Galicia is in the northwest corner of Spain, and is the wettest
and greenest region of the country. Its provinces are Lugo, A
Coruna, Pontevedra and Ourense. Inland, Galicia has hills, meadows,
forests and handsome old towns. Much of Galicia still has a medieval
quality and small-holdings are farmed using traditional methods
with oxen and horses used for ploughing. Galicia is Spain's main
sea-faring region, three of its four provinces have an Atlantic
coastline; the Rias Baixas on the southern part of Galicia's
west coast has lovely beaches backed by pine-covered hills. Galicia's
cuisine is based on seafood and many people still make a living
from the sea. Vigo in Pontevedra is the most important fishing
port in Spain. Santiago de Compostela draws large numbers of
visitors as it stands at the end of a legendary pilgrimage route
and centres on an awe-inspiring cathedral.
Pontevedra is the capital of the province
of Pontevedra in Galicia. It lies on the west coast, inland at
the end of the ria (fjord) that bears its name, and backed by
green hills. Pontevedra is around an hour or 40 miles from Santiago
de Compostela in neighbouring A Coruna province, reached by the
N-550 or the AP-9 toll motorway.
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The ancient town and medieval port
of Pontevedra is typically Galician, with a network of cobbled
alleys, picturesque winding streets, little squares, fountains
and old houses with flower-filled balconies. On the south side
of the delightful old town are the Gothic Ruinas de Santo Domingo.
Sights include the pilgrim chapel in the Praza da Peregrina,
the historic Zona Monumental, the Praza de Lena, the market,
and the Alameda, a promenade along the ria. The church of Santa
Maria at the far end of the Calle Izabel II, was built in the
16th century. In the Plaza de Lena is the provincial museum,
located in two 18th century houses, joined together by an arch.
The narrow alleyways and one-way street system in Pontevedra
make it much easier to walk around, rather than try to drive.
The old town has some excellent tapas bars. |