We had decided to visit pontevedra, which although smaller by far than Vigo is actually the regional capital. A fact that provides a lot of local rivalry! We decided to use the local bus service as there is a particular bridge on the upper reaches of Ria Pontevedra which has a minimum height of 12 metres. This precludes us visiting in Dark Tarn.
Pontevedra is a lovely town \ City. We did not have a great deal of time to look around so we concentrated on the old town. Lynne is pictured above with some local artists philosophers and musicians.
It is possible to walk into the old town from the bus station along a river park, the Rio Gafos, how nice it is to avoid the city centre traffic,
There is a large square, La Alemeda, which has in one corner a ruined church or rather the remains of the Alter wall of the church of Santo Domingo. (technically it's the chevet with its 5 apses, built by the Jacobins in the 14th century) It constantly amazes us how much history is still around in Spain. this might have something to do with carefully avoiding involvement in two world wars.
For whatever reason , its fabulous.
The Alemeda is also the location of the government buildings in Galicia, its a rather nice square with a lot of space to enjoy.
As you walk from Almeda into the old city a typical Galician pattern of granite, pavement cafes and shady places develops. It is a very pleasant place to wander. we were interested by a very unusual church, the Santuario de la Virgen de la Peregrina.
It seems to me that looking at it objectively, they built one corner and forgot the rest.
However there are glories inside, it is possible to climb into the domed roof of the church.
This gives a superb and slightly unusual view of the body of the church.
We really didn't have time to properly look around so we decided to call our visit a reconnaissance and to visit again.
By the By, any town planners would benefit from studying the above photo, this is how to design a town centre.
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