8 Reasons to Visit Pontevedra
Part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, the Spanish city of Pontevedra has Roman origins, plenty of traditions and amazingly old buildings but it is also a vibrant city waiting to be discovered.
The city’s historical centre is now completely pedestrian, which means you can go for leisurely strolls in the most famous squares, like Plaza de la Verdura, Plaza da Leña and Plaza de la Herreria, which are filled with lively bars, restaurants and traditional shops.
See also What to do in Santiago de Compostela
Pontevedra is considered the Spanish capital of the Portuguese Camino because of its size and because of its numerous points of interest. The city’s connection to the Camino de Santiago and, therefore, to hospitality is also echoed in the Galician proverb that says “Pontevedra gives water to travellers”.
We’ve selected 8 great reasons to visit Pontevedra. Shall we explore it together?
Church of la Virgen Peregrina
This peculiar church, built in the 18th century, is dedicated to the Pilgrim Virgin, the patron saint of the city and of those who walk the Camino Portugués from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. With its floor shaped like a scallop and its Baroque façade it’s no wonder this is one of the most iconic buildings in Pontevedra.
Convent of San Francisco
This former home to Franciscan monks of the mendicant order was built in the 14th century and holds a few surprises. Make sure to check out the 16th and 18th century mural paintings and the Nazarene 19th century carving. This convent and church is also where you’ll find the grave of admiral and troubador Paio Gómez Chariño.
Museum of Pontevedra
This museum is actually composed of several buildings or edificios (Castro Monteagudo, Sarmiento, Fernández López and García Flórez) in the old city area. Permanent and temporary exhibitions, with free entrance, include an important collection of Roman and pre-Roman jewellery, archaeology and paintings (including one each by Miró, Dalí and Picasso), among other elements expressing the region’s rich heritage.
Basilica of Santa María a Maior
This imposing 16th century building is Pontevedra’s main church and one of the city’s finest examples of religious architecture, mixing Gothic, Plateresque and Portuguese styles. Inside the basilica you can find an impressive 19th century altarpiece made from chestnut and walnut wood.
Ruins of San Domingos
One of the oldest buildings in the city these ruins, owned by the Museo de Pontevedra, are part of the Camino de Santiago. This Dominican church and convent was founded in the 13th century and is considered a unique example of Gothic architecture in the region of Galicia. Until its partial demolition around the mid-19th century the building also served as an asylum, a kindergarten and a women’s prison.
Church of San Bartolomé
Considered one of the best examples of Galician Baroque this church is famous for its six towering columns on the façade. Worth noting, inside, the various religious sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. The building next to it, Edificio Sarmiento was once the headquarters of the Jesuit college and is now part of the Pontevedra Museum.
The market and the bridges
Visiting the market of Pontevedra is an experience in itself. Indulge in the smells, colours and textures of the products on display and consider having a meal in the food court on the first floor, where you can actually have your food prepared with the produce you buy on the ground floor. Of all the bridges in Pontevedra one stands out for its historical importance. The Roman bridge, from which the city derives its name (Ponte Vetera, meaning “old bridge”), is part of the Portuguese Camino. Known as Ponte do Burgo it is still in use today.
Local food and wine
Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow your travel will end. Well, not necessarily, but while in Pontevedra do take the time to enjoy the local flavours. Seafood plays an important role in all of Galicia, with highlights on scallops, mussels, merluza a la gallega (hake with a garlic and olive oil sauce) and pulpo a la gallega, aka, pulpo a feira (octopus with olive oil and smoked paprika). Also important are Tetilla cheese, Padrón peppers (usually served as tapas), empanadas (savoury pies), caldo gallego (a hearty soup with vegetables and sausage) and tarta de Santiago (a dense pie made with almond meal). Wash it all down with Albariño white wine and, if you’re feeling brave, top it off with some orujo (a kind of very strong liqueur). Orujo is also used to make the famous queimada gallega, a unique drink that is set alight after an incantation is recited.