We took advantage of a beautiful sunny day and hopped a bus for the nearby fishing village (city) of Pontevedra, Spain. Only one hour away and a mere 10 euros roundtrip.
I've got to have at least one more feed of pulpo (octopus) before we leave Spain.
Pontevedra is one of the most progressive cities in Europe. It has won many awards, including one for it's quality of life. It has a car free centre that makes it one of Europe's most accessible cities.
A population of about 90,000 but a catchment area of over 200,000.
Deb and I both agreed that we could totally live here long term.
Strolling through the streets from the bus station we arrived at the very popular and active Praza da Ferreria. And Viola....there is the Capela da Virxe Peregrina, or the Chapel of the Virgin of the Pilgrims built in the 17th Century. A circular church, which is quite different from what we have visited here in Spain.
It is built along the main pilgrim route from the Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
It is very small and cozy. Many pilgrims came in while we were exploring inside.
A climbing opportunity!!!!
Yes...for a mere one euro, Deb and I could ascend to the top floor of this church.
Exactly what we love to do!
It is quite surprising that the ground plan of this church is actually built in the shape of a scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino pilgrimage.
The view with me hanging over the rail to get this photo😓
It is believed that if a pilgrim makes it to this church, on their Camino journey, they will succeed in their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The above and below photos are from the highest point you can reach.
These churches were not built for tourists to wander and climb all over. Thus the rail is quite narrow and I was a bit nervous. I decided to walk all the way around, once.......big girl panties are on!
With the Pilgrim church behind us, we now head to the Church of Saint Francis, Igrexa de San Francisco. Legend is that it was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi during his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th Century.
A Gothic church and monastery, built between the 14th and 15th Century .
The view from above, gives a great wide open look of the gardens, in front, which is quite green and lush.
The nave in this church is especially long and dark.
Feels very King Arthur ish.
Within this church are 13th Century tombs of medieval prominent and noble families.
A lovely view of the Capela da Virxe Peregrina through the blooming garden.
The Praza da Ferreria is a very large square, in the Old Quarter, made up of a handful of smaller squares. It appears to be the heart of the city. Many gatherings and events are held here.
It seems quiet right now......but......
As a matter of fact, the entire square filled with children, within an hour, each with umbrellas, while we sat at a nearby cafe.
There were hundreds of children. Music was playing. Everyone was having a great time.
The kids were laughing and enjoying this event.
I can find no specific 'festival' or event that would explain this gathering, but the umbrella below might reveal it.
"I 💗RAIN"
They keep coming......
...and coming....a sea of colors....
....and coming.
Almost as if a nod from Mother Nature, the sun shines down on them all.
Puppies are treated very well here.
This wee gal is getting a ride.
Christmas decorations fill the streets.
Interesting....umbrellas as Christmas decorations?
Makes perfect sense to me.
Love the cafes and restaurants that are tucked in ancient builds.
Very narrow and winding streets in the Old Quarter.
One more feed of pulpo before we leave the Atlantic Ocean.
This is a family run 'pulpeiro' that I found with fantastic reviews.
Casa Fidel O Pulpeiro.
I'm hungry....let's check it out.
Cooked on an open flame, just inside the door of the restaurant, for all who want to take a peek...my pulpo....or octopus.
The owner pulled it out of the pot for me to get a better photo.
Oh yeah! That is exactly what I am going to eat today.
In the first week of September, Pontevedra has an 'Octopus Festival.' It celebrates everything about eating pulpo.
Today...I am celebrating eating VERY fresh pulpo.....something we can not duplicate in Ontario, Canada.
'Buen Provecho.'
Ice cream cake Spanish style.
Sumptuous.
Bellies are full....we still have some exploring to do.
The Lerez River that flows into the Atlantic Ocean has many bridges that cross it.
One of these are the Burgo Bridge, the site of an original Roman bridge. It was under renovations when we visited.
The name 'Pontevedra' may have come from the latin word 'pontis' for bridge, and 'veter', 'vetera', and 'veterum' meaning old, long established.
The Mercado Municipal is the large market found right next to the Lerez River.
An incredible and brilliant array of colourful fruits and veggies.
And of course THE freshest fish to be found.
Apparently you can purchase your fish, then within the market, take it to be cooked for you to eat on site!
Deb met up with someone she knows from Santiago de Compostela.
Fancy meeting him here!
You might recall her previous visit with this fellow in the Alameda Park in Santiago de Compostela. (below)
Beautiful Christmas trees sparkle in the pedestrian only squares in the Old Quarter.
So quaint and inviting.
A fantastic photo of the very old ancient streets of this historic city.
Santa feeding the pigeons.
Praza de la Lena, the old firewood market in the Old Quarter. Here in ancient times wood was sold for heating and cooking before gas and electricity.
One of the prettiest and most photographed squares in the city.
Back to where we enjoyed our first cafe con leche this morning. We came full circle and in the nick of time as I am so looking forward to sitting and enjoying one more delicious cup of coffee before we start making our way back to the bus station....and home.
Cute statues lead the way.
One last glance of Pontevedra at night.
Adios and muchos gracias.
