Pontevedra

About

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.