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Lugo Travel Guide
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Lugo
The city of Lugo has one of the most extensive historical heritages in Spain. Located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, Lugo is the capital of the province that bears the same name and belongs to the Autonomous Community of Galicia.
Lugo is located on a hill surrounded by great mountains, which gives it an impressive beauty. History, nature and modernity coexist perfectly.
The old part of the city is home to great historical monuments, such as its Cathedral, the Town Hall building and the Provincial Museum. There is also the gastronomic area of Lugo, which houses some of the best restaurants in Galicia. There, one can taste the best meat, fish and seafood in this region.
However, the worldwide fame that this beautiful city has acquired stems from its gigantic walls, which welcome visitors. The Walls of Lugo were built by the Romans between the third and fourth centuries, and today they maintain their particular splendour.
Another characteristic that makes Lugo a splendid city is the love that its citizens have for nature. The city was blessed with beautiful forests and natural landscapes full of wildlife and wonderful flora.
Lugo is surrounded by a beautiful green belt of more than ten kilometres, which is perfectly complemented by Rosalia de Castro Park, located in the centre of the city.
In short, Lugo, as a tourist destination, offers a magical and unique environment where time seems to have stopped, giving visitors a fascinating place to discover and enjoy.
Top 9 places to visit in Lugo
Roman Wall
Built in Roman times, this wall still retains much of its splendour.
This building was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Through it, Lugo encloses a quiet and beautiful old town.
This gigantic wall has an approximate length of 2,266 meters, with 85 powerful towers that protected the city for several centuries.
This building was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Through it, Lugo encloses a quiet and beautiful old town.
This gigantic wall has an approximate length of 2,266 meters, with 85 powerful towers that protected the city for several centuries.
Other entrances of impressive beauty are the Porta Nova, the St. Peter Gate and the St. James Gate.
Cathedral of Lugo
The construction of the Cathedral of Lugo dates back to 1129 and lasted near 150 years. This Romanesque-style Catholic temple houses several treasures, such as the portico on the north side, the main altarpiece by Cornelis de Holanda, the choir from early 17th century built by Francisco de Moure, the Renaissance chapel of Saint Froilán (17th century) and the chapel of the Virgen de los Ojos Grandes, from the 18th century and the work of Fernando de Casas Novoa.
This church underwent a major remodelling in 1755 as a result of the Lisbon earthquake.
This church underwent a major remodelling in 1755 as a result of the Lisbon earthquake.
On the outside is its imposing Neoclassical façade, very sober but also elegant.
Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge of Lugo, or Old Bridge, is a bridge from Roman times that underwent several reconstructions during the 12th, 14th and 18th centuries.
It was built from stone and slate, with a length of 104 meters and a width of four meters.
Its main function at that time was to be part of the communication between Lucus Augusti (Lugo) and Bracara Augusta (the actual Braga).
It was built from stone and slate, with a length of 104 meters and a width of four meters.
Its main function at that time was to be part of the communication between Lucus Augusti (Lugo) and Bracara Augusta (the actual Braga).
Near the bridge are two obligatory visits in Lugo. The first is the river walk along the banks of the Miño river and the second is the Roman baths of the city.
Main Square
Since Roman times, the Main Square of Lugo has been the nerve centre of the city and a meeting point for the people.
It is surrounded by most of the city's historic buildings, such as the imposing Town Hall and the Franciscan Convent.
In this mythical stately-style square are statues dedicated to the two founders of the city, Emperor Augusto and Paulo Fabio Máximo, as well as important Galician personalities such as Rosalia de Castro and Valle-Inclán.
It is surrounded by most of the city's historic buildings, such as the imposing Town Hall and the Franciscan Convent.
In this mythical stately-style square are statues dedicated to the two founders of the city, Emperor Augusto and Paulo Fabio Máximo, as well as important Galician personalities such as Rosalia de Castro and Valle-Inclán.
Plaza del Campo
The Praza do Campo or Plaza del Campo is located in the historic centre of Lugo and is the most typical square in the city.
It is thought that this space was where the Roman Forum of the ancient Lucus Augusti was located.
This triangular-shaped porticoed square was once where the most popular streets in Lugo converged. In addition, for many decades it was where the country and bread markets were held.
It is thought that this space was where the Roman Forum of the ancient Lucus Augusti was located.
This triangular-shaped porticoed square was once where the most popular streets in Lugo converged. In addition, for many decades it was where the country and bread markets were held.
This square is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Lugo. It is also the gastronomic area and the centre of the city's wine route. In this square is the Interpretation Center of the Wall, which also serves as the Tourist Office.
Mosaic House
This ancient Roman mansion, built between the third or early fourth century, is known worldwide as the Domus Oceani. This place stands out in Lugo for its mosaics with geometric motifs, located on the floors of several of its rooms.It is presumed that this place belonged to a high-ranking Roman official due to several elements, such as its double façade, which directly overlooks the two most important streets of the historic centre, and its proximity to the Roman Forum, where the main economic and social activities were developed at that time.
The importance of the place is not limited to the mosaics found on the ground. It also extends to various sectors of the house containing the remains of murals that are part of the historical legacy of this city.
O Vello Cárcere
O Vello Cárcere is the main cultural and social space in the city, where exhibitions, concerts and plays are held, among many other activities.This place was the old jail of the city, being active between 1887 and 1981. It was the second model jail in Spain.
It is now the site of permanent exhibitions on the war and the postwar period, as well as temporary art exhibitions.
Rosalia de Castro Park
Rosalia de Castro Park is the city’s main park. At the time of its founding, in 1895, it was named Alfonso XII Park, but shortly after it was renamed as a tribute to the Galician poet and novelist.
This park has 23 hectares of beautiful and large landscaped spaces and is located between the Old Town and the Miño river.
The place is perfect to share with the family and enjoy a day of peace and tranquillity.
This park has 23 hectares of beautiful and large landscaped spaces and is located between the Old Town and the Miño river.
The place is perfect to share with the family and enjoy a day of peace and tranquillity.
This park also has an enchanting view of the Miño river, a children's area, a beautiful staircase and the great bronze eagle, which is the most impressive statue in this beautiful place.
Provincial Museum of Lugo
The Provincial Museum of Lugo, created in 1932, is located in the old Convent of St. Francis in the historic centre of the city. This space has several rooms dedicated to archaeology and sacred art, as well as a section on Galician art, with a collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics from Sargadelos and goldsmiths.
Lugo is the Galician city where the presence of the Romans left its greatest mark. That is why most of the remains of this civilization – such as a large sample of pre-Roman goldsmiths and Roman sculptures – are exhibited in this museum.
Lugo is the Galician city where the presence of the Romans left its greatest mark. That is why most of the remains of this civilization – such as a large sample of pre-Roman goldsmiths and Roman sculptures – are exhibited in this museum.
How to get around Lugo
Walking through the city is the best way to get to know Lugo, as the vast majority of the tourist attractions in this city are located in the historic centre. Remember that the route through the Walls of Lugo is approximately two kilometres.Another way to get around the city safely and without problems is through urban transport, as the city has a very efficient service. The urban transport service has around 22 established routes that operate from 7:30 in the morning until 10 at night. Four of them connect the city with its rural environment. There is also a special route for the most important sports activities in Lugo.
Another way to tour the city is by bicycle, as the Municipality of Lugo promotes the use of this means of transport.
To get to the city, the best way is by train, as Lugo is crossed by the León-A Coruña railway line. Lugo has two train stations: one for passengers, located in the Sagrado Corazón neighbourhood, and another that is a freight terminal located in one of its industrial sectors.
The passenger station has long and medium-distance services. The first has a direct line to Madrid, while the second connects with nearby Galician towns. These services allow visitors to connect to the main cities in Spain.
Accommodation in Lugo
Lugo has several areas to stay depending on your preferences and needs.The historic centre of Lugo has a large number of tourist attractions, such as the Roman Wall, the Cathedral, the Provincial Museum and numerous restaurants and shops. In addition, you can find accommodation of different types and prices in this area.
The San Froilán neighbourhood is another highly recommended area because it is quiet and very close to the historic centre. In this area, one can find accommodations at different prices. Some of them offer spectacular views of the Roman Wall.
Another highly recommended area in terms of having the cheapest accommodation is the University Area. Although it is farther from the historic centre, it is a favourite with students and young couples due to the variety of cheap hostels and pensions found there.
These are some of the best areas to stay in Lugo. Each of them has its advantages, so you can choose the area of the city that best suits your needs and preferences.
Gastronomy in Lugo
One of the main reasons why Lugo is so well known nationally is for its excellent gastronomy. This small city has a particular gastronomic charm. One cannot leave Lugo without trying these exquisite dishes:Galician broth
Galician broth is the most typical dish of Lugo. Initially, it was prepared to give workers a high caloric intake during the coldest months of the year.
This dish is made with turnips, “cachelos”, turnip greens, collard greens or cabbage, white beans, a lot of pork fat and other ingredients according to the cook’s preference.
This dish must be served very hot.
This dish is made with turnips, “cachelos”, turnip greens, collard greens or cabbage, white beans, a lot of pork fat and other ingredients according to the cook’s preference.
This dish must be served very hot.
Typical “empanadas” from Lugo
The “empanada” is a dish with a lot of tradition in Lugo. In fact, it has its own history.
Lugo “empanadas” can be made with minced pork and paprika, as well as with cod, mussels, squid, tuna and raisins. However, the most typical is the “liscos” and chorizo empanada. The ingredients used for these empanadas are chorizo, olive oil, onions, red pepper and sweet and sour paprika.
These empanadas are a true delicacy that you must taste.
Lugo “empanadas” can be made with minced pork and paprika, as well as with cod, mussels, squid, tuna and raisins. However, the most typical is the “liscos” and chorizo empanada. The ingredients used for these empanadas are chorizo, olive oil, onions, red pepper and sweet and sour paprika.
These empanadas are a true delicacy that you must taste.
Lacon con grelos
This dish is always on the menu of the best restaurants in Lugo, which prepare it in the traditional way.Its main ingredients are pork shoulder and turnip tops, accompanied by bacon, chorizo and “cachelos”.
Due to its history and flavour, it deserves to be among the most typical dishes of Lugo.
Tripe with chickpeas
Tripe with chickpeas is a very typical dish in Lugo and all of Galicia.
It is prepared with beef tripe, chickpeas, chorizo and a combination of spices that gives it a particular aroma and flavour. It must be prepared over low heat.
Usually, this dish is widely consumed in the winter. Served very hot, it warms the body and gives one energy.
It is prepared with beef tripe, chickpeas, chorizo and a combination of spices that gives it a particular aroma and flavour. It must be prepared over low heat.
Usually, this dish is widely consumed in the winter. Served very hot, it warms the body and gives one energy.
Mondoñedo cake
The traditional recipe for this cake dates back more than 800 years, as there is evidence that this cake was found on the lintel of the Pazo de Xelmírez in Santiago de Compostela.What is truly certain is that this cake is a very typical dish of the city and is the result of combining wheat flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cabell d'àngel, lemon and a touch of cinnamon.
Other information of interest
The patron saint of Lugo is St. Froilán, which is why celebrations in his honour begin every October 5. They bring together thousands of visitors from Galicia and other parts of Spain.Traditionally, the events of this festivity were festivals, theatre performances and sporting events. Today, they have been expanded in the form of open-air concerts and craft fairs, in addition to the traditional “Barracas”.
Other festivals that take place in Lugo and that are widely visited by tourists are those in the La Milagrosa neighbourhood and the always-fun Lugo Carnival.
Another festival that has gained notoriety in the city is the so-called "Arde Lucus", which is celebrated in mid-June. During this festival, participants dress in typical Roman clothing, chariot races are held and there are imitations of slave sales, recalling the city's Roman past.
Another festival that has gained notoriety in the city is the so-called "Arde Lucus", which is celebrated in mid-June. During this festival, participants dress in typical Roman clothing, chariot races are held and there are imitations of slave sales, recalling the city's Roman past.
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