From Vigo, we drove north towards Santiago de Compostela. We stopped in Pontevedra for a quick tour and lunch. You can see the main sights in a 2-hour walk around town. Pick up a map at the TI.
Pontevedra is a small town with a population of roughly 80,000. Columbus' Santa Maria was built here.
We parked at the free lot on Avenida General Antero Rubín, 14 and started our walk at the Convento de San Francisco. It was founded in the middle of the 13th century and the only thing that remains from that time is the facade.
See the Shrine of the Virgen Peregrina nearby. She is the patron saint of the Portuguese Pilgrimage Route to Santiago.
Find the Monument to the parrot Ravachol. The parrot was named after a French anarchist. The parrot actively participated in intellectual meetings, organized by the local pharmacist. The parrot passed away during Carnival in 1913 and every year since, the "burial" of the parrot marks the end of the Carnival season in Pontevedra.
Walk down the Alameda (the old Dominican Gardens) to see the cross.
Admire the Monument to the Heroes of Ponte Sampiano, which celebrates the Spanish victory over the French in the battle of Ponte Sampiano in 1809. The central figure symbolizes the motherland Galicia as she rallies the troops.
Nearby are the Ruins of Santo Domingo, which date back to the 14th century.
See the City Hall
Behind City Hall, find El Fiel Contraste. He represents a medieval government employee who keeps track of weights and measures by using a balance.
Find one of 4 remaining iron fountains that date to the 19th century. This one is located near the Mendoza Mansion (now a TI for the Rias Baixas)..
See the Real Basilica Menor de Santa Maria la Mayor. This basilica highlights the richness and importance of the seafarer's guild in the 16th century.
Finally, visit the Parador de Pontevedra, the first parador in Galicia.
2021 09 11
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