am!” Aemilianus sentenced: “You were!” And ordered them to be burnt alive.” (Passion of Fructuosus, 2)