Pontevedra Cuisine:
The great cuisine from Pontevedra is defined by the abundance of products that the estuaries provide in the region of Rias Baixas, a fish and seafood paradise.
The Mino River is the source of many valued species, from eel to salmon, not to mention lamprey. Pontevedra offers a varied cuisine that beautifully combines tradition with the newest trends, always managing to bring out the exceptional quality of the local products.
Seafood lovers will really enjoy Pontevedra. There are many species that have Pontevedra as part of their surname, always an indication of great quality. These include Norway lobsters from Marin, shrimp from Sanxenxo, lobsters from A Guarda, oysters from Arcade, mussels from Arousa and clams from Carril. All these products are exceptional and added to this are also velvet swim crab, spider crabs, cockles, razor shells, scallops and variegated scallops, that are used in the most delicious recipes.
This region also prepares some excellent caldeiradas de pescado (fish stew), especially the ray stews, which are traditional in Portonovo.
Pontevedra is the land of the "Albarinos", wines that are currently under the Designation of Origin Rias Baixas for being among the best white wines in the world.
They also make excellent liqueurs, like the orujo liqueur (distilled from grape remains) from Albarino, which are aromatic, crisp and of excellent quality.
About the Area
Called "Ad Duos Pontes" by the Romans, Pontevedra has over the centuries adopted a character profoundly marked by the sea, as demonstrated by the shipyards, fishing port and the city's intense commercial actvitity.
The original settlement emerged at the confluence of the river Lérez and the Pontevedra estuary as a walled enclosure of cobbled streets and small secluded squares, some of them arcaded.
Situated at the centre of the historic quarter is the Plaza de España and the City Hall, an eclectic building constructed in the 19th Century. Its main facade is defined by four pairs of columns and elaborate doorways, as well as a balcony and clock.
Extending opposite this building is the so-called Alameda, a wide avenue lined by grand civic buildings such as the Diputación (provincial government seat), the 19th Century facade of which contrasts well with the medieval ruins of the convent of Santo Domingo. This 14th Century complex has National Monument status. One of the sites of the Provincial Museum, this enclave houses architectural elements of various origin, such as Romanesque and Gothic capitals, gravestones and sarcophagi.
Attractions
A Rapa das Bestas (The Capture of the Beasts) - A festival held every year in the beginning of July. In the hills of nearby San Lorenzo de Sabuceno, wild horses are rounded up and herded into a corral, in a ritual that evokes the Wild West. For information, contact the tourism office in Pontevedra.
Basilica de Santa Maria la Mayor - This is the major attraction in the old quarter. Situated on Calle del Arzobispo Malvar, with its avocado-green patina, dating from the 16th century, this Plateresque church was constructed with funds provided by the Mariners' Guild. Its most remarkable feature is its west front, carved to resemble an altarpiece, with a depiction of the Crucifixion at the top.
The Museo Provincial - With a variety of everything from the Pontevedra attic, this museum contains displays ranging from prehistoric artifacts to a still life by Zurbaran. Many of the exhibits are maritime-oriented and there is a valuable collection of jewellry on display. The museum opens onto a major square in the old town, the Plaza de Lena (Square of Wood). Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 1:30pm and 5 to 8:45pm, Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Admission is 1.20 , free for European Union citizens. Located at Pasanteria 10.
The Iglesia de San Francisco - Located on Plaza de la Herreria, this is another church well worth a visit. Its Gothic facade opens onto gardens. It was founded in the 14th Century and contains a sculpture of Don Payo Gomez Charino, noted for his part in the 1248 Reconquest of Seville, when it was wrested from Muslim domination.
Capilla de la Peregrina - The 18th Century establishment is situated directly south from the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose gardens lead to this site. With a narrow half-moon facade connected to a rotunda and crowned by a pair of towers, this is a sightseeing spectacular. It was constructed by followers of the cult of the Pilgrim Virgin, which was founded in Galicia sometime in the 17th Century.
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