Galicia - the Northern gem of Spain

“Don’t come to the Camino looking for answers. Instead, come with an open heart and you may be surprised by what you find. "

Jane V. Blanchard

Galicia in northwestern Spain is considered one of the best regions in the country. This is a land where Spanish and Celtic culture meet. Visiting Galicia is like taking a step back in time to the Middle Ages. Although it is a part of Spain, Galicia is somewhat different. The food, the people and even the language are different. In a special way. It is as if the region has adhered more strongly to the past and preserved much of its culture and uniqueness.

Before moving on to the main part of the article, I would like to add that it is best to go to Galicia by car. That way one could truly appreciate the beauty of the region with all its pretty villages, rocky beaches and mountains. However, if this is not possible, as it was my case, here are my recommendations on what to see and where to eat.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and one of the most important places in Catholicism, because according to many it is the place where St. James, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, is buried. Here ends the Camino de Santiago, known in English as Way of St. James, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the sanctuary of the Apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Many follow its routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth.

What to see in Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the main temple of the Spanish city. It stands majestically on the Praza do Obradoiro, with towers looking over the city and is an outstanding example of early Romanesque architecture. The cathedral has been renovated many times in various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical. A beautiful entrance, called Portico de la Gloria, welcomes the pilgrims. After exploring the cathedral, be sure to visit its museum.

San Martin Pinario Monastery

The Monastery of San Martinho Pinario is the second largest religious monument in Santiago after the cathedral. Its main façade is in Baroque style and is 100 meters long. Currently, the monastery is used as a university residence and hotel, and it also houses a museum with various historical artifacts.

Alameda park

It is located next to the Old Town. Dating back to the 16th century, the park is an important part of the city’s landscape and offers wonderful views of the west façade of the cathedral.

Old Town

Casco Historico in Spanish means Historic Center. Take time to explore the small streets around the cathedral and you will find many hidden squares, such as Plaza de Cervantes, with beautiful statues and fountains. The area is lively, but much of Casco Antiguo and the area around the cathedral are closed to car traffic, contributing to the antique atmosphere of the old town.

Convent of San Francisco

It is believed to be founded by San Francisco de Asís himself. Inside there is the Museum of the Holy Land, which exhibits more than 700 pieces of Jerusalem.

A Coruña

La Coruña is a port city located in the northwestern part of the country, where Galician tradition and history are combined with beautiful modern sports attractions. It is characterized by its historical treasures and its relaxed atmosphere, two elements that make it a place worth discovering, although it is often compared to Santiago de Compostela.

What to see in La Coruña?

Tower of Hercules

This is an ancient Roman lighthouse, which serves as a landmark for sailors to this day. It was built in the 2nd century, which makes it the oldest working facility in the world. The tower rises impressively over the North Atlantic Ocean, amidst harsh landscape and is 55 meters high. Near the rock is A Rosa dos Ventos, which represents the Celtic mythology of the North Atlantic. All Celtic countries (seven) are represented in its quadrants: Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, Wales, the Isle of Man and Galicia.

Plaza de María Pita

Plaza de María Pita is a charming municipal square located in the heart of the old town, near the town hall, Concello da Coruña. Its most remarkable element is the statue of the eponymous Galician heroine from the 16th century. The square is surrounded by classic-style street lamps, with benches shaded by trees on every corner.

Paseo Marítimo

El Paseo Marítimo de A Coruña covers about 14 km and will take you to the beaches and cliffs. From San Anton Castle (where the city's Archaeological and Historical Museum is located), through the harbor, to places like the Hercules Tower Sculpture Park. Its striking lamps will attract your attention, known for its intense red color and its four enamels, which relate to different historical moments of the city.

Riazor beach

The main beach of the city, Praia de Riasor, with its characteristic shell shape, is located just below the promenade, and in the background there are the tall buildings in the city. Located in Ensenada del Orzan, it has the Blue Flag, an award given to beaches with the best facilities and environmental conditions.

Lugo

Lugo is a rather small town and yet it is the only city in the world completely surrounded by an intact Roman wall - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like Santiago de Compostela, Lugo was a pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages. The so-called Camino Primitivo, which forms part of the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way), begins in Oviedo, then leads to Lugo and south to Santiago de Compostela.

What to see in Lugo?

Saint Mary's Cathedral

Along with the Tower of Hercules I already mentioned, Lugo Cathedral is the other landmark that impressed me the most in Galicia. Although the temple began to be built in the 1st century, its completion took more than a century and later underwent modifications and expansions. That way, these reforms over the centuries have made the cathedral a great combination of styles that reflect the history of the city.

Roman Walls

Lugo is best known for one thing and that is its city walls. The walls, built by the Romans in the second part of the 3rd and 4th centuries, are one of the best examples of this type of Roman construction in Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they measure a total of approximately 2,117 meters. Their ten access doors connect the inside with the outside, and their path has become another street, making it possible to walk the wall from its top.

Provincial Museum

It is located next to the cathedral and gives visitors a great overview of the history of the area and Galicia itself.

Old Town

Within the old city walls is the Old Town of Lugo. It is small but has a range of Baroque, Gothic and Roman architecture, as well as a network of narrow winding streets and small squares, one of which is Plaza Mayor.

What to try in Galicia? Galician cuisine is one of the best in Spain. It is known for its variety and quality, a way of understanding gastronomy that makes it one of the most popular in Spain thanks to the use of quality fresh ingredients prepared in a simple way. When we talk about typical Galician dishes, it is inevitable to include octopus, mussels or shrimps; but typical Galician food is much more than seafood.

• Pulpo a Feira - Galician octopus is one of the most famous dishes. This is an octopus prepared with boiled potatoes or simply seasoned with coarse salt, a large dose of olive oil and paprika.

• Caldo gallego - Locals prefer this typical Galician food during the colder months. It is a broth made with pork, potatoes, white beans, chorizo and some other ingredient. The perfect comfortable food in the cold winter.

• Pimientos de Padrón - These are peppers that are fried whole and sprinkled with rock salt. As the saying goes, "uns bites e outros non", some are spicy and others not.

• Mejillones al vapor - Steamed mussels seasoned with squeezed lemon.

• Empanada gallega - It is filled with onions and garlic in combination with meat or seafood. Popular fillings include octopus, tuna, plums, small mussels, salted cod and chorizo.

• Zamburiñas / vieiras a la plancha - These are grilled shrimps with salt and lemon, which, however, have a shell shape.

• Tarta de Santiago - Perhaps the most famous Galician dessert, this cake contains ground almonds, eggs, sugar and lemon zest. The top of the cake is decorated with powdered sugar with the outlines of the famous cross of St. James, patron saint of Santiago de Compostela and Spain.

• Filloas - Galician pancakes, which in their more traditional version are served with quince or chestnut filling.

• Wine - It is difficult to choose between the typical Galician wines, as each one is ideal to accompany one or another dish. Galicia boasts great wines, as it has five designations of origin: Ribeiro, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Valdeorras, Monterrei and Ribeira Sacra.

• Licor café - A drink with the aroma of coffee with a sweetened coating. You don't have to drink it as a shot, you can also add ice, and have it after (or during) a meal.

Where to eat? Here are my recommendations:

1. O Gato Negro (Santiago de Compostela) - You need to book a table!

2. La Galiciana (Santiago de Compostela)

3. O Xugo (Lugo)

4. Bico de Xeado (Lugo) - Here you can try a variety of ice cream flavors that I'm sure you haven't seen anywhere else.

5. Rúa Bella (Santiago de Compostela)

In La Coruña, I had lunch at a place I came across by chance, and whose name I don't remember. Their grilled shrimps accompanied by cold Estrella Galicia beer were superb.

Whether for the gastronomy, the history, the nature or the Camino de Santiago, Galicia is a place worth visiting. A land of contrasts, unique and different.