The North West of Spain has a lot to offer ! The coasts of the Galician community have had a rich and eventful history. Unlike the rest of the country, it was little marked by Muslim domination. It is mainly the Roman and Christian vestiges that constitute the historical heritage of this region. Galicia is also known worldwide thanks to the city of Santiago de Compostela, a high-place of Catholic pilgrimage that has received many visitors for centuries. Coastal cities also attract many holidaymakers, seduced by their remarkable heritage and idyllic beaches.
First compulsory stage : La Coruña, the most important city of Galicia. The city center of this ancient Roman city is situated on a peninsula on the Atlantic coast. It is connected to the mainland by an isthmus, on one side of which is a historic port and, on the other, shining beaches. The lighthouse monument of the city is, without much surprise, the Roman lighthouse of the 1st century, called Tower of Hercules. It would be the oldest lighthouse still in the world. Legend has it that Hercules buried at his feet the head of Geryon, a giant of Greek mythology. La Coruña has its own heroine, the brave María Pita, who saved the city of the English in 1589. The city pays homage to him in the Plaza de María Pita where a statue in his effigy stands in front of the town hall. This charming square, lined with period buildings, is a central point in the city where you can enjoy the many cafés and restaurants that are located there. Sweet lovers will find happiness at "Sweet Place", which offers only pastries, as beautiful as greedy. Colorful cupcakes, layered cakes, fondant brownies with raspberry or white chocolate chips... you will be spoiled for choice !
Passionate about art and history, you will not miss Pontevedra. This city with a long maritime tradition has a very picturesque historical heart : small cobbled streets and a multitude of nicely decorated squares. Its religious architecture is particularly astonishing. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a true jewel of Galician art, was built in the 14th century by the powerful brotherhood of fishermen. A mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, this site is a must when staying in the city. Also worth noting is the baroque church of the Madonna Pelerina, an edifice intended to guide pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Since the beginning of its construction in 1778, it has become one of the symbolic monuments of Pontevedra. The city is also crossed by the Lerez river, a large Galician river, which explains in large part its commercial power. It is on this that she built seven bridges among which stand out the millenary Puente del Burgo, built by the Romans, and the very modern Puente de las Corrientes that lights up every night.
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