De ruta por la ciudad de Pontevedra
Si dispones de tiempo libre te proponemos un tranquilo y didáctico recorrido a pie por el magnífico entorno del Hotel HHB Pontevedra Confort.
Vamos a visitar el casco urbano de Pontevedra con diez + una paradas para descubrir y conocer algo más del interesante patrimonio que posee esta hermosa ciudad.
Churchs and Convents
La Basílica de Santa María la Mayor (basilica)
Although it isn’t a cathedral, it’s the most spectacular temple in Pontevedra. In Gothic and Renaissance style, it was built by the Gremio de Mareantes (Mariners’ Guild) in the 15th century.
Its Plateresque style façade dates back to the 16th century and was created by Cornelis de Holanda and Joao Noble.
Of special interest are the crucifixes of Cristo del Desenclavo from the 15th century and Cristo de los Mariñeiros from the 18th century.
This basilica was declared a Historical Artistic Monument in 1931.
La Iglesia de la Peregrina (church)
Built in the 18th century, it has a shell-shaped floor and a Baroque façade.
It houses a picture of the Pilgrim Virgin and also a valuable Neoclassic style altarpiece by Melchor de Prado.
La Iglesia de San Bartolomé (church)
In Baroque style, it was built by the Jesuit Order between 1696 and 1714.
The paintings, sculptures and frescos inside were done by artists from two prestigious schools: the compostela and the castellana.
Its chapel houses a venerated image of the city’s patron saint, the Virgen de la O.
La Iglesia de San Francisco (church)
It was built in the 14th century by the Franciscan Order.
A main feature is the spectacular sculpture of the Penitent from the 19th century and murals situated on the left side of the church, which were painted between the 16th and 18th centuries.
El Convento de Santa Clara (Convent)
It is in Gothic style and was founded in the 14th century. It was built outside the town, on the Camino de Castella and next to the Puerta de Santa Clara.
Squares
La Plaza de Teucros (Teucer’s square)
Situated in the old quarter, it mainly consists of patriarchal houses and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries, belonging to the nobles of the time, such as the Palacio del Marqués de Aranda (Palace of the Marquis of Aranda), those of the Gagos and Montenegros, as well as the Pazo de San Román manor house.
On the surrounding streets there are many bars for enjoying tapas and wines, a healthy and deeply-rooted custom in the city.
La Plaza de la Herrería (Blacksmith’s square)
This is the real epicentre of the city. This square is adjoined to Plaza de Orense and Plaza de Estrella squares, and the Gardens of Castro San Pedro forming a pleasant space for walking around and enjoying a drink or meal.
In the centre there is the famous Fuente de la Herrería fountain, created in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1930. It is in the style of a Portuguese fountain.
This square is also home to the Casa de los Barbeitos house which will attract your attention thanks to the number of faces you’ll see on its façade.
La Plaza de la Leña (Wood square)
In the old days, wood was sold here and this is where the name comes from. A main feature is the 15th century cross. It is a popular area for tapas.
La Plaza de la Verdura (Vegetable square)
So named because since time immemorial the vegetable market has been held here, which takes place every day of the week except Sundays and bank holidays.
The square has an arcade with various bars and taverns offering magnificent tapas.
This marketplace also houses an old lighting factory, which has supplied the city with light since 1888.
Pazos
El Pazo da Cultura
This is the name given to the city’s Conference and Exhibition Centre, built by the architect Manuel de las Casas and opened in 1997.
It is surrounded by gardens which welcome visitors into a carefully tended natural atmosphere.
The Auditorium has room for 772 people. It also contains an exhibition hall and conference hall.
El Pazo da Diputación
Created by the architect Alejandro Rodríguez Sesmeros, it was built at the end of the 19th century and is eclectic in style.
Other sites of interest
El Museo Municipal (municipal museum)
It is located at calle Sarmiento, 51. More specifically, it is situated in the Edificio Sarmiento, which was the old headquarters of the Jesuits before they were expelled from Spain in 1767.
Main features of its architecture include the cloister and the impressive staircase built in the year 1722.
The museum houses a valuable collection of gold and silver articles from the Castro era, where the treasure of Caldas shines with its own light.
It also contains a naval history museum and a collection of ancient cartography, porcelain, collections of gold articles, watches and other prehistoric remains.
La Alameda
It is currently the building used as the seat for the Council, situated next to the famous Jardines de Vicenti gardens.
The Island of Sculptures or Illa da Xunqueira
This is an impressive sculptural creation consisting of 12 pieces, 12 large sculptures, situated on the river Lérez.
El Parque de la Familia
It is next to Pontevedra Ria and is the place where prestigious and traditional canoeing championships are watched.
It has a river swimming pool and various paths marked out for trekking.
It is the perfect place for enjoying a beautiful sunset or taking a photo as a souvenir of the urban landscape.
Three Tourist Information Offices
If you need more information on the city you can go to either of the two Municipal Tourist Information Offices, one of which is situated on the Gran Vía de Montero Ríos and the other on Praza de Ourense.
Also, if you’re interested in travelling around the Galician community, there is a Local Government Tourist Information Office, situated at Rúa do Xeneral Gutiérrez Mellado 3, bajo.
