There are many reasons that can be kept in mind when making the decision to do the Camino de Santiago. No matter which of the arranged routes is chosen, this is an experience that has a lot of attractions. From spiritual and personal growth to sports due to the physical effort it requires.
But, without a doubt, one of the greatest satisfactions is the large number of jewels at a historical and architectural level that can be enjoyed along the way.
El Portuguese Way It is full of points of interest that you cannot miss. Any of these helps the pilgrim to blend in with the experience and enjoy a more authentic experience.
Índice de contenidos
These are the most important monuments of the Camino Portugues that you should not miss
Cathedrals, castles, towns that seem to have been trapped in time, there are many places and places of interest that can be enjoyed and the Portuguese way does not escape it.
Before continuing, make it clear that some of these points are on Portuguese land. Some people start this route in Tui, but officially we suggest that you start it from Porto, less crowded than the traditional and popular Way to Santiago de Compostela from Sarria.
Be Velha (Coimbra)
After Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is considered as the third most important city in Portugal. The Se Velha Cathedral It is one of the most important buildings on the Portuguese Way.
Also known as the old cathedral, its construction took place in the early years of the twelfth century. It is the only religious construction of this type that dates from the time of the reconquest. Although it has undergone some minimal reforms, the original work remains practically intact to this day.
Today the cathedral works as a museum. In addition to enjoying this magnificent work, pilgrims they can also visit the Renaissance chapel of São João de Ruão and the Gothic cloister whose construction dates from the XNUMXth century.
University of Coimbra
Founded in 1920, it is part of the three oldest on the continent. In fact, it is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. This is the cultural symbol of the city par excellence, apart from being an important economic engine.
It is located in the old town, so the environment is a true marvel from any point of view. To visit it, it is necessary to buy a ticket, although there are options for all tastes and budgets. In any case, the experience is worth it from any point of view.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of Tui
Another of the most important buildings on the Portuguese Way. this cathedral It was built during the XNUMXth century under a Romanesque style. However, you can also see some Gothic details that were added over time.
In fact, his entrance is considered as the first Gothic-style sculptural ensemble in the entire Iberian Peninsula. It also stands out for the wonderful medieval cloister, unique in its style that can be found throughout the region of Galicia.
It is located on one of the highest hills in the city of Tui, so the views are simply unbeatable towards any point.
Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo
Known among the neighbors as The Collegiate. This is one of the greatest exponents of religious architecture in the city of Vigo and Galician neoclassical art, without forgetting that it is the most important temple.
Developed in the historic quarter of Vigo, It was built in 1811 on what were the remains of an old XNUMXth century church. Its façade has a simple ornamentation, where the sundial stands out, which, contrary to the traditions of this type, is not oriented to the south.
Here it is possible to visit the image of the Christ of Victory, the most important religious symbol of Vigo. It goes out in procession every first Sunday of August when the city’s festivities begin.
Church of Santiago de Redondela
It is among the most important monuments of the Portuguese Way. Of great historical and architectural value, dates from the XNUMXth century.
It is especially striking for the shape of its cover, which is made up of a series of ribbed vaults. In addition, it has the figure of the Apostle Santiago in the altarpiece of the main altar.
Sampaio bridge
Of Roman origins, it conserves very little of the initial construction, since in reality the current bridge is part of the Middle Ages. It is of the elongated type, formed by 10 arches.
In this place the famous Battle of Ponte Sampaio in 1809, in the middle of the War of Independence. Here, French troops clashed with those of General Ney.
In general, it is an extremely beautiful place with views that seem to be taken from a travel postcard.
Church of the Virgin of the Way
Declared as National Monument, the original church was built in the XNUMXth century. At this time also It functioned as a hostel for pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela.
It was built in the place where in 1505, according to legend, The Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd. First, a small hermitage was built, which was later replaced by the current one in the XNUMXth century.
Church of St. Bartholomew
Built in a baroque style, it is a beautiful and very important building among the points of interest on the Camino Portugués. Here sculptures and quite important works are kept at an artistic – cultural level, such as the altarpieces of Pedro de Mena.
Among the most beautiful and impressive places in the complex, are the beautiful staircase dating from 1772 and the cloister. Both are must-sees.
Cesures Bridge
Developed on the Ulla river, It is a work whose origins date back to the year 25 BC. A few centuries later, specifically in the XNUMXth century, the Bishop of Iria and Compostela ordered the construction of the West Towers. The intention was to protect and defend the city against Viking attacks from this waterway.
Census
More than a monument or a building, it is a town where you can find several attractions.
writers cradle, Padrón is one of the points of interest of Camino Portugués. Rosalía de Castro was born here, considered one of the most famous exponents of Galician literature, as well as the Nobel Prize winner, Camilo José Cela.
As one of the main organizing agencies of the Camino de Santiago, We recommend you, apart from visiting the museums of both artists, this municipality as a good option to rest and enjoy the traditional gastronomy of the region. We assume that you have heard of Padrón peppers (some are hot and others are not, do you dare?)
