Pontevedra is one of the most popular stops on the Portuguese Way
Are you thinking about walking the Portuguese Way, or the Portuguese Coastal Way? If you are planning a tour on any of these routes of the Camino de Santiago, you will be able to discover really nice towns in Northern Spain and Portugal. Pontevedra is one of them.
With an approximate population of almost 85,000 inhabitants, Pontevedra is one of the main cities of Galicia region. It is also becoming a really popular tourist destination, not only because of the Camino de Santiago.
Pontevedra is known because of its pedestrian streets, its old quarter (which is really well preserved); also, because of the seven bridges that cross the Río Lérez (Lérez River). In fact, the name “Pontevedra” comes from the Latin expression “Pontem Veteram”, which means “old bridge”.
In this post we will suggest you what to do or what to visit in this wonderful city.
IGLESIA DE LA PEREGRINA
The Peregrina Church (church of the pilgrim), built in the 18th century, is devoted to the Virgin of the Pilgrims. According to tradition, the Virgin guides all pilgrims from Tui to Santiago, on the Portuguese Way.
Located in the heart of the city, the Peregrina Church amazes all walkers with its Baroque façade and all the references to the pilgrims.
Around the church, you will able to discover the main shopping streets of this town. Also, there are really nice squares around, from where you will be able to enjoy the views while having a drink.
MARKET OF PONTEVEDRA
This market, that has been operational since 1953, is a building with a great historical value. It is located very close to the Lérez River.
It has 2 floors: on the first floor, we will be able to see a wide selection of high quality fresh products, like fish and seafood (octopus, crabs, scallops, mackerels, sardines … etc) meats and flowers. On the second floor there are vegetables and fruits.
We strongly recommend all visitors to walk around this market, and become familiar with this colorful tradition.
OLD TOWN
The old town of Pontevedra, has been declared a Historic/Artistic place in 1951. It is one of the best preserved historical quarters of Galicia. You won’t see any cars, as it is focused on pedestrians. You will be able to walk and relax around its stone-made streets and squares.
There are a lot of small shops and markets around, and it is a really popular place to go out during the weekend.
We strongly recommend to walk around some of the main squares: Plaza de la Herrería, Plaza de la Verdura, the Plaza del Teucro, Plaza de la Leña … etc
The Plaza de la Verdura for example (Vegetable Square), is called like that because there used to be a vegetable market every morning on the 19th century.
ALAMEDA
La Alameda (boulevard), was open to the public at the beginning of the 20th century. It is located right in front of the City Hall, and there you will be able to see different kind of trees, like poplars or oaks.
Right in the middle, there is a music place and numerous benches where you can rest. It is a really peaceful place in the middle of the town, where you will be able to walk and relax through its gardens.
If you want more information about Pontevedra or the Portuguese Way, please do not hesitate to contact us here.