Galicia

Curtains of misty drizzle sweep in from the Atlantic, a seasonal phenomenon that ensures that Galicia’s hills and mountains retain a mantle of green throughout the year.

The rains feed the many rivers that network the region, these a throw-back to glacial impingement and subsequent sea-level rise after the Great Melt, and an important source of economic wealth.

These a divided by geography into the Rías Altas, or high rivers, feeding down from the mountains towards the coastal stretches along the south of the Bay of Biscay; and the Rías Baixas, or low rivers, flowing from the east towards the Atlantic coast.

More that half of Galicia lies over 400 metres above sea level, a feature which creates a rugged terrain that, over the centuries, has been an attraction for many civilizations ranging from the Celts to the Romans and subsequent invaders and settlers.

All of these cultures have left a distinctive mark, such as the popular Celtic music shared by the Scots and Bretons of northern France, and the distinctive Romanic language which evolved over a thousand years ago and which is today flourishing throughout the region.

Galicia is a many faceted region. It is a place of quiet retreat where pilgrims follow the sedate but well trodden pathways leading to Santiago de Compostela, said to be the final resting place of St. James, the patron saint of Spain. It also offers excellent cuisine, often based on the rich seafaring tradition with excellent fish and shellfish dishes, and it boasts wide golden beaches that become the focus of a different type of pilgrimage in the summer months.

Away from the tourist routes, it is also rapidly becoming an attractive destination for many businesses whose protagonists seek not only a good standard of living but a proactive programme of business encouragement that is available in modern and well-resourced business parks.

There is a rich historical heritage preserved all through the Galician countryside. One of the best examples is the immaculate Roman Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, the only existing Roman lighthouse.

Another is the impressive Roman walled town of Lugo whose walls, which date from the 3rd Century, are more than 2 kilometres long and are perhaps the best example of a Roman defensive structure anywhere in the world.

The historical blending of Celtic and ancient Roman culture with a rich tradition of mystery and witchcraft provides an enchanted backdrop to one of Spain’s most intriguing and culturally accessible Autonomous Regions.

More information: http://www.galiciaguide.com/

Routes and Places worth a Visit

There are many ancient burial grounds that evoke the atmosphere of long gone civilizations. These ‘castros’ are dotted all around the Galician countryside. Of especial interest is the castro that is located at Viladonga, between Lugo and Meira. Archaeologists have carried out a lot of work to reveal the daily lives of those who lived here between the II and V centuries A.D. and there is a vivid museum illustrating this. There’s still a lot to do and many of the secrets of Viladonga are yet to be revealed…

All of the major cities of Galicia are worthy of some investment of time. Of special mention is the city of Lugo with its well-preserved roman walls.

Important Fiestas

In Meira on the 15th August, the traditional harvest festival of Santa Maria.

At the end of August the Feira de Capón is celebrated in Vilalba.

Lugo holds the hugely popular festival of San Froilán at the beginning of October.

At the beginning of May, in Mondoñedo is the agricultural fair of das Quendas, a fair that has been held regularly for over 300 years.