Page 55 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION  53

GALICIA

Remote in the northwest corner
of the Iberian peninsula, Galicia is a
green, rainswept region remarkable
for the diversity of its landscape,
where coastal cliffs alternate with lowlands and rías. The region is famous
for its excellent cuisine, while pilgrims flock here to visit the city of Santiago
de Compostela. The Galicians, whose origins are Celtic, are fiercely proud
of their culture and language.

Traditionally, Galicia was seen as a poor economy, and Galician seafood is the best
agri cultural region, whose economy in Spain. The coast line, cut with fjord-like
did not lend itself to modernization. rías, is dotted with fishing villages.
It absorbed little Roman influence, was Mainland Spain’s most westerly point
never con quered by the Moors, and in – the heather-clad Cabo Fisterra – is
the Middle Ages fell under the control situated on this rugged stretch of coast.
of the kingdom of Asturias. It was only The most weatherbeaten section is the
very briefly an independent monarchy, scenic, lighthouse-studded Costa da
in the 10th and 11th centuries. Morte (Coast of Death), so-called for its
Bordering Portugal to the south and treacherous cliffs and stormy weather.
enclosed by the waters of the Atlantic Even more magical is the pilgrimage
Ocean, Galicia could offer its inhabi tants centre of Santiago de Compostela, the
little in the way of new land for cultivation; region’s capital. Romantic hillsides
overpopulation and unem ployment shrouded in mist conceal the remains of
forced many to emigrate. Yet, in the Celtic settlements; at road junctions and
20th century, Galicia began to develop, in the towns stand weathered stone
and today traditional life styles rub crosses, while in the villages old granaries
shoulders with modernity. can be seen. The picture is completed
Galicia has always had strong links by the sound of Galicians’ favourite
with the sea; the port cities of Vigo and instrument – the bagpipes – and their
A Coruña are centres of cul ture, commerce, language, gallego, which bears strong
and industry. Fishing is vital to the similarities to Portuguese.

The picturesque Galician coast in the vicinity of Ézaro, near the remote headland of Cabo Fisterra
The façade of the Convento de San Martiño Pinario, in Santiago de Compostela

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