From the port of Vilanova to the region of Pontecesures, this maritime-river route is full of facts that you surely don’t know. If you are thinking of visiting our geo-destination and the municipalities that make it up, don’t miss this post because we want to share with you 5 curiosities about Mar de Santiago that you need to know before you go. Are you ready to discover them?
Mar de Santiago, the first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
The port of Vilanova is the starting point of this unique route through Mar de Santiago, a maritime -iver route that follows in the footsteps of the boat that transported the remains of the Apostle to Galicia, so it is the beginning of the tradition that includes the first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Did you know that?
This route sails along the Arousa Sea and the Ulla River and passes through the 4 municipalities that make up this geo-destination: Vilanova, Valga, Catoira and Pontecesures, where the route follows in the wake, now by land, of the Portuguese Way to Compostela.
Valle-Inclán, an illustrious resident of Vilanova
Did you know that Valle-Inclán was born in Vilanova de Arousa? This Spanish playwright, poet, and novelist was part of the literary current of modernism, which is why he is considered one of the key authors of twentieth-century Spanish literature.
Thus, in Praza do Castro, very close to the Mar de Santiago port, there is the Monument to Ramón María del Valle-Inclán. In addition, in his house, also known as “Casa do Cuadrante,” now converted into a House Museum, we can find an exhibition on his work made up of first editions of his publications, newspapers, and other documents.
Catoira, land of the Vikings
In the past, Catoira was the site of numerous Viking attacks with the intention of raiding Compostela. That is why, in order to protect the territory, the Torres do Oeste for was built. Today, on the first weekend of August, the Viking Festival is held in Catoira, an event declared to be of National Tourist Interest.
If you like Viking stories, you should also know that on the Ulla River you can take a kayak sail that goes from the river beach of Vilarello, in Valga, to the Torres del Oeste in Catoira. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the famous Viking drakkar, iconic longboats with a sail and several rows of oars.
The “Fito Xacobeo” in Pontecesures
In the vicinity of the historic Roman Bridge of Pontecesures, we find the last of the 17 figures of the Way of the Cross, which traces the route followed by the remains of the Apostle James in the Traslatio journey from Jerusalem to his tomb in Compostela.
The Fito Xacobeo is a figure, erected in 1965, that depicts the Apostle Santiago dressed as a medieval pilgrim, evoking the very essence of the pilgrimage. From the islands of Malveira Grande and Cortegada to Pontecesures, each stop on the Via Crucis tells a part of the story that culminates in the destination of what we know today as Compostela.
Mina Mercedes Lagoon, a natural transformation
The Mina Mercedes Lagoon, located in Valga, has undergone a great transformation. What was once a clay mine in the hands of a local company in the municipality, has become the largest lagoon of unnatural origin in the province of Pontevedra.
In the 1980s, this large hole was gradually filled with water in a natural way and, today, it attracts visitors in search of nature at its best.
Before embarking on your adventure in Mar de Santiago, be sure to keep in mind these five curiosities that will enrich your experience. From the literary legacies in Vilanova to the Viking footprints in Catoira, each stop on this journey brings you closer to the rich history and natural transformation that characterize our municipalities. We look forward to seeing you!