Lovely Lugo...A Stroll Around the Wall

Lugo, the capital city of the province of Lugo, in Galicia, Spain, is the only city in the world that is surrounded by completely intact Roman walls used for protection against Germanic invaders in the 3rd century.

The wall has 10 gates in total, 5 of which are Roman, dating from 263-276 AD, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two best preserved gates are Porta Falsa and Porta Miña. Of the original towers, 49 are still intact and another are 39 partially intact.

The entire circuit of the wall, which measures nearly 2 kilometers, is accessible to visitors and has been traveled by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago since the Middle Ages, who most often passed through Porta Miña on their way to Santiago de Compostela. 

Within the confines of the wall is the old city, featuring a cathedral dedicated to St. Mary, originally built in 1129, though the facade and towers date to 1769.

There is much to see along the wall, from the modernity of Lugo's bustling city streets to the echoes of long past within the old city paths.

You lookin' at me?

Once you finish walking the perimeter of the wall, stroll around Plaza Mayor. Its large lawn area is close to the cathedral and hosts numerous cafes and restaurants overlooking the Plaza where you can get a coffee con leche, a tinto or a caña, as well as a tapa or two. You can people watch, admire the art, or just relax.

Lugo is only about an hour's drive from La Coruña and provides the perfect day trip excursion. If you're ever in Galicia, on a UNESCO World Heritage Site tour, or in Spain looking for something to see, consider the city Lugo and the Roman Wall and wonder at the stories those stones could tell.

Have you been to Lugo? What UNESCO Sites have you seen? Inspire me.