In the northern Spain, in a region of fluctuating beauty that offers wild and austere nature, charming cities and towns where time seems to stand still. Santiago is undoubtedly the most popular city in the region, but perhaps not the most beautiful. But one that is definitely worth visiting is the lesser known Pontevedra, a city that has developed around the sea and its activities since the time of Roman rule. A labyrinth of cobbled streets and beautiful porticoed squares with small bars to relax and watch the world go by.
HIS MAGIC
Pontevedra is a city where it is very pleasant to walk aimlessly, until you reach, for example, the Pilgrim’s Sanctuary and its charming baroque-style façade built in the 18th century by the architect Antonio Souto. Nearby is the Plaza Ferrería, one of the most popular meeting places in the city.
Its main square is called Plaza de España and is where the Town Hall is located. It is in the old part of the city where La Alameda begins, a spectacular promenade that runs along some beautiful buildings, such as the medieval convent of Santo Domingo, so beautiful that it has been converted into a national monument.
The Provincial Museum of Pontevedra, with its collection of Spanish paintings, became the most important in Galicia and is definitely worth a visit.
After a stop in one of the many bars in the city, to drink a beer or maybe a glass of Albariño, the walk can continue getting lost in the maze of narrow streets , many of which testify with their names, the origin of the guilds that in the past carried out their trade in the area.
YOUR GASTRONOMY
Pontevedra, as has been said, is a city that has a strong link with the sea. And this link is also told by the gastronomy, based mainly on the always fresh fish and seafood, whose flavor is world famous .
The Atlantic Islands Natural Park and Mount Aloia are two protected areas rich in flora and fauna of special ecological importance. All this, together with its picturesque coastline, make this city an ideal setting for those who want to go hiking.
Along the coast, also small fishing villages devoid of that “prefabricated” atmosphere for tourists; they are real towns of real sailors and the air that is breathed in them is also worth a visit.
