Lugo, Galicia

Lugo - Overview:

Lugo is one of Galicia's four provinces and its northern shores are in the 'rias altas', or upper bays of the region. Although largely undiscovered by international tourism, the province has much to endear it, including a walled town in its capital city and many typical Galician towns and villages. The municipality had a population of 92,271 in 2005.

Lugo Province - Out and about:

Tourism in Lugo, whilst increasing in popularity, does not yet rival that seen in the greater 'A Coruna' conurbation, but an infrastructure of tourist offices provides local and provincial sources of information about the area's sightseeing attractions, of which there are many.

The distance and travelling time from Santiago de Compostela to Lugo will depend on which part of this province you are heading for. If you are travelling to its capital, it will take you around one and a half hours by car on a route that combines limited motorway travel with spectacular scenery on a fairly direct country road.

For part of this journey, you will also follow the route of one of Galicia's 'Caminos' passing many pilgrims and see the inns and hostels in which they lodge.

Road congestion on route to Lugo is something you need not worry about. Whilst the city of Lugo is busy, all routes that lead to it have only light traffic and the journey should be relaxing and stress free.

Lugo Province - History:

The walls of Lugo were built in the later part of the 3rd century to defend the Roman town of Lucus. The entire circuit survives intact and is the finest example of late Roman fortifications in western Europe.

The city was founded by Paulus Fabius Maximus and called Lucus Augusti in 13BC as a Roman military camp, while the Roman Empire was conquering the North of the Iberian Peninsula.

Though small it was the most important Roman town in what became Gallaecia during the Roman period. Lucus was the seat of a bishopric by the later 5th century and remained an administrative centre under the Suebi and Visigoths. It then went into decline and became deserted in the middle of the eighth century until bishop Odoario set about reviving it. Tenth century attempts at rebuilding its 'casas destructas' (abandoned houses) suggest that it remained a town only on paper: the seat of a bishopric, administered by a count, from which royal charters were issued.

Lugo - City of Lugo:

Located on a hill on the banks of the river Mino, the city of Lugo preserves major remains of its Roman past, among them its ancient wall, declared a World Heritage Site. Inside the walls, the city preserves quiet pedestrianised streets, wide squares and spacious gardens, with monumental buildings such as the Cathedral, the Archiepiscopal Palace, and the City Hall.

The historic old quarter of Lugo is home to some of the best restaurants in Galicia, where it is possible to sample the excellent fresh meats and fish which have earned the city its gastronomically recognised acclaim.

A number of busy shopping streets are spread around the arcaded plaza do Campo, which in former times was the Roman forum and a medieval market. Very close by is the church of San Pedro, a beautiful example of medieval architecture which belonged to what was the convent of San Francisco.

Today this historic building is the Regional Museum and one of the most important in the province of Lugo. On the ground floor there are still some areas surviving from the former convent building, such as the Gothic cloister from the 15th century, the refectory and the kitchen, both from the 18th century. The museum's valuable collection contains an extensive exhibition of archaeological pieces, among which is an outstanding collection of pre-Roman precious metalwork, industrial crafts and sculpture. It also houses an art gallery which gathers works from the 15th century until the present day, with a special section devoted to Galician painters.

Lugo Province - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated Galician holiday destinations in Lugo province - including Lugo city, Monforte and Ribadeo. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools and hotels; all in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled Galicia and secret Northern Green Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking or climbing in Northern Green Spain's mountains and countryside; exploring Lugo's fascinating Galician villages, rural towns and historic cities; following the historic pilgrims' routes; enjoy bird watching, nature, fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great Galician beaches; sampling fabulous Galician seafood or you just want to simply escape the tourism masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Lugo and Galicia, ferry travel and holiday car hire.