Pontevedra, with about 83,000 inhabitants, is the capital of a province of Galicia, at the head of the ría of the same name, one of the Rías Baixas. It is known worldwide for its urban model: since 1999 the council has closed much of the centre to traffic, giving the streets back to pedestrians, and the city has won international awards for quality of life and road safety.
History
The name comes from an old Roman bridge over the Lérez river, Pons Veteris, the "old bridge". In the Middle Ages it was one of Galicia's most important ports, and tradition says Columbus's caravel Santa María, originally called La Gallega, was built here. When the port silted up, the city lost trade but kept a rich historic centre.
What to see
- The old town, one of Galicia's best preserved, with granite squares such as Praza da Leña, with arcaded houses and a cruceiro, Praza da Ferrería, Praza do Teucro and Praza de Méndez Núñez.
- The 18th-century church of the Virxe Peregrina, the Pilgrim Virgin, patron of the province, with a scallop-shaped floor plan, symbol of the Camino.
- The basilica of Santa María la Mayor, with its plateresque façade, built by the sailors' guild.
- The ruins of Santo Domingo, a Gothic convent housing part of the museum.
- The Pontevedra Museum, spread over several buildings, with archaeology, Galician art and the Caldas treasure.
- The medieval Ponte do Burgo over the Lérez, and the Illa das Esculturas park.
The Portuguese Way
Pontevedra is one of the main stages of the Portuguese Way to Santiago, about 60 km away. See the Way of St James.
Festivals and food
In August the city celebrates the Peregrina festivities and the Festa da Dorna, a regatta of traditional boats. In September the Feira Franca takes the city back to the Middle Ages. Specialities: mussels and seafood from the rías, octopus, empanada and Rías Baixas Albariño wine.
Around and getting there
The Rías Baixas: the island of A Toxa, Sanxenxo and its beaches, the village of Combarro with its hórreos by the sea, Cambados, capital of Albariño, and the islands of Ons and Cíes. Pontevedra has trains to Vigo, about half an hour away, and Santiago; the nearest airport is Vigo.