Galicia (Spain) - Galizia (Spagna)

Galicia (in SpanishGalicia, in Galician Galicia or Galiza) is a region of the Spain.

To know

The name Galicia derives from the Latin Gallaecia: the current community in fact occupies a large part of the ancient Roman province, Galicia in fact. The original name in Latin derives in turn from that of the ancient Celtic tribes that were settled in the area north of the Douro River, which the Romans called Gallaeci or Callaeci (the famous "roosters").

Geographical notes

Galicia borders to the northeast with the Bay of Biscay, to the west with the Atlantic Ocean, to the east with the Asturias and the Castile and León and to the south col Portugal.

It is characterized by very different landscapes, often truly suggestive, which include vast beaches, small inlets, islets or impervious cliffs. Especially the types of shoreline alternate constantly, just think of the stretch near Corrubedo nelle Rías Baixas formed by numerous sandy dunes and then to that of the Rasa Cantábrica in the Mariña de Lugo, much higher and more inaccessible. The two places attract many visitors for their physical and environmental characteristics: it is no coincidence that they host the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corrubedo and the Praia de Augas Santas (better known as Praia das Catedrais).

One of the main geographical peculiarities of Galicia is the presence of the rías, narrow and long inlets that penetrate the coast thanks to the flooding of the sea inside river valleys with the lowering of the terrestrial level (and the relative raising of the of the sea). Rías are traditionally divided into Rías Altas and Rías Baixas, depending on their location relative to Fisterra, considered the westernmost point of Galicia.

Spoken languages

The official languages ​​of the Autonomous Community are Galician, or galego (in SpanishGalician) and Spanish. Spanish is often spoken as a first language by urban youth, while Galician is often the first language among the older rural population. Both languages ​​have official status and are taught in schools.

Culture and traditions

The Galician musical heritage is very rich and strong, being able to enjoy the region of well-rooted traditions and various historical roots, but also from the Spanish and neighboring cultural influences. Portugal. Typical Galician instruments such as the gaita they are still very popular and appreciated.

There are numerous musical events, such as the Celtic Festival of Ortigueira.

Territories and tourist destinations

Galicia is traditionally divided into the following four territories:

• Province of Coruña
• Province of Ourense
• Pontevedra province
• Lugo province

Urban centers

Other destinations

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  Cabo Fisterra - Monument representing the boots of a pilgrim at the end of Santiago's walk

• 

  Betanzos - Iglesia de San Francisco

• 

  Samos - Mosterio de San Xulián

• 

  Colegio de Nuestra Señora la Antigua Monforte de Lemos

How to get

How to get around

What see

What to do

At the table

Safety

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Galicia (Spain)
• Commons contains images or other files on Galicia (Spain)

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