Sightseeing in Vigo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Vigo is a port city located not far from the mouth of the river that has the same name as the city. This is a large industrial and tourist center. Here you will find various types of rest. The choice of options is really wide and this is defined by the unique climatic conditions of the region. Cold winds of the Atlantics are stopped by Islas Cies, so nothing prevents the visitors of this place from enjoyable walks on the picturesque suburbs and magnificent forest hills.

You can start your sightseeing in Vigo from visiting two watching towers - Monte de la Guia and Monte del Castro. Both towers have observation areas where tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the river and the abovementioned islands. The oldest part of the city is Barrio del Berbes quarter. Once here lived sailors who worked in the port. Today only half destroyed houses remind of those times. Here you can also visit one of the modern restaurants that offer largest selection of dishes with seafood. Also do not forget the most famous dish in the local cuisine – tapas. Shopping fans traditionally enjoy Mercado de la Pedra market, where you can get fresh seafood. There are many small cafés and restaurants in this place and if you decide to visit them, you will be able to see how local chiefs cook squids, prawns and cuttlefish.

While making a walk on the old Fishing Port, you will be able to get acquainted with the lifestyle of fishermen and rent a boat. If you enjoy visiting architectural places of interest, you will adore Santa-Maria Church. The Square of Spain is decorated with sculptures made by a famous modern master Juan José Oliviera. However, yacht rides, seems, remain the biggest entertainment in Vigo. During such ride you will visit main fishing centers and try dainties made of seafood. After this you can get some rest in Castro Park, where you will also find the remains of an ancient fortress. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the immediate vicinity of Vigo is located the most interesting church Santiago de Bembrive. It is considered one of the oldest buildings of Tuscany. There are no official data on the history of the appearance of this church, and the first written references to it refer to the 9th century. The miniature church is a vivid example of the Romanesque style. Although it does not have a luxurious design, it attracts with its restrained simplicity. For several hundred years, the situation in this church remains unchanged.

In one of the most beautiful mansions of Vigo today is the Museum of Quinones de Leon. Within its walls is a very interesting collection of historical artifacts. Once, this mansion belonged to a wealthy nobleman. A collection of works of art and hunting trophies from his personal collection served as the beginning for the formation of the exposition. Today the museum features works of art by prominent European artists. Some of the paintings presented here date back to the 16th century. In the mansion, the setting of the past was maximally restored. It stores unique antique furniture, utensils and even precious jewelry.

Among the most unusual symbols of the modern city is the Ponte de Rende Bridge. It passes over the Vigo bay and its outlines look very much like the legendary Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This bridge was built in 1978. At the time of discovery, the Ponte de Rende was the longest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, which has more than two lanes. More than 50,000 cars pass through the bridge every day. Unfortunately, there is no pedestrian path on this bridge, so tourists prefer to admire it from the shore.

Among lovers of hiking in Vigo, Gyula Hill is very popular. From its top opens a wonderful view of the bay. This is one of the few places in the busy tourist city where you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment. At the top of the hill, researchers discovered a unique archaeological area. They established that during the Iron Age, a large settlement was located here. Subsequently, the hill served as a natural beacon; on its top the fishermen's wives lit huge bonfires so that their husbands could find their way home easily. Now at the top of the picturesque hill, there is a small ancient chapel, and at its foot there are two cozy beaches.