The industrial city of
Vigo, located right by the sea and established long ago, is the largest
in Galicia.
The sea and Vigo are inseparable. In the sixteenth century the port of
Berbés was an important shipping centre throughout the world, hit by a
series of raids led initially by Drake and which culminated in the
battle of Rande and the sinking of the Indies galleons.
In the nineteenth century, more
fighting marked life in Vigo during the War of Independence and it was
during this century that the city was, for a period of time, the capital
of the province. It is known more for its industrial and trading power
however, factors which have made it a pillar of the Galician economy.
The Neoclassical collegiate church of Santa María is well worth a visit
as is the city centre with its peaceful streets and large avenues
running in harmonious unity, and the Museo Quiñones de León with its
extensive collections, mostly paintings. Nor should the vantage points
of El Castro, La Guía and La Madroa be forgotten as they offer superb
views of the estuary and the nearby Islas Cíes.
