River port of Pontecesures
River port of Pontecesures
Address
Av. Eugenio Escudero 36640 Pontecesures, Pontevedra
GPS coordinates
Longitude: 42.723069431709376
Latitude: -8.65414142727224
The Romans developed the port linked to the neighbouring Iria Flavia, present-day Padrón, and the important communications centre that was established with the construction of the bridge. However, it would be the trip involving the Apostle James’ body, the discovery of his tomb and the subsequent growth of Compostela, with the onset of the pilgrimages, that would really boost this port for centuries.
Archbishop Gelmírez increased its value by building shipyards and King Henry IV consolidated its commercial power by granting it exclusive rights for unloading products of great value, such as salt, tobacco, sulphur, etc. During the first half of the 20th century, the surrounding area experienced great industrial growth, with the construction of factories such as Nestlé, Cerámica Celta or the neighbouring Finsa, in Padrón. Many of them are still operating today.
All of this in addition to the large quantity of fish that was unloaded in this port, where there is still a significant fleet that catches, among other species, the singular lamprey.
Today, it is a key point on the Translatio or Alternative Spiritual Route of the Portuguese “Camino”; the last section is travelled by boat, from Vilanova de Arousa toPontecesures, following the stone boat that, according to legend, brought the Apostle James’ remains to Galicia.