Melide developed as a medieval trading and pilgrim centre where routes from the east and north converged. In 1320 it received permission to build walls and a castle and to collect tolls; the fortifications were later destroyed during the Irmandiño revolt of 1467, and stone from the castle was reused in 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.
Qué ver en Melide
Igrexa de San Pedro
The Igrexa de San Pedro was formerly the church of the Franciscan Convento de Sancti Spiritus, founded in the 14th century, and became Melide's parish church in 1842. Much of the present building dates from a rebuilding in 1498 and includes two Gothic tombs associated with the Ulloa family.
Capela de San Roque
The present Capela de San Roque was built in 1949 using material from demolished medieval 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.
Dónde alojarse en Melide
Albergue O Candil
Albergue Alfonso II
Albergue Montoto
Albergue Melide
Albergue San Antón
Albergue Arraigos
Albergue Pereiro
Albergue O Apalpador
Albergue de peregrinos
Albergue O Cruceiro
Albergue Ezequiel
