THE CITY OF VIGO

The city of Vigo is a great place to visit, where you can admire wonderful natural spaces and the most curious and interesting sculptures, all of which are included in the city's tourist map. With magnificent buildings ranging from the oldest to the most contemporary designs, a historical and religious architecture that can be observed on a stroll through the streets of Vigo. Its best known natural space is the Cíes Islands, where you can find wonderful beaches that are perfect for a good summer day in Vigo.

Vigo is a city and municipality in the province of Pontevedra belonging to the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. This city is located northeast-southwest on the southern shore of the homonymous estuary, at the base of Mount Castro. The climate in this place is considered oceanic with dry summers, characterized by having a dry season and very high temperatures in the warmest months. This city is the third rainiest in Europe each year. In its history, Vigo has been a tourist, industrial, and service city, with its main source of income being the industrial sector, but also tourism contributes to its economy, as there are numerous beaches, cultural activities, historical and religious centers that attract visitors.

In this city, there are numerous tourist sites reflecting its culture and past. In the tourist center of the city, there are important architectural works, religious, historical, and political temples, including the majestic Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo, the Church of San Salvador de Corujo, the Church of Santa María de Castrelos. Among its civil architecture, the Casa do Patin stands out, as well as the Pazo de Castrelos where the headquarters of the Quiñones de León Museum is located. Its urban center is full of streets, avenues, and squares where you can experience cultural exchange with locals, and natural spaces like the different beaches provide fantastic entertainment.

If you want to explore the city sustainably by bike, visit: bikingvigo.com.

ISLAS CÍES

Belonging to the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, declared in 2002, the Cíes Islands had already been declared a Natural Park in 1980. But undoubtedly, despite the importance achieved in Galicia, the greatest recognition has come in the 21st century: in February 2007 the British newspaper The Guardian was seduced by the crystal clear and calm waters, the fine golden sand, and the suggestive half-moon shape of the beach of Rodas to choose it as "the best beach in the world." They were a refuge for pirates in the past, but are currently uninhabited. They are only open to the public in summer, and access to the Cíes Islands is only possible by boat. This is how this natural paradise is preserved. From the lighthouse, one can have an incredible experience: the cacophony of the largest colony of seagulls in Europe with the cliffs at their feet. The fauna and flora richness of this archipelago (there are more than 200 types of algae), and the spectacularity of its cliffs and dune landscapes, constitute a natural heritage of great value, although we must all participate in its conservation.

A GUARDA

The Citania of Monte de Santa Trega is one of the best-preserved citadels in Galicia, housing a reliable reconstruction of a castro house. It dates back to the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, with a privileged view over the rivers and valleys that surround it.

The circular houses with a courtyard are grouped in neighborhoods of eight houses and paved streets, with a canalization system. It is a Galician-Roman settlement, located at 200 meters above sea level, where remains from the Bronze Age and the Galician-Roman culture have been found.

This settlement, the museum, and its collection were declared National Historical-Artistic Monuments in 1931 and 1962, respectively.

It has also been declared a Cultural Interest Site. The Archaeological Museum of Santa Trega, designed by Antonio Palacios, presents an architecture inspired by its geographical environment and supported by the characteristics of past Galician architecture and traditional houses.

BAIONA

Baiona was the first town to learn about the Discovery of America, after the arrival of the Caravel Pinta at its port, which is celebrated in March with the Feast of the Arrival.

The Historic-Artistic Ensemble of Baiona is located in the center of the municipality and occupies an almost closed circle. It has three entrances: through Santa Liberata square, through Padre Fernando square, and from the Trinity stone cross.

The cobbled streets of this ensemble display numerous stately mansions. Castle of Monte Real from the 10th century, an impressive building located in a strategic area, on a hill located in a beautiful landscape.

Its structure clearly shows two times: the medieval period and the Renaissance to the 18th century. Currently it houses the National Tourism Parador Conde de Gondomar.

SOUTOMAIOR

Soutomaior Castle, the exact date of its construction is unknown, but its foundation must be linked to Don Méndez Sorrede, who lived in the times of Alfonso VII (1126-1157) and Don Fernando de León (1157-1188), and who was the first to use the surname Sotomayor.

Soutomaior Castle is one of the best preserved in all of Galicia and perhaps the most well-known.

In 1982, the castle passed into the hands of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, which commissioned a team of experts to restore the whole set.

In its gardens, we can find a very unique botanical collection made up of hydrangeas, camellias, and chestnut trees that are over 800 years old.

PONTEVEDRA

Pontevedra is a noble town where we can find various unique buildings that represent the city's history.

The historic center of the city is located within the walled enclosure. The old town must be discovered by walking, paying attention to the names of the streets and to unique spaces between popular and aristocratic houses.

Monuments such as: the ruins of the Convent of Santo Domingo (13th century), which is part of the Provincial Museum, whose external skeleton houses some archaeological pieces; the convent churches of San Francisco (13th-14th centuries), Santa Clara and San Bartolomé; the Church of La Peregrina, with a chapel from 1778, a jewel of the Baroque style, related to the Portuguese path to Santiago de Compostela or the Convent of Santa Clara and San Francisco from the mid-14th century. Squares like Herrería, Leña, Teucro, Verdura, Mugartegui or Pedreira, Cinco Calles. Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, from the 14th century, where the Plateresque facade stands out, of excellent carving commissioned by the ancient Guild of Sailors in the 15th century.

More information at: turismoriasbaixas.com