Pontevedra

Capital of the province of Pontevedra, northwest Spain, at the mouth of the River Lerez; population (2001 est) 74,400. Products include wine, agricultural produce, textiles, and pottery.

The city dates back to Roman times, and flourished from the mid-15th to the mid-16th century. It initially became important due to the large number of sardines available in the River Lerez. The Christian pilgrims' route, ‘The Portuguese Way’, passes through Pontevedra en-route from Portugal to the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela, and the shrine of La Virgen Peregrina (1778) is located in the city.

The city has a rich architectural heritage with many fine squares and churches such as San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Santo Domingo; all of which are examples of Galician Gothic architecture, built between the late 14th century and the early 16th century. The early 16th-century Basilica of Santa Maria displays a blend of architectural styles in the one construction and was paid for by the powerful Seamen's Guild. The Provincial Museum of Pontevedra (1927), is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Galicia.

Pontevedra

Province of Galicia autonomous community, northwest Spain, with a deeply indented coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, and separated from Portugal by the River Miño; area 4,400 sq km/1,699 sq mi; population (2001 est) 913,000. Pontevedra is the smallest of the Galician provinces. However, it has the highest density of population in the region with 204 inhabitants per sq km, most of whom live along the western seaboard. The area is mountainous and the weather is subtropical, with high levels of rain and mild temperatures. Industries include agriculture and fishing. Its chief port is Vigo and the capital is Pontevedra. The Christian pilgrims' route, ‘The Portuguese Way’, leading to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, runs through the province.