Baiona's medieval town was formally established by Alfonso IX in 1201, when he granted it a carta poboacional (town charter) and privileges designed to concentrate maritime trade at its port. The charter regulated imports, fish salting and harbour taxes, linking Baiona to trading routes as far as northern Europe.
On 1 March 1493, Martín Alonso Pinzón brought the Pinta into port after Columbus's first Atlantic voyage, carrying news of the expedition three days before Columbus reached Lisbon. The arrival is commemorated each year in the Festa da Arribada.
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Fortaleza de Monterreal
About 3 km of walls surround the 18-hectare Monte Boi peninsula, with fortifications built and repeatedly altered between the Middle Ages and the 17th century. The Torre do Príncipe is traditionally associated with the imprisonment in 1137 of Afonso Henriques, the future first king of Portugal.
Museo da Carabela Pinta
The original Pinta, commanded by Martín Alonso Pinzón, reached Baiona on 1 March 1493 in poor condition and with its captain seriously ill. The ship was repaired and supplied with water and food here before continuing to Palos de la Frontera. The full-size museum replica recreates the vessel and its 1492-93 voyage.
Virxe da Rocha
Designed by Antonio Palacios of O Porriño, this 15-metre granite figure was begun in 1910 and finally inaugurated in 1930. A spiral staircase inside the statue leads to the small boat held in the Virgin's right hand, which serves as a viewpoint over the Atlantic.
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