Pontevedra, Galicia

Pontevedra - Overview:

Pontevedra is situated in the rias baixas (or lower bays) of Galicia and is the region's most southern sea facing province. Its coastline is dotted with picturesque fishing villages and highly attractive towns such as Sanxenxo, Vilagarcia de Arousa, O Grove and the island of A Toxa.

Called 'Ad Duos Pontes' by the Romans, Pontevedra has developed a rich maritime heritage, with an array of shipyards and vibrant fishing ports. The name Pontevedra, refers to both a province and the provincial capital city. Pontevedra's largest conurbation is in fact the city of Vigo in a lower bay, south of Pontevedra city.

Pontevedra - History:

The Provincial Museum of Pontevedra is one of the largest in Galicia. Its collection is distributed among the ruins of St Dominic and another four buildings overlooking the Plaza de la Lena. The main exhibits are the large collection of medieval art and Spanish and European paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and a selection of works of popular art by Galician artists.

Pontevedra - Out and about:

The province of Pontevedra contains two of Galicia's most important protected spaces. One of the finest is the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, which encompasses the Cies Isles, as well as the isles of Ons, Cortegada and Salvora. Fringed by sheer cliffs and sandy beaches, their coastlines are home to thousands of migratory birds. An absolute haven for nature lovers, the abundance of flora, wildlife and the sea bed constitutes an ecosystem of inestimable ecological merit.

The Nature Reserve of Monte Aloia in the Serra do Galineiro mountain range boasts archaeological remains of great merit, whilst its highest point affords spectacular views over the Mino valley.

Pontevedra - Gastronomy:

The deeply-rooted maritime tradition of Pontevedra has resulted in a local cuisine largely based on fresh fish and seafood. Typical dishes include oysters and mussels, as well as cockle and sardine pies. Another option is to try the excellent fresh-water fish, the best of which are the trout, salmon and, especially, the lamprey.

Wines with the Rias Baixas Label Guarantee make an excellent accompaniment to any of these dishes.

Pontevedra - Pontevedra City:

The provincial capital of Pontevedra is located in its own ria (bay) and is bisected by the "rio" (river) "Lerez". The main areas of this city popular with tourists are nearly all on the south side of the river where the original old town is situated.

Pontevedra city has a long maritime and trading tradition, boasting one of the largest and most elegant historic quarters in the whole of Galicia. Situated on the edge of the estuary of the same name, the old town extends in a network of streets and squares and contains major civic and religious buildings.

The original settlement emerged where the river Lerez and the Pontevedra estuary meet.

The city has a walled enclosure of cobbled streets and small secluded squares, some of them arcaded. Situated at the centre of the historic quarter is the Plaza de Espana and the City Hall, an eclectic building constructed in the 19th Century. Its main facade is defined by four pairs of columns, a balcony and clock.

Opposite the City Hall is the Alameda, a wide avenue lined by grand civic buildings such as the Diputacion (provincial government), the 19th-century facade of which contrasts with the medieval ruins of the convent of Santo Domingo. This 14th-century complex has National Monument status.

One of the sites of the Provincial Museum, this enclave houses architectural elements of various origins, such as Romanesque and Gothic capitals, gravestones and sarcophagi.

Another place of interest in old Pontevedra is the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim (18th century), which preserves the image of the city's patron saint. The work of the Portuguese architect Antonio Souto, it has an almost circular ground plan and a Baroque facade with several 18th-century Neoclassical additions.

Situated opposite this church is the traditional Plaza de la Ferreria, which is surrounded by important buildings such as the church and convent of San Francisco, constructed in the late pointed style between the 14th and 15th centuries. Based on a Latin-cross ground plan with a sanctuary and three apses, it contains several medieval sarcophagi.

A tour of Pontevedra takes in typical shopping streets named after specific guilds and granite squares such as the Plaza del Teucro, Plaza de Cinco Calles and the Plaza de la Verdura, finally arriving at the basilica of Santa Maria.

Constructed during the 16th century by the guild of sailors, this grand Renaissance church displays great sophistication. The interior of the building boasts a nave and two lateral aisles covered by rib-vaults and a series of lateral chapels. The outstanding feature of the exterior is the main facade, the work of Cornelis de Holanda and Juan Nobre. All of this combines to produce one of the jewels of Galician art.

Pontevedra - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated Galician holiday destinations in Pontevedra - including Baiona, Caldas de Reis, Cambados, Pontevedra City, Samieira, Sanxenxo and Tui. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools and spa 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 Pontevedra'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 Pontevedra and Galicia, ferry travel and holiday car hire.