The fifth port of call on our journey is the town of Viveiro Spain. Viveiro is an ancient walled town with a medieval bridge over the Rio Landro. A mixture of old and new and the town has a very significant artistic heritage, beginning with the remains of its medieval wall, which withstood numerous pirate attacks in the 16th century, as well as fires and floods. Some vestiges of the wall remain, attached to houses or along passages, and three gates still stand, Porta do Castelo being the most significant because it bears the local coats of arms. It has a residential population of over 16,000 (2010 figures), which however triples in the summer months with visitors to the coastal region.
We stayed dockside at the marina for two nights and the third we anchored off the beautiful beach that was protected by the breakwater but could still hear the waves on the beach. Very relaxing night sitting out for dinner.
This is a must see if you are planning a Northern Spain tour.
A rough and bumpy sail - good winds though.
The Cantabrian Mountains or Cantabrian Range are one of the main systems of mountain ranges in Spain. They stretch for over 300 km across northern Spain, from the western limit of the Pyrenees to the Galician Massif in Galicia, along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. Their easternmost end meets the Sistema Ibérico.
The electronic soap dispenser did not fair well in the high seas. This was his last ride and has been replaced by a pump action unit.
We were not sure what this structure was?
Igrexa de Santa MarÃa de Viveiro, Catholic church in Viveiro with its Romanesque architecture.
This display was outside of the church and is called The Heralds of the Encounter. Not the clue-clux-clan but the three tertiary franciscan brothers marching the streets on good Friday . Called the Tour at Dawn Cahes Del Casc announcing easter with the play of the drum.
Inside the The Heralds of the Encounter church.
Igrexa de Santa Maria de Viveiro. It is located in the highest part of the historic center, next to the Concepción Monastery, and is the oldest in the city.
The old wall, of which only parts remain today, was built to protect the inhabitants from attacks or from the plague. The remains of the wall, which succumbed to modernity in spite of its importance and simplicity, are visible in the old part of the city although the remains are situated near small modern buildings. In spite of everything three of the wall's original gates survive: Vila, Valado, with a Romanesque style, and Castelo da Ponte, also called the gate of Carlos V, that is the emblem of Viveiro. This door has the sculpted imperial arms of the monarch, the original arms of the kingdom, and the arms of the city.
Not riding in on a horse through this entrance.
From the other side of the river overlooking the marina.
Someones private gardens done up as a maze. Pretty neat.
The bridge over the river Landro dates back to the medieval era too.
Check out the prices of Spanish "bottom shelf" wine. A great bottle of Rioja wine is about 8-10 Euros.
Mosteiro de Valdeflores. Its construction seems to date from the fourteenth century. Its church has Romanesque and ogival traces. It was not open but entire property was a 10 foot wall.
Our first time anchoring went well. So cool to have a panoramic view of a beach town.
Our blue underwater lights made for some interesting fishy friends coming for a visit.
Good night all. Tomorrow we sail to the next horizon.
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