Pontevedra

Pontevedra is a city in northwestern Spain. Pontevedra is located in the eponymous province of Pontevedra, within the Autonomous Region of Galicia and named after the city of Ría de Pontevedra on the Atlantic Ocean. Pontevedra has 82 934 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2013) and is since 1833 a province.

Geographical Description

Pontevedra is divided into 18 parroquias. The city of Pontevedra lies deep in an estuary, the Ria de Pontevedra, at the mouth of the river Lérez. The their upstream sandbars protect the city from the ravages of the sea, which influenced both the city itself and its inhabitants.

Pontevedra is located in the center of the Rías Baixas. Only a few kilometers away there is the lake Castiñeiras the viewpoint Couto Redondo, the beaches of Sanxenxo and Morrazo Peninsula, the fishing village or the island Combarro A Toxa.

In the district there are four mountain areas. They are formed by two geographical lines, which converge toward the capital. The first is a valley that extends from Carballo to Tui and the transport axis Westgaliciens forms. The second well is the river bed for the Lérez. This district extends deepest, situated in the country- interior point of the Ría, whose name it bears too. He occupies the river valleys of the Lérez and Tomeza and bordered to the south, in Ponte Sampaio, at the mouth of the river Verdugo.

The water-rich river Lérez is the main river of the region. The tides of the sea also have an effect on his mouth, what was the reason for establishment of the harbor, around which later developed the town.

Throughout the year, rainfall is moderate and pleasant temperatures.

History

According to legend, Pontevedra was of Teucer, a Greek hero of the Trojan War, founded around 1200 BC. History shows, however, is the presence of the Romans, so that it can be assumed that the city evolved from a Roman settlement. The Romans called the settlement Ad Duos Pontes (For the two bridges) and later Pontis Veteris (Old Bridge ), which developed Pontevedra.

A proof that Pontevedra has been inhabited since the early Paleolithic era, are the axes found on the terraces of the river. There was a culture of Castro ( fixed assets), such as show the remains found at the excavation sites Mouronte and Salcedo. There were also found bronze fishhooks and stones that were used for fishing. The deep-rooted with the city symbol of Pontevedra is the Greek architect Teucer attributed Roman bridge. This is supposed to be traveled to the Trojan War to the west, to found the town. However, it was the Romans who built the predecessor of today's bridge over the Burgo Lérez and the Roman Vila Turoqua founded on the Roman road XIX.

In the 12th century, under the reign of Fernando II, the city will be the first time under its present name in a document of the monastery Poio - Pontem Vetris - mentioned. This name refers to the ancient Roman bridge. Over time more bridges built over the Lérez. The creation of these transport links among the conditions for the growth and area expansion of the city.

During the 14th century new privileges strengthened the suburb of Pontevedra. These mainly related to port activities as well as fishing. The sardine fishery is the most important economic mainstay: their catch, the sale of fresh fish inland, salting, smoking, and the export by sea. This Pontevedra became the most important port in Galicia.

The highest economic and social flowering experienced Pontevedra during the 16th century, especially through its Atlantic routes for the strategic location and social peace. In stark contrast, the crisis of the city is during the 17th, 18th and 19th century. During this time, the port lost its importance, climate-related disasters studied Galicia during this era home, and the bourgeoisie invested his capital rather be in safer assets. After two centuries of decadence and crisis Pontevedra experienced since the mid-19th century a new stage of economic and demographic boom.

Attractions

The center of Pontevedra is the three places surrounded Plaza Ferrería. The name comes from the iron forges, going about a long time ago under the colonnades of their work. Along with the famous fountain Ferrería and the convent of San Francisco, they form a characteristic of the city complex. The Basilica of Santa Maria with her Plateresco facade illustrates the power of the fishing community and the Merchant Shipping Association ( Gremio de Mareantes ), which concentrated particularly in the suburbs Moureira.

Pontevedra as the capital of the Portuguese Way of St. James was also a compulsory stage destination for millions of pilgrims who refreshed themselves at the well Ferrería. The Virxe Peregrina ( virginal pilgrim ) symbolizes the close connection of the city with the James cult. The church of the patron saint of the city is an original design of the late 18th century. Her style is a blend of Baroque and Neoclassicism with significantly Portuguese influence. She has a round, resembling a scallop shell outline.

Art lovers may enjoy a visit to the provincial museum. It includes five buildings and houses a valuable collection of Celtic jewelery and utensils of the Neolithic as a painting and amber collection. Other notable monuments are the church of San Bartolomeo, the Monastery of Santa Clara, the San Francisco Monastery and the ruins of San Domingos Church. In the outskirts of the town is the Benedictine monastery Lérez whose cloister is from the 16th century to the still part. His neo-classical church with a Baroque facade dates from the 18th century. Regarding the courtly architecture Pazos (nobility parent companies ) are worth mentioning. Recommended is a visit to the Casa del Barón (former Pazo de Maceda ), which is a National Parador is today and is open to visitors. More Pazos are Gandarón and miradores in Salcedo, the Pazo Lourizán, the Pazo Pedreira in Campañó and the manor house of Santa Maria in Xeve emphasized.

Leisure activities

Pontevedra offers a variety of possibilities for active holidays, such as hiking the Camino de Santiago or on paths between the Rías, starting from the bridge Sampaio to the city. Canoeists, rowers and cyclists will find excellent conditions to pursue their sport.

Festivals and Events

Pontevedra is a city with deep-rooted traditions. His special feasts which the Maios, a festival in early spring, and the burial of the Loro Ravachol heard ( parrot), a spectacle to the end of the carnival, in which the popular mascot is honored that in his Lord, Don Perfecto Feijoo, the visits his pharmacy announced. On this day and on this occasion gather there many residents of Pontevedra with their pets.

The festival in honor of the pilgrim in August is celebrated, among other things with bullfights in the only arena in Galicia. The city is still a venue for cultural events such as the International Art Biennale. In addition to the Teatro Principal theater performances and classical concerts are held, organized by the Philharmonic Society.

The parishes also celebrate their festivals. The following are particularly noteworthy:

  • March 8 is the Caldo - hard (typical Galician stew) in Mourente.
  • July 11 is the day San Bieitiño de Lérez.
  • On September 29 and 30 as on 1st October Marcón celebrates the day of Saint Michael.
  • The. September. Feira Franca
  • November 11 is the feast in honor of San Martino in Salcedo and
  • November 30, takes place in Xeve and Lourizán the festival held in honor of Saint Andrew.

On the 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd of each month is market day in Pontevedra. In October, the construction fair, the Tourism Fair and the Expovoda take place. The cattle market and an exhibition and sale of agricultural machinery and products will be held on 1st and 15th of each month.

Sons and daughters of the town

  • Jorge Castillo, Spanish artist
  • Diego Castro, Spanish footballer
  • Pablo Couñago, Spanish footballer
  • Lourdes Domínguez Lino, Spanish tennis player
  • Pedro de Mariáo Lobera, chronicler of the Kingdom of Chile (1528-1594)
  • Celso Miguez ( b. 1983 ), Spanish racing driver
  • Francisco Millán Mon ( b. 1955 ), Spanish politician and diplomat
  • Oscar Pereiro, Spanish cyclist
  • Marcos Serrano, Spanish cyclist
  • Manuel Quiroga Losada, Spanish violinist
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