What to see in Pontevedra: Taste of Rías Baixas

 

At the confluence of the Pontevedra estuary with the Lérez river lies Pontevedra. Of legendary origin and popularly known as the "Boa Vila", Pontevedra is a city with a marked maritime character that will make you fall in love. If you are wondering about what to see or do in Pontevedra, here are some tips.

Its elegant historic centre, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is one of the best preserved in all of Galicia. Getting lost in its urban centre is the best way to get to know the city and discover the secrets it hides. Its magnificent squares, such as Plaza del Teucro, Méndez Núñez or Plaza de las Cinco Calles are a faithful reflection of Pontevedra's history. Manor houses and other monuments of interest await you in their cobbled streets. Are you going to miss them? Discover Pontevedra with Renfe!

Pontevedra: Historical and cultural legacy

One of the most important points that you cannot miss on your visit to Pontevedra is the Plaza de la Peregrina. This square is one of the main attractions of the city and one of the most visited points by pilgrims and tourists.

The Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peregrina is found in the middle of Plaza de la Peregrina. It is undoubtedly the most important church in the city and also the most curious. This 1778 church, dedicated to the Virgin Peregrina, patron of the province, boasts a scallop-shaped chapel, welcoming many pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago. In a late Baroque style with a mixture of neoclassical touches, it is undoubtedly a unique building that will not leave you indifferent.

Of course, it is not the only religious building in the city. There are many others of equal interest or beauty that are worth a visit such as the Church of San Francisco, the Church of San Bartolomé, the Basilica of Santa María, or the old Convent of Santa Clara:

  • Church - convent of San Francisco: The first of all, the Church of San Francisco, perhaps one of the best known, was founded by Francis of Assisi when he passed through Pontevedra while on the Camino de Santiago.
  • Church of San Bartolomé: Imposing church of Italian Baroque architecture from the seventeenth century.
  • Basilica of Santa María la Mayor: Pontevedra doesn’t have a cathedral, as it falls under the Santiago de Compostela diocese, but if it did, it would be the stunning Basilica of Santa María de Mayor. The temple is mainly Gothic, although its façade is Renaissance.
  • Convent of Santa Clara: It is a cloistered convent from the fourteenth century. Inside it houses Baroque altarpieces worth admiring. The church can be visited throughout the year during worship hours.
  • Ruins of Santo Domingo: These magnificent ruins of a thirteenth-century Gothic church showcase a chancel with five polygonal apses and a side wall with a small doorway and rose window are preserved.

Pontevedra and its squares

Beyond the Plaza de la Peregrina, Pontevedra has a whole network of beautiful squares that are well worth a visit. Get lost in its streets, discover its corners and let yourself be carried away by its historical atmosphere:

  • Plaza de Herrería: It is one of the most emblematic squares in the city and one of the most visited. It is located right in front of the Church of San Francisco, and its arcades, where blacksmiths' shops were formerly located, stand out, hence its name!
  • Plaza de la Leña: It owes its name to the old firewood market that was held here. Currently, the area is surrounded by bars and has a very lively atmosphere.
  • Plaza de las Cinco Calles: If there is one thing that makes this square stand out, it is because it is home to the house where the playwright and poet Ramón del Valle-Inclán, one of the leaders of the Generation of '98, lived. In this square, the five main streets of Pontevedra also converge.
  • Plaza de la Pedreira: This square is home to the Mugartegui Palace, a Baroque-style palace with large arcades that was built in the eighteenth century.
  • Plaza de la Verdura: This square is part of the second extension of the wall made in the fourteenth century. All kinds of markets have been held here throughout its history until it became the venue for the daily vegetable market.

Plans in Pontevedra

The city, in addition to impressive tourist attractions, offers a very varied cultural and leisure agenda. You can enjoy a day of shopping in the many pedestrian and commercial areas, such as Michelena Street or Benito
Corbal, or enjoy its galleries and shopping centres. Treat yourself!

  • Visit the Museum of Pontevedra: It is the perfect place to learn about the history, archaeology and artistic heritage of the city. It is also considered one of the most important provincial museums in Spain and has one of the most valuable archives and libraries in Galicia.
  • Take a walk across the O Burgo Bridge: Although it does not retain its original appearance, this bridge built by Roman troops is one of the emblems of the city.
  • Enjoy the greenest area of Pontevedra: The Alameda and the Vicenti Gardens are one of the favourite areas of the people of Pontevedra for practising sports or taking a walk.

The surroundings of Pontevedra are also worth a visit. There are numerous hiking trails in the area and don't forget that the Camino de Santiago, specifically the Portuguese Way, crosses the city.

With this in mind, we must recommend that you take a walk along the Ría de Pontevedra. This area is one of the most beautiful in the Rías Baixas and it features authentic jewels like Monastery of Poio, or villages, such as Combarro. A unique experience that you will surely enjoy!

Treat yourself!

Pontevedra has a deep-rooted seafaring tradition, so fish and seafood are key to its gastronomy. The quality of its products is highly recognised. Oysters, mussels, cockles, lamprey, sea bass, "coruxo", grouper... all will give you a taste of the Atlantic. The local products are equally impressive, with its famous Galician beef and the variety of its horticultural products, making the gastronomy of Pontevedra an example of a rich, healthy and varied diet.

It is undoubtedly a good destination for wine lovers as well. Its wines, with Rías Baixas Designation of Origin, pair perfectly with the different dishes and put the perfect finishing touch to a good lunch or dinner.

How to get to Pontevedra?

If you are already thinking of organising your trip, Renfe recommends you take a look at our routes arriving at and departing from Pontevedra, so that you can enjoy a comfortable, fast and sustainable trip.