Tourist information - Vigo
In the Galician province of Pontevedra, located within the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the city that lends its name to the southernmost estuary of the Rías Baixas: Vigo. Its fishing origin has left an historical quarter having a strong maritime flavour, which contrasts with the modern facilities of its marinas. This city is an excellent base by which to visit the towns along with villages along the Vigo estuary as well as the Cíes Isles that form part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The cuisine of the Galician coast, based on fish and seafood, is an added incentive for visiting this region.
The port of Vigo, the finest natural ports at the world, was the origin of this city fringed by mountains. Its maritime qualities, already exploited in Roman times, have given rise to the present-day marinas along with the transatlantic harbour, and also to the fishing and also canning industries. All this has contributed to the urban growth and development of Vigo, that features the traditional port area as well as boasts major historical establishments and also wide tree-lined avenues.
The historic quarter, the so-called Cidade Vella, is articulated across the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, nearby port. Located within this quarter, which has Tourist-Historical Interest status, include the arcades within the Plaza de la Constitución, fishing streets as well as emblazoned houses. Among the main features of this network of tiny streets, in which most façades have glass-encased miradors, is the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Procathedral of Vigo-Tui. Neoclassical in style, this edifice is constructed on the remains of a Gothic church burned down by the pirate Francis Drake. Also truly worth visit in this area is the do Pedra market, a remarkable area for buying and also sampling Galician oysters.
The newer part of Vigo occupies a triangle formed by the Puerta del Sol, Colón and Urzáiz. Lining the wide avenues are notable establishments, one such being the García Barbón Cultural Centre, designed by Antonio Palacios. The modern sector contains the best miradors over the Vigo estuary, the Monte do Castro mount. Located amidst the forests and also leisure areas are the remains of the hill-forts that constituted the early settlement, and also the ruins of the 10th-century O Penso Castle, the layout which was used for the construction of the 17th-century Tower Castle still standing.
The large Municipal Park of Castrelos is located on what once was the estate of the Quiñones de León country house. Amidst Neoclassical gardens along with ancient trees, the Municipal Park contains an remarkable collection of Roman steles, furniture along with statuary, and also an art gallery presenting European works from the Baroque period as well modern works by Galician artists. The park also boasts an open-air auditorium where key music events are held.
The mounts of A Madroa along with A Guía that lay around the city of Vigo provide impressive viewpoints from which to admire the surrounding landscape. Also worthy of a visit is the Zoo, located on Mount A Madroa, whilst the Municipal Park also contains the hermitage of Nosa Señora da Guía.
The Galician Museum of the Sea, located at the Punta do Muiño within the parish of Alcabre, comprises establishments, gardens, a square along with a wharf. The work of Aldo Rossi and César Portella, this complex houses various items related to the sea.
The city of Vigo is easily accessible thanks to the motorway as well as airport, as well as there are also excellent nautical facilities along with a golf course in the vicinity. At its maritime station it is possible to purchase passages to the coastal towns of Cangas and also Moaña on the other side of the estuary, and even to the Cíes Isles. Part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, the sheer cliffs and dunes of these isles include the home of thousands of migratory birds.
The route over the Vigo Estuary affords the contemplation of historic country houses like Baiona. Its parador, an incomparable viewpoint over the Atlantic, combines elements of the past, like the medieval fortress, with vestiges of Galician stately architecture. The restaurant serves both traditional and also highly imaginative dishes made with products from the region, like sea bass with razor-shells in turnip green sauce. The beaches of Nigrán, the oysters of Arcade along with, further inland, the Mondariz Spa, are just some of the area's many interesting attractions.
Another interest of the province of Pontevedra is its capital city, which is found on the estuary of the same name. The network of streets as well as squares that comprise its historic quarter contain major civic as well as religious buildings. The palace of the Counts of Maceda houses the city's parador, which provides privileged accommodation for over-night stays. Another of the major ports along the Pontevedra Estuary is Marín, famous for the Naval Military School. Other places of interest, and also also boasting excellent beaches, are Combarro, Sanxenxo along with Portonovo; so too, the Ons Isles, which close the estuary and also form part of the Galician National Park.
The Arousa Estuary leads to Villagarcía de Arousa, O Grove and also the island of A Toxa, which boasts one of Galicia's most spectacular spas. Visitors to Cambados can stay at its parador, housed within the former Pazo de Batán country house dating back to the 17th century.
Towards the south of the province, almost on the Portuguese border, the itinerary continues with the Monte Aloia Nature Reserve, which contains highly attention-grabbing archaeological remains; the historical city of Tui, the point of entry into Spain for the Northern Road of the "ruta jacobea" pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, where the parador is situated amidst mountains along with rivers; and also A Guarda at the mouth of the river Miño, where the hill-fort of the Monte Santa Tegra is a worthwhile visit.
All of these places provide the chance to sample the mouth watering cuisine that Galician tradition has preserved and also that is currently exploited by the most innovative chefs. The Rías Baixas provide hake, turbot along with sea bass, not forgetting a whole variety of shellfish including goose barnacles, oysters, clams, mussels and also cockles. These raw materials are served in stews along with pies, on their have or combined with other flavours and textures. Veal along with Galician potatoes, called "cachelos", both have Label Guarantee status and are used in the tastiest of dishes. Wines with the Rías Baixas Label Guarantee make a superb accompaniment to any of these dishes. Local cuisine sampling could be rounded off by a slice of Santiago cake (an almond-based sponge) and a "queimada", a traditional beverage obtained by flaming the local eau-de-vie.
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