This section provides a magnificent route in which nature, tradition, culture and history are intermingled. The itinerary begins in Ponte Sampaio, crossing its bridge of medieval origin that proves part of the essence of the river Verdugo. In this bridge was fought the last battle against Napoleon’s army that would free Galicia from the French occupation during the War of Independence. In the surroundings of Ponte Sampaio the islet of Medal, offers a green environment of great natural value with several hiking trails. Vilaboa is the next stop and there you’ll find the jewels of the chapel of Santa Marta.
Group of pilgrims passing through Pontevedra
The route heads towards Pontevedra, where you can enter the city by the natural path of the river Gafos.
Brea Vella from Canicouva
Gafos river section
Once in Pontevedra, the itinerary becomes a pleasant walk through its most emblematic streets and squares thanks to the pedestrian culture of the city. The itinerary goes up to Virgen del Camino street, where a structure reminds the walker of the distance to Santiago de Compostela, 64500 metres. Later, at the Compostela roundabout, a stone composition with a fountain and some stone sculptures reminds the character of the city “Pontevedra Boa Vila da de beber a quen pasa” (Pontevedra Boa Vila gives a drink to those who pass through it). The next stop on the walk is the square and the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin, a curious temple symbol of the city, with a scallop-shaped plant that honours the Patron Saint of the Portuguese Way and of the province.
Plaza de la Herrería with the letters “Boa Vila”
The itinerary continues towards the Plaza de la Herrería, where the Casto Sampedro Gardens stand out, presided over by its fountain, and the church of San Francisco, built between 1310 and 1360. The walk continues along Calle de los soportales towards Plaza de Curros Enríquez, and from here, Calle Real leads to the River Lérez, where the Burgo Bridge is located. This bridge is indisputably linked to the city’s rich history, because in Roman times a bridge that ran into it was called Ponte Veteri (old bridge), and this ruin gave its name to the city. On the other side of the bridge is the crossing known as the crossing of Santiago Pilgrim, in Xoan Manuel Pintos street, and the chapel of Santiaguiño de O Burgo, located behind the sports pavilion.
In Pontevedra, it is also a must to visit the Museum of Pontevedra, where we can find collections and pieces of great value related to Santiago de Compostela and pilgrimages, including two sculptures of Prophets. Thus this section of the Portuguese Way, starting in Ponte Sampaio and finishing in the city of Pontevedra, becomes a pleasant walk ideal for getting in touch with nature, bringing you closer of the Way of St. James and discovering some of the most emblematic corners of the city of Pontevedra.