We settled into a very pleasant hotel in the newer part of Pontevedra and then set out to explore Pontevedra old town.
Read more: Pontevedra Old TownA brief history
The origins of Pontevedra date back perhaps to pre-Roman times, which means people have lived here for over 2,000 years. The origins of the name are contentious, but it seems to refer to an old bridge over the river Lerez.
Pontevedra developed into an important and prosperous trading town in the 12th-15th centuries, and by the end of the time it was the second largest port in Galicia. But the river started silting up, and the development of Spanish nationalism under Isabella and Ferdinand also affected Galicia adversely.1
Pontevedra would of course have been walled, but only small sections remain today. The walls were extended three times as the city developed. The gates were the Basilica, Santa Domingo, Trabancos (Plaza de Ferreria, later post), and Santa Clara (outside the walls). There was also a gate at the old bridge.
Today Pontevedra feels like a well-balance and ‘integrated’ town. The old and new towns work well together. The historic centre is pedestrianised, spotlessly clean, and an interesting mix of homes, shops, endless cafes and monuments. There is always something to see in the narrow streets and many little squares, and the good quality of life here has been recognised by many awards.
Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor
The first walled enclosure included the Church of Santa Maria. The Basilica dates from the 16th century when the Guild of Mariantes (Fishermen) initiated its construction.2
The Blessed Daniel “was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI along with another 497 martyrs of the twentieth century in Spain.”3 Daniel Mora Nine (1908-1936) was born in Pontevedra and ordained into the Carmelite order in 1933, in Toledo. There, Daniel and six members six fellow priests were murdered. The Republicans targeted and murdered in the most dreadful ways hundreds of ordained and religious people during the Civil War.
Around the Basilica
We visited the Basilica on our first day in the town, and so took things slowly. But as we walked round we noticed details which will appear in later posts!
It was our first day in Pontevedra old town and we quickly realised there was a lot to understand, and much exploring to be done!