Well worth a visit if you are travelling in the Galicia region of north-western Spain, the city of Vigo is one of the biggest fishing ports in Europe and is situated in an attractive location on the Ria de Vigo just 20 kilometres north of the Portuguese border with Spain. Built on a former hill-fort and parts of an ancient Roman settlement Vigo did not really become established until the 15th century, its significance as a port was obviously recognised by Francis Drake as he felt it important enough to attack and occupy during the 16th century. Further attacks by Turks led to the building of city walls and defences by order of Felipe IV, parts of which can still be seen today. Although having the look of a modern industrial city, you can explore the old quarter and travel back in time, strolling through its narrow winding streets and lanes. Vigo Map.
May 13, 2010
November 17, 2009
Santiago de Compostela Galicia
One of the world’s Holy Cities, Santiago de Compostela, located in Spain’s Galicia region is a great city to visit, has some interesting historic buildings, and has a wonderful story to tell. Supposedly the burial place of St James the Apostle in AD44, it became a place of pilgrimage after the rediscovery of his remains by a religious hermit in the 9th century. The original Basilica built by Alfonso II, was replaced by the present cathedral during the 11th to 13th centuries. The cathedral and most of the historic buildings are gathered around the Praza do Obradoiro, and this is a good place to start a visit to the city. Other interesting places to visit in Santiago de Compostela include the Pazo de Raxoi, the Casa do Cabildo and the Museo da Catedral. The climate of the city is mixed, with the weather generally sunny and warm during the summer, but very rainy during the winter, with 1,900mm of rain annually it is one of Europe’s rainiest cities, the Galicia region is in fact one of the greenest in Spain.
September 6, 2009
Galicia North Western Spain
Spain’s most north-westerly region, Galicia is also its greenest, experiencing considerably more rainfall, and cooler temperatures than most of Spain. Galicia is still a poor region and most of its inhabitants are involved in either agriculture or fishing, with 3 of its 4 provinces having an Atlantic coastline. Visiting Galicia is like stepping back in time and many of its farm are too small for tractors, still using horses to pull ploughs and work the land. Its coastline is indented with fjord-like “rias” the best known example being the Rias Baixas (Lower Rias) in the south-west bordering Portugal. Galicia’s best known city is the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, built on the reputed site of the burial place of Saint James the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela is Europe’s second most important place of pilgrimage after Saint Peter’s Rome. The fishing industry is of very important for the region and the port and city of Vigo is the main supplier to Spain’s fish trade. Galicia weather is different from much of Spain with cooler summers and wetter winters, the coastal resorts are popular and the region has some excellent beaches. Galicia comprises 4 provinces, Ourense, A Coruña, Lugo and Pontevedra. Galicia Map.
Other interesting towns in Galicia include Betanzos, Mondonedo and Pontevedra.