Things to do in Pontevedra
Pontevedra’s Old Town – Narrow, demure yet extraordinarily charismatic. The city of Pontevedra on Galicia’s ‘Costa de Mariscos’ – ‘Seafood Coast’ – is the kind of town that once you have visited you endeavour to return.
This interesting Galician city is situated on its own bay and is bisected by the Lerez River.
Similar to many Spanish cities, Pontevedra’s magnetism lies within its old town. As the modern shops, cafes and buildings give way to the almost crumbling vestiges of the “San Domingos” church opposite the starkly contrasting “Pazo do Concello”, Pontevedra’s lavish granite and dazzlingly whitewashed town hall, you begin to suspect that you have arrived at somewhere rather special.
Here’s some things you must do whilst in Pontevedra.
Teatro Principal
As you wind your way deeper into Pontevedra’s old town, wondrous architectural surprises seem to meet you around every corner. The “Teatro Principal”, Pontevedra’s main theatre, is one such pleasurable find, an impressive building with a grand entrance fronted with stately stone steps.
Nazarene Chapel
Meandering further down the subdued and narrow alleyway you would be forgiven if you missed the small and inconspicuous “Nazarene Chapel”. Whilst subtle in its appearance, this ancient chapel boasts a fascinating history, which dates back to the Middle Ages, when nuns lived in chapel leaving its walls only when they were dead, hence why the chapel is commonly referred to as the “immured woman”.
Basilica of Santa Maria
There are many architectural and cultural delights to see and explore as you navigate through Pontevedra’s Old Town’s narrow and demure alleyways and streets, but what particularly stands out for its sheer magnificence is the
Basilica of Santa Maria. Widely considered to be one of the ‘jewels of Galician Gothic architecture’, this 16th century church is a fine example of the pride this culturally autonomous region of Spain takes in preserving its history and heritage.
This splendid Gothic church was built by the Pontrevedra’s Seafarer’s Guild. Its unique design is sculptured in the style of an altarpiece, with several markedly ornate yet distinct sections. Basilica of Santa Maria’s altarpiece is made from the wood of walnut and chestnut trees, an affectionate reminder of the dense woodlands that surround the city of Pontevedra.
Wining and dining in Pontevedra Old Town
With squares surrounded by bustling Spanish bars, with drinks and tapas being served unpretentiously on often rickety tables and chairs, eating out in Pontevedra’s Old Town is one of this city’s many pleasures. Restaurants and bars are often very busy in Pontevedra’s Old Town, particularly at the weekend and during high season. Yet jostling for a seat in this atmospheric, unpretentious and charismatic city, is part of Pontevedra’s special and inimitable appeal.
You can find the luxury villa in Galicia, Eirados, just 15 minutes drive from Pontevedra, and we think it’s just as special!