Introduction to the Province of Lugo
In the north west of Spain, the province of Lugo forms part of the Galicia region and has a coastline on the Bay of Biscay. It has some spectacular scenery, a rich history, pretty towns and village and a fine coastline and yet remains relatively undiscovered by tourists from outside of Spain.

Lugo City
The ancient city of Lugo, the capital of the province, was founded by the Celts on the banks of the River Miño and subsequently became an important Roman stronghold. Lugo is the only city in the world to still be completely encircled by in tact Roman walls (Murallas), which extend for over 2km in length and have more than 70 defensive towers. In places, the walls are a staggering 15m in height. These walls have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll around the walls is a great way to get a feel for the city of Lugo and they look particularly impressive when illuminated at night.

Within the city walls, the old town of Lugo is a delight to explore on foot. It has an open feel about it compared to many walled cities. Make sure to visit the 12th Century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Baroque Episcopal Palace, both located in the same square and also visit the nearby square of Praza España (also known as the Praza Maior), flanked by elegant buildings and bars and cafes. The famous Camino de Santiago passes through Lugo and the city’s cathedral is an obligatory stop for pilgrims following the route. The Convent of San Francisco is today the home of Lugo’s Provincial Museum.

Outside of the city walls, in the newer part of Lugo, the well-preserved Roman spa baths are interesting and the delightful gardens and shady trees of the Parque Rosalia de Castro (named after the famed Galician poet) provide a fine spot to relax.

Around Lugo City and Beyond
Lugo’s coastline is dramatic and relatively unspoilt. The towns of Ribadeo (which has a spectacular beach nearby, Cathedral Beach), the busy fishing town of Viveiro and the cathedral town of Mondoñedo all make for ideal places to base yourself to explore Lugo’s north and beaches. Some of the best coastal towns and beaches are to be found at Esteirio, Foz, Longa and Porto de Vares.

The mountainous interior of Lugo is delightfully unspoilt and attractive. The mountain ranges of Ancares and O Caurel make for great walking territory and are full of flora and fauna and unique mountain villages where the housing is based on a pre-Roman design. These stone built houses are known as “pallozas” and are circular with thatched roofs.

The Ribiera Sacra region of Lugo has been an important wine making area since Roman times. The slopes of the Sil and Miño rivers provide the perfect environment for vineyards. The scenery is spectacular and can best be appreciated via a cruise up the deep canyon forged by the River Sil on one of the catamarans that ply their trade here. The gateway to the Ribiera Sacra area is the town of Monforte de Lemos where you will also find a new Wine Centre and a very well stocked shop selling the region’s wines.

The Terras de Miño Biosphere in the centre of the province is an important UNESCO Reserve. It contains ocean and wetland forests and is a landscape of valleys and mountains that is dotted with Roman ruins.

The Gastronomy of Lugo
Lugo’s typical cuisine is a rich combination of the finest Galician seafood and food from the land. The most well known dish from the region is probably Pulpo a Feira, which is a hearty octopus and potato dish with paprika, traditionally served on a wooden plate. Lacon con Grelos is a dish of shoulder of pork with turnip tops and you are highly likely to come across Empanadas which are small pastry pasties filled with a mixture of meats, fish and vegetables. In the area of Ulloa, be sure to sample some of the excellent trout that come from its rivers and in the coastal area of Lugo you will encounter fine seafood and fish dishes. Lugo also produces some fine cheeses. Look out for the Cebreiro cheese with its soft, creamy interior and which resembles a chef’s hat.

Off course you must accompany your meal with some of Lugo’s fine wines from the Ribeira Sacra region.

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