60-628: The Santiago Bridge ( St. James Bridge ) crosses the Lérez River in the city of Pontevedra ( Spain ), where the N-550 road runs alongside it. It connects the city centre with the A Xunqueira area and the O Burgo district . The project for this bridge, designed to relieve congestion on the Burgo Bridge over which the N-550 used to run, was presented in 1980. Construction began in June 1981 and
120-490: A marina close to its historic centre . At present, Pontevedra is a city in full revival. It has become the flagship city of the network of walkable cities and one of the cities in the world where children live best, known as The City of Children . Pontevedra is an important administrative, political, judicial, military, historical and cultural centre. In the 16th century it was the largest city in Galicia . Nowadays it
180-573: A Free Zone and a Development Pole to the neighbouring city of Vigo, a rare case in Spain (for a city that was not a provincial capital), which favoured the economic development of this city in the province of Pontevedra to the detriment of the provincial capital, Pontevedra, becoming rival cities. The recovery of the local economy only partially began in the 1960s, with the introduction of some industrial activity. However, these very activities would later cause serious environmental and health concerns, forcing
240-707: A high quality of life. An island on the Lérez, opposite a remarkable cable-stayed bridge dating from 1995 (the Tirantes Bridge , the Strap Bridge ) and next to the modern Pontevedra Auditorium and Convention Centre shelters the city's green lung, the famous Island of Sculptures park. It is a space where international artists such as Robert Morris , Ulrich Rückriem , Anne and Patrick Poirier , Giovanni Anselmo , Richard Long , Ian Hamilton Finlay or Jenny Holzer have left their works. Another large park,
300-436: A new exit to the city from the north towards Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña. It is a reinforced concrete girder bridge with two decks supported on four pillars . Each of the two decks has three bays . The span of the central bay is 48 metres and that of the side bays is 25 metres. The bridge is 99 metres long and 17 metres wide. It has four lanes for vehicles, guard rails and two pavements. The bridge ends on
360-468: A pedestrian city centre, which includes the old town and the city centre or first urban expansion area with streets such as General Gutiérrez Mellado and Daniel de la Sota among many others and squares such as Glorieta de Compostela or Concepción Arenal , which, together with parks such as Las Palmeras (the Palm Trees Park) and squares, make the city very pleasant to walk in and give it
420-399: A result, 65% of trips in the city centre are made on foot. Pontevedra was recognized in 2016 as one of the 15 best cycling cities in the world. The urban model of the city of Pontevedra follows the models of other European cities such as Amsterdam , Bruges or Copenhagen . The urban transformation of Pontevedra and measures to reduce motorized traffic in the city centre have reduced by 67%
480-567: A total of 4818 foreigners resided in the city, of which, by continent, the most important were citizens of America mainly from South America and especially from Venezuela , Colombia and Brazil , although also from Peru , Argentina , Dominican Republic and United States and citizens from Europe , mainly citizens from other European Union countries, such as Portugal , Italy , Romania , United Kingdom , France and Germany . Behind them are African citizens, mainly from Morocco and Senegal , and Asians from China . Pontevedra has
540-443: A total population of 83,260 (as of 2020). This results in a relative high density of population of 710.1 inhabitants per square kilometre. More than two-thirds of the population live in the city, and less than one-third in the rural parishes. The population of Pontevedra is aging, with generational replacement is not necessarily assured, although the city's population has been gradually growing since 1999. Broken down by age, 15.93% of
600-551: Is a city in the autonomous community of Galicia , in northwestern Spain . It is the capital of both the Comarca and Province of Pontevedra , and the capital of the Rías Baixas . It is also the capital of its own municipality which is often considered an extension of the actual city. The city is best known for its urban planning , pedestrianisation and the charm of its old town . Between 2013 and 2020,
660-522: Is a major military and commercial harbour 7 km away. The Pontevedra marina is close to the old town and the commercial and fishing port of Marín and Ria de Pontevedra , 5 kilometres west of the city centre. Thanks to a remarkable old town , the surrounding landscape and its former medieval port, Pontevedra has been defined as a "charming city" and "an authentic Galician city". Tourist attractions include many religious and civil buildings as well as picturesque medieval squares. The medieval squares of
SECTION 10
#1732783761144720-519: Is about 20 km (12 mi) wide from north to south. The city sits at the end of the ria that bears its name, occupying the valleys of the Lérez and Tomeza rivers. It extends southwards to the mouth of river Verdugo in Ponte Sampaio. It is surrounded by four mountainous regions divided by two faults , one stretching north–south and one from northeast to southwest. To the north it borders
780-529: Is marked by a large presence of administrative services ( provincial Administrative Complex and provincial branches of the central government ), justice ( provincial court and provincial judicial complex ), political ( Pontevedra provincial council , provincial government delegation ), military (provincial defence delegation, BRILAT) and cultural ( Pontevedra Museum , Pontevedra Auditorium and Convention Centre , Principal Theatre , faculty of Fine Arts , Afundación cultural centre , Café Moderno ). The name of
840-428: Is rainy, especially at the end of autumn and winter, with an annual average precipitation of 1,700 to 1,900 millimetres (66.9 to 74.8 in), and around 134 rainy days per year. Summer is drier, generally speaking, making Pontevedra the sunniest city in Galicia with 2248 hours of sunshine per year. The municipality of Pontevedra is composed of the city of Pontevedra and fifteen rural parishes in close proximity, with
900-530: Is subject to occasional Atlantic storms in winter. These are characterised by a quick drop in temperature, rain and gales. With eleven of the twelve months above 10 °C (50 °F) Pontevedra is in the maritime subtropical climate zone under the Trewartha climate classification , a classification it falls short of under the Köppen classification due to the cool summer nights. Overall Pontevedra, as Galicia,
960-649: Is the city with the youngest population in Galicia and northwest Spain and the Galician city that attracts the most people to live in, together with Santiago de Compostela. It is the Galician city with the best rate of natural increase (RNI). According to the 2001 census, 29.6% of the population have Galician as their mother tongue, where 32.1% speak it "often". The remaining 38.3% speak Castilian as their native language or speak mostly in Castilian In 2022,
1020-423: Is very lively, to which the atmosphere of the many Galician taverns and tapas bars contributes. Plaza de la Pedreira The Stone Quarry square is so called because of the stone-cutting activities developed here by stonemasons for the city's works and constructions. Also called Plaza of Mugartegui, because of the baroque mansion in its center. Soutomaior Too Many Requests If you report this error to
1080-592: The Xunqueira de Alba , is located near the Burgo district, in front of the tied-arch bridge Currents Bridge , inaugurated in 2012. The capital of the province of Pontevedra has become one of the most pedestrianised cities in Spain. The old city and much of the city centre are pedestrianized, so that in these neighbourhoods, motorized transport is limited to residents and services. In 1999 Pontevedra began its transformation process by pedestrianizing its old town . In
1140-399: The A Coruña - Tui railway and motorway corridor. Pontevedra bus station has multiple connections with other cities in Spain, Galicia and abroad. Pontevedra railway station is located between the Galician capital Santiago de Compostela (58 km to the north) and the largest Galician municipality, Vigo (30 km to the south). Renfe also has a Pontevedra-University railway stop in
1200-743: The Baroque Church of the Pilgrim Virgin (18th century) with its rounded façade, the ruins of the Gothic Convent of San Domingo (13th century), the Gothic Church of San Francisco (13th century), the Baroque Church of San Bartholomew (end of the 17th century) and the Gothic Convent of Santa Clare (14th century). Its old town also contains numerous noble houses with coat of arms (the 15th century House of
1260-463: The Daily Express and The Guardian ( United Kingdom ). As regards public transport, Pontevedra has two urban bus lines in the city centre: There is also a high frequency urban bus service between Pontevedra and Marín, which is located in the metropolitan area of Pontevedra and with which the city forms a virtual urban continuum. Pontevedra is well connected by road and rail. It sits on
SECTION 20
#17327837611441320-461: The old town , the city centre-Ensanche , O Burgo , Campolongo , A Moureira , Mollavao , Monte Porreiro , A Parda , A Seca, Valdecorvos , Salgueiriños, Gorgullón. The residential area of A Caeira, although officially located in the municipality of Poio , is often considered as just another neighbourhood of Pontevedra since the vast majority of the residents work in Pontevedra and relate to
1380-415: The old town of Pontevedra and those of its first urban expansion stand out as small rooms with regular and geometric proportions. Many of them evoke with their trade names the activities that took place centuries ago: Plaza of firewood, vegetables, the stone quarry, the blacksmith's, the quay... Plaza de la Herrería Blacksmith's square is the main square of the city; it is the most popular because of
1440-624: The 12th century Burgo bridge that remains in place today. The name of the town derives from the Latin pontem veteram , which means "old bridge" and refers to the first bridge that the Romans built to cross the Lérez River and the Ria de Pontevedra . However, nowadays there are historians who say that since in ancient Latin, ponto (pontus) meant sea and vedra means green, its name could be due to
1500-528: The 1990s contributed further to the growth of the city. Since 1999 Pontevedra has seen intense urban renewal and cultural revival, positively influencing the local economy. In the 21st century the city of Pontevedra has undergone both a cultural renaissance and an urban transformation, taking in the pedestrianisation of the city centre, extension of cycle lanes, recovery of the historical and natural heritage, rehabilitation of buildings and public spaces, and an increase in green areas and pedestrian walkways. Unlike
1560-581: The Award of the Center of Active Design in New York City in 2015. Pontevedra's model for responsible mobility is currently seen as an international reference. The municipality of Pontevedra is located between 42°20' and 42°30' north and 8°33' and 8°41' west, in the southwestern Galician coast, an area popularly known as Rias Baixas . The municipality covers 118.3 km (45.7 sq mi) and
1620-749: The Bells or the 18th century García Flórez Palace ), mansions – the Mendoza Mansion , Villa Pilar – as well as old palaces such as the 18th century Mugartegui Palace , which is now the headquarters of the Rias Baixas Wine Regulatory Council , or the Counts of Maceda Palace , which is now a Parador . Another major symbol of the city is the Ravachol Parrot , whose statue is in the city centre. The city also has
1680-468: The Pilgrim Virgin , built for the pilgrims in the 18th century, has a floor plan in the shape of a scallop shell and there are scallop shells sculpted in the arches of the medieval Burgo Bridge . Pontevedra city has an important group of squares of medieval origin and monumental religious buildings, including the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (16th century) with its plateresque Renaissance façade,
1740-475: The city is likely a Latin composite of pons, pontis (bridge) and veter, vetera, veterum (old, long established). In Galicia, Latin pons , a masculine word, became feminine, hence Vulgar Latin Ponte Vetera , which became by the 13th century the modern Galician language toponymy Pontevedra , "the old bridge", in reference to an old Roman bridge across the Lérez River which had been located near
1800-499: The city is located on the edge of a ria at the mouth of the Lérez river by the sea, at the end of the Ria de Pontevedra , in the heart of the Rías Baixas . An economic centre and tourist destination, with a population of 83,260 in 2020, it is at the head of a metropolitan area around its ria of more than 200,000 inhabitants comprising the municipalities of Poio , Marín , Sanxenxo , Bueu , Vilaboa , Cerdedo-Cotobade , Ponte Caldelas , Barro and Soutomaior . Pontevedra has
1860-625: The city received numerous awards for its urban planning, like the international European Intermodes Urban Mobility Award in 2013, the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality and the Excellence Award of the center for Active Design in New York City in 2015, among others. The city also won the European Commission 's first prize for urban safety in 2020. Surrounded by hills,
Santiago Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue
1920-522: The city to serve the A Xunqueira university campus and the Monte Porreiro , Tafisa and A Seca neighbourhoods. Pontevedra city itself does not have an airport in its municipality but the city is relatively close to the airports of Lavacolla to the north (in the municipality of Santiago de Compostela) and Peinador to the south (in the municipalities of Redondela, Mos and Vigo). A good network of roads and motorways efficiently connects Pontevedra with
1980-475: The city with the rest of the country, after having lost its harbour. All in all, Pontevedra sees in this century a cultural, economic and urban revival. It is in Pontevedra when, in 1853, Xoán Manuel Pintos publishes the first book in modern Galician , A gaita gallega . Pontevedra entered the 20th century with great prospects. The city was at the heart of Galician culture and politics. Galicianists – such as Alexandre Bóveda and Castelao – took up residence in
2040-601: The city, where in 1931 they founded the Partido Galeguista ("Galicianist Party"), the origin of contemporary Galician nationalism . However, the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and subsequent Francoist dictatorship (1939–1975) suddenly ended Pontevedra's progression. Political repression and economic hardships forced many to emigrate. In the 1940s–1960s the government of the Franco dictatorship granted
2100-518: The city. Pontevedra has a humid oceanic climate ( Köppen Cfb ). The average temperature is 15 °C (59 °F), with a daily average of 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) in January and 20.5 °C (68.9 °F) in July. These are unusually mild for a city so far north, and are due to Pontevedra's proximity to the sea and to the moderating effect of the ria . Yet, like all the Galician coast, Pontevedra
2160-682: The daily crowds. With arches in two of its ends, with the gardens of the Plaza of Orense and the Herrería fountain at the corner of the church and convent of St. Francis . It is lined with camellias typical of the Rias Baixas . It owes its name to the blacksmiths who, in the 15th century, tempered the iron in the ovens and forges of its arcades for the weapons and paving stones that the Catholic Monarchs had asked them to manufacture. It
2220-408: The decline of the city, a decline which had already started for the rest of Galicia from the end of the 15th century. The situation would worsen during the 17th and 18th centuries. The port drastically reduced its activity due to the mentioned geographical causes. Furthermore, political decisions and dynastic conflicts provoked a general decay in trade, thus resulting in the depopulation of the city;
2280-963: The emissions of CO 2 from fossil fuels in the capital since 1999 and have been reported by foreign and French television channels such as France 2 , France 3 , Canal+ or TF1 and the Swiss channel Radio Télévision Suisse RTS and other foreign televisions like Das Erste , NDR1 and ZDF in Germany, MBC TV in South Korea, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Canada or Seven Network in Australia. The city has also been featured in reports by English-language channels and publications such as Bloomberg Television , Fast Company and Outrider ( United States ) or
2340-408: The eventual closure of some of them. With the end of the dictatorship in 1975 the construction sector also developed. Improvements in the communications network during the 1980s and 1990s helped Pontevedra to regain weight in the Rias Baixas region, acting again as a trade hub and focusing on its administrative functions as provincial capital. The introduction of university studies in the city during
2400-528: The façade. On the east side, overlooking Royal Street , there is a stone fountain with night lighting. Plaza de la Leña The Firewood Square is the most representative and picturesque typical Galician square in Galicia. With a calvary in its centre and popular houses with arcades on one side and the Baroque houses of the Pontevedra Museum on the other. It owes its name to the firewood that
2460-461: The following years, the city centre and some other streets on the outskirts of Pontevedra were pedestrianised too. In 2010, Pontevedra was the first provincial capital in Spain to reduce the maximum speed in the city centre to 30 kilometres per hour and in 2019 to 10 kilometres per hour in the city centre. In Pontevedra, the Metrominuto pedestrian plan was created for urban mobility, which with
Santiago Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue
2520-459: The initial settlement was probably formed during the integration of Gallaecia (old Galicia) into the Roman Empire (circa 1st century BC)(Reference is required). The current name of the city is a Latin composite, derived from Pons/Pontis (bridge) and Veteris/Vetera (old), hence Ponte(m)Vetera(m) , and thence Galician language Ponte-Vedra , "the old bridge", in reference to
2580-698: The most important points of the city and the time it takes to travel them. The Metrominuto has been used as a model in other European cities such as Toulouse in France, Florence , Ferrara Modena and Cagliari in Italy, Poznań in Poland and the Angel district in London. In Spain, it has inspired other cities such Zaragoza , Seville , Cádiz , Salamanca , Granada , Jerez de la Frontera , A Coruña and Pamplona . As
2640-573: The municipalities of Barro , Moraña and Campo Lameiro ; to the east, Cotobade and Ponte Caldelas ; to the south, Soutomaior , Vilaboa and Marín , and to the west, Poio and the ria, leading to the Atlantic Ocean. The main parroquias (parishes) of Pontevedra are: Alba, Bora, Campañó, A Canicouva, Cerponzóns, Estribela, Lérez, Lourizán, Marcón, Mourente, Ponte Sampaio, Salcedo, San Xosé, Santa María de Xeve, Tomeza, Verducido, Xeve. The neighbourhoods or main areas of Pontevedra are:
2700-488: The north bank with a wide passage for pedestrians and cyclists. It connects Padre Amoedo Carballo Street to Compostela Avenue. In its early years of service, it was simply called Tercer Puente (third bridge) until the opening of Compostela Avenue to traffic. As it was the natural exit from the city to Santiago de Compostela, it was renamed Santiago Bridge. Pontevedra Pontevedra ( Galician: [ˌpontɪˈβɛðɾɐ] , Spanish: [ponteˈβeðɾa] )
2760-433: The northern Galician city of A Coruña to Lisbon (Portugal). Likewise, Pontevedra will benefit from the high-speed train connecting Galicia and central Spain. That Galician connection will be fully operational in 2022. Despite the fact that Pontevedra was once the main Galician port, at present the Pontevedra harbour is only used for recreational purposes, not for cargo or passenger transportation. Neighbouring Marín
2820-461: The old Roman bridge across Lérez River. Well-connected since Roman times, Pontevedra consolidated itself as an intermediate town during the Suebic period (circa 5th–6th century AD). During the 12th century Pontevedra rose as an important commercial centre; it reached its zenith in the 15th century as a trade and communications hub. Pontevedra was the main Galician urban centre. In fact, Pontevedra has
2880-489: The other Galician cities, and also with Portugal (55 km to the south), and inland (100 km to the eastern city of Ourense ). Regular bus lines link Pontevedra with other Galician cities and towns, as well as with Madrid , Porto and Lisbon (among others). The AVE high-speed train (in Spanish Tren de alta velocidad , or TAV) reaches Pontevedra and the city is a stop on the " Atlantic Line ", running from
2940-487: The other six large cities of Galicia, which have lost inhabitants to neighboring municipalities, Pontevedra's population is currently increasing. It has become one of the most accessible cities for disabled people, receiving a national prize for this in 2006, along with the international European INTERMODES Urban Mobility Award in 2013, the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality and
3000-473: The particular greenness of the sea caused by the seaweed tides, being the meaning of the name of the city that of the green sea . A local legend relates the foundation of Pontevedra to Teucer , hero of the Trojan War , a legend which was reinforced with the suspicion that Greek traders might have arrived to the Rias Baixas area in ancient times. However, historians and archaeologists tend to agree that
3060-422: The population was reduced in half during that time, also affected by epidemics. In the beginning of the 19th century fishing, arts and crafts kept the economy going. With the establishment of new provincial division in 1833 Pontevedra saw itself transformed into a provincial capital. The city then grew and became an administrative, cultural and commercial centre. The introduction of the railway also reconnected
SECTION 50
#17327837611443120-406: The population were senior citizens, 69% between 15 and 65 years, and just 15.01% under the 15 years of age. The natality rate (9.8‰) is only +1.8 over the mortality rate (8‰). The migrational balance is slightly positive (+350 people in 2006). According to the local authorities Pontevedra is, since 1999, the fastest growing Galician city, with an average of +1000 more inhabitants per year. Pontevedra
3180-528: The second largest "old town" in Galicia, only after Santiago de Compostela . Pontevedra was on the route of the Way of Saint James , namely its southern or the Portuguese Way . The Church of the Pilgrim Virgin , with its distinctive scallop-shaped floor plan, is a destination for tourists and pilgrims. In the 16th century it still was a commercial city, with an increase in fishing. At that time, Pontevedra
3240-506: The second most important historic center in Galicia , after Santiago de Compostela . A city of art and history, the city is known as The Good City (name attributed by the French author Jean Froissart in his Chronicles in the 14th century) or The City of the Lérez . The city is also an important stopover on the Portuguese Way path of the Camino de Santiago : the circular church of
3300-415: The urban transformation of the city has won many national and international awards such as the international European INTERMODES Urban Mobility Award in 2013 and the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality . The Metrominuto is a map based on the aesthetics of metro maps, which marks the pedestrian distances between
3360-462: The walls, very close to the Trabancas gate of the old Pontevedra wall. This is where the pillory where the prisoners were executed was located. Teucer square With perfect geometric dimensions and framed by orange trees, it is surrounded by noble buildings, with the 18th century Gago and Montenegro Palace standing out on the north side, where the great coat of arms of 1716 is to be seen on
3420-541: Was carried out by the Spanish Government's Ministry of Public Works at a cost of 173 million pesetas . Inaugurated on 11 September 1983 by the former Minister of Public Works Jesús Sancho Rof , it was not fully operational until the redevelopment of Buenos Aires Avenue and the inauguration of Compostela Avenue on 3 July 1987, which, with four lanes, gave continuity to the Santiago Bridge and offered
3480-627: Was sold here in the past to heat Pontevedra's kitchens. Plaza de la Verdura Regularly proportioned, on the Vegetables square there are houses with coats of arms and a 19th-century forge fountain. This is where the House of Light is located, which commemorates the fact that Pontevedra was the first Galician city to have electricity in the 19th century. Today it is the headquarters of the Pontevedra Tourist Office. The square
3540-414: Was the largest Galician port , as it was a secure port open to the sea. One of Christopher Columbus ' ships, the carrack Santa Maria , originally named La Gallega ("The Galician"), was built in Pontevedra. It was in centuries later that the sedimentation caused by Lérez river gradually rendered the harbour unsuitable for large-scale navigation. The end of the 16th century marked the beginning of
3600-596: Was the place where the Feira Franca was held, granted to the city by King Henry IV. Here you will find the historic Carabela coffee shop, and other traditional coffees such as Savoy. Plaza de la Peregrina In the heart of the pedestrian centre of Pontevedra, the Pilgrim Virgin Square is the city's main meeting point. It is presided over by the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin and was located outside
#143856