Melide developed as a medieval trading and pilgrim centre where routes from the east and north converged. In 1320, following a request from Archbishop Berenguel de Landoira, Alfonso XI allowed Melide's council and justices to collect a toll on animals and merchandise passing through the town for six years to fund its walls. The castle was demolished during the Irmandiño revolt of 1467-1469. In 1498, material from the ruined fortification was reused to build the main chapel of the Convento de Sancti Spiritus.
Melide is particularly known for polbo á feira (pulpo a la gallega in Castilian), boiled octopus cut into pieces and served on wooden plates with olive oil, paprika and salt. The dish developed from Galicia's traditional fairs and became especially associated with inland market towns such as Melide.
The Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Francés in Melide, and the two routes continue together from here to Santiago de Compostela.
What to see in Melide
Igrexa de Sancti Spiritus
The Igrexa de Sancti Spiritus belonged to the Franciscan convent founded in Melide in the 14th century and became the town's parish church after the convent was suppressed in 1835. Its surviving medieval fabric includes a 14th-century side chapel and the chancel rebuilt in 1498; the nave, Baroque façade and tower largely date from 18th-century alterations. Two Gothic cenotaphs in the chancel commemorate Leonor de Mendoza and Inés de Castro, members of the Ulloa family.
Capela de San Roque
The present Capela de San Roque was built in 1949 using material from demolished churches, including the early-14th-century portal of the former Igrexa de San Pedro. Beside it stands the Cruceiro de Melide, probably dating from the 14th century and traditionally regarded as Galicia's oldest surviving cruceiro, or wayside stone cross. A Camino legend claims that the chapel's portal appears on the €10 banknote, but the resemblance is coincidental: the note depicts an imaginary Romanesque building.
Where to stay in Melide
Albergue O Candil
Albergue Alfonso II
Albergue Montoto
Albergue San Antón
Albergue Arraigos
Albergue Pereiro
Albergue Melide
Albergue O Cruceiro
Albergue O Apalpador
Albergue de peregrinos de Melide
Albergue Ezequiel
