Pontedeume was founded by Afonso X in 1270 beside a wooden bridge over the Rio Eume, from which the town takes its name. In 1371 it passed to the Andrade family, whose buildings and symbols still appear throughout the medieval centre.
Fernán Pérez de Andrade replaced the wooden crossing with a monumental stone bridge that incorporated a chapel and hospital for pilgrims. Pontedeume's port also received pilgrims arriving by ship from England before they continued towards Santiago.
What to see in Pontedeume
Ponte de Pedra
In the late 14th century, Fernán Pérez de Andrade replaced an earlier wooden crossing with a Gothic stone bridge of 68 arches, incorporating two towers, a chapel and a hospital for pilgrims. The present 15-arched bridge was rebuilt in 1863-1870 and remodelled in 1884-1888. Pontedeume had already taken its name from the earlier wooden bridge across the Eume.
Torreón dos Andrade
This late 14th-century tower is the last surviving part of the Andrade palace that once formed part of Pontedeume's walls. Most of the palace was demolished between 1911 and 1936, and its large coat of arms was later transferred to the tower. The upper floors now contain the Centro de Interpretación dos Andrade (Andrade Interpretation Centre).
Igrexa de Santiago
The church preserves a late 14th-century polychrome granite image of Santiago seated as an apostle. Its main chapel was rebuilt by Fernando de Andrade in the early 16th century, and the Renaissance retable of 1530 includes painted Passion scenes strongly influenced by Flemish Gothic art.
Where to stay in Pontedeume
