Vigo to Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela: Day trip

In the 1500s, Pontevedra was the capital of Galicia, and an important port. In fact, Christopher Columbus’ flagship was built here, and many locals believe Columbus was actually a Pontevedran nobleman who faked his own death and took on a new identity. Many of the city’s squares and and streets in are named after traditional trades, such as the ‘Praza da Leña’, or ‘firewood square’. Here visitors will find a classic ‘cruceiro’, elegant houses with granite arches, and the Pontevedra Museum. The 18th century Peregrina Chapel may not be the city’s oldest church, but this baroque church has an unusual rounded façade and is an important part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In a region famous for its seafood, it would a shame not to take a siesta and sample the mouth-watering offerings from a local eatery or the famous food market.

In the early 9th century, a hermit saw light shining over a forgotten Roman tomb, revealed to be that of the beloved St. James the Greater. A settlement sprung up around the site, and quickly became one of the most important pilgrimages in Christianity. In the 10th century, the Moors completely destroyed the city, which was completely rebuilt in the following century. The Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicist architecture. The 11th century cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and houses the Pórtico de la Gloria, a jewel of the medieval sculpture. Its Baroque western façade faces the square of Obradoiro, and is considered one of the world´s most beautiful urban areas. When you’re done with the Old Town’s winding streets and many monuments, be sure to treat yourself to Galicia’s most iconic dish: octopus!