Pontevedra: Old Town, culture and river paths

Protected old-town heritage, religious buildings, Feira Franca, Mercado de Abastos and named river paths offer different points of interest. The topics that matter to you can also help you choose your travel dates, especially if you plan to attend the annual Feira Franca.

Old Town and cultural heritage

The old town of Pontevedra was designated a Historic-Artistic Ensemble and placed under protection on 23 February 1951. One striking building is the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina: the sanctuary dates from the late 18th century, its floor plan is shaped like a scallop shell, and it is associated with the Camino Portugués a Santiago. Architectural form and pilgrim connections come together here in a religious building.

The Ruínas de Santo Domingo preserve the remains of a Dominican church and monastery dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The dates of the buildings mentioned therefore span from the monastic remains to the late-18th-century sanctuary. The permanent exhibitions at the Museo de Pontevedra display archaeological collections from prehistory and antiquity, Sargadelos faience, ceramics from Pontecesures, and contemporary Spanish and Asian and Oriental art.

Feira Franca and Mercado de Abastos

The Feira Franca takes place every year on the first weekend of September in Pontevedra’s monumental district. The festival includes a medieval tournament and demonstrations of falconry, archery and fencing. If you are planning your travel dates around it, check the exact event dates for the year in question.

At the Mercado de Abastos, you can buy market produce and have it prepared at one of the Gastroteca’s venues. The Gastroteca hosts activities, workshops and small concerts throughout the year, especially at weekends. If you would like to combine your market visit with one of these events, it is helpful to check the current schedule.

River paths and route choices

The Senda do Lérez follows the upper course of the Lérez River, roughly from the river beach or Ponte das Palabras towards Bora. Route 3, Senda do Lérez, runs from Palabras via Balneario and Bombeo to the Bora dam and is 4.2 kilometres long.

Route 16, Gafos completo, runs from Leira Longa via Estacións and Campolongo to Corvaceiras; it is 6.3 kilometres long. For a quick comparison by distance, Route 3 is shorter than Route 16. The natural Senda dos Gafos route follows the river for 4.3 kilometres to Leira Longa and passes through the shelter of riverside woodland. The place names add specific directions for each route to the distance information.

Nature and travel

Illa das Esculturas is designated a Site of Community Importance and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Xunqueira de Alba is a wetland of around 67 hectares, designated an Area of Local Natural Interest in 2012. Pontevedra therefore offers different natural attractions: a protected site in the Natura 2000 network and a wetland with a specified area and year of designation.

For travel by train and bus, note that the stations are in separate buildings but in the same part of the city, and are connected by footpaths. As transport services can change, check your connection before departure.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Campañó, Areas, Camposancos, Anzo, Sanxenxo, A Cañiza, Codeseda, Caldas De Reis.

Go to the main travel overview: Pontevedra.