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Friday, April 24, 2015

Exploring Galicia, Spain: Betanzos

When we're in Spain, we like to explore small towns and villages in our home province of A Coruña, in Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain. One afternoon last summer, we set off to explore, and we discovered the hilly medieval town of Betanzos. 


Betanzos is easy to access, with exits off of two major roads (A6 and AP9). It was named "Brigantium" by the Romans as a hill fort and is one of the original seven capitals of the Old Kingdom of Galicia. 

The road into downtown and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo
seemingly deserted during a summer afternoon siesta stroll.

The town is marked by three Gothic churches, Santa Maria do Azogue, Santiago (of which, for some reason, we have no photos), and San Francisco, known for its sarcophagus with the remains of Fernán Pérez Andrade, a Galician knight. The tomb is decorated with hunting images.

Iglesia de San Francisco de Betanzos, erected in 1387 over another church from the 13th century.

Iglesia de Santa Maria do Azogue

and its main portal

While we were there, there was an public art display of flags hanging from many town buildings, making for a lovely, colorful landscape.






Looking for a new career? Betanzos has a course for your future as a baker or butcher... no candlestick makers though. Sorry, Mother Goose.


The town had no formal plan, so you never know what lurks around corners. 

Betanzos has many options for tasty treats and pretty views...perfect for an afternoon stroll. 





Do you prefer exploring small towns or big cities? What is one thing you like to do in each place you visit?












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34 comments:

  1. Allie BurdickApril 24, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    Gorgeous! This makes me want to go back to Spain immediately. My whole family was there (in Pontevedra) last May and it was amazing!! Loved seeing all these pictures and remembering lazy mornings filled with cafe con leche and churros!

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  2. Rebecca P.April 24, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    Beautiful! O....travel posts always make me want to TRAVEL right now and see the beauty of the world!

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  3. JillApril 24, 2015 at 7:47 AM

    These are gorgeous photos! I've only ever been to Spain once and my favorite city was the hilltop town of Holy Toledo! Have you ever been there?

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  4. socalledhomemakerApril 24, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    Great pics!!

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  5. Andrea On VacationApril 24, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    I like the pink house! That would be mine. I love European churches- so old and such great architecture!

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  6. rm29303April 24, 2015 at 10:19 AM

    What a beautiful little town! I've never been to Spain, but you make it look so lovely! I much prefer smaller towns.

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  7. Nikki VergakesApril 24, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    Spain is next on my list to visit!

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  8. Casual TravelersApril 24, 2015 at 8:03 PM

    Wow, I would NOT want to drive those narrow, steep roads! Other than that, Betanzos looks like a lovely city, perfect to explore on foot. Thanks for sharing your trip with your readers!

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  9. Peggy Gilbey McMackinApril 25, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    I absolutely love these small medieval towns and villages in Spain! And the churches... your photos are terrific. I also loved a small town in Portugal called Obidos! So much beauty to see and history to appreciate!

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  10. Mary {The World Is A Book}April 26, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    Betanzos looks so charming and beautiful. We love exploring small towns and villages like this one and just strolling the streets and getting lost. Those flags are so colorful and what a neat way to decorate. What a perfect way to spend the day.

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  11. KerryApril 26, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    What a pretty place. I love seeing small towns and exploring.

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  12. Lauren | Justin Plus LaurenApril 28, 2015 at 8:37 PM

    I love that church - it's gorgeous! Such intricate detail. I'd love to just walk around and explore. Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust :)

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  13. Reasons to DressApril 30, 2015 at 6:22 PM

    I've never heard of this town and you HAVE ME THERE. I can picture myself walking those streets, looking at the art sailing from the balconies and eating something delicious....maybe even mother goose!!

    Kelly I would love to have you join a new linkup for travel and lifestyle bloggers that I'm hosting called #REASONStoTRAVEL. I've mentioned you on the blog and would love to have you join here!

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  14. Christy MilfordApril 30, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    I love both small towns and big cities! It's so hard to choose but smaller places usually have more charm like this one does :) Love the hanging flags and the architecture! Can't wait to get back to Spain someday.

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  15. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 1, 2015 at 5:54 PM

    I like small towns and big cities too, Christy. I guess it's the difference between a tourist and a traveler. Happy travels.

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  16. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 1, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    Thanks so much, Angie! I will join in, for sure. And if you're ever looking for co-hosts, please consider me. I would love to join. Cheers!

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  17. Reasons to DressMay 2, 2015 at 2:38 AM

    YES we are looking for co.hosts!! Would you be into being a monthly co-host with us? We can start next month in June!! Let me know as we would love to have you!!

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  18. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    YES! That's great! Please email me details at krod0519@gmail.com. I have been looking for something like this for a long time. Perfect!

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  19. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Thank you, Lauren. Spain has so many beautiful churches, chapels and cathedrals...like many countries in Europe. Thank you for the opportunity to link up.

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  20. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    It was a nice surprise and perfect for an afternoon stroll.

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  21. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you, Peggy. Spain has so many beautiful churches, chapels and cathedrals to explore...like many countries in Europe. I just looked up Obidos. It looks beautiful. It reminds me of Lugo. Lovely!

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  22. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    The coastal area of Vigo, in southern Galicia, has amazing seafood. I'm not surprised that you enjoyed it. Galicia, in general, is known for their canned seafood. Calvo is a popular brand near us, in the north. Thank you for stopping by, Ruth. :-) Have a great weekend.

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  23. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, strolling the nooks and crannies of this small town. Thanks for stopping by, Mary.

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  24. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    The winding roads are a bit daunting, but well worth it. :-) It was perfect for a lovely afternoon stroll.

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  25. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    I thought the same thing, Ashely. I love to cook and bake. Being a full time baker, though...I'm not so sure. A class, however, sounds like a lot of fun.

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  26. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:58 AM

    Fantastic! You will love it, Nikki. Can't wait to follow along!

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  27. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:58 AM

    It was perfect for a lovely afternoon stroll. I would go back.

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  28. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    Spain has so many beautiful churches, chapels and cathedrals to explore...like many countries in Europe. I liked that pink house too, Andrea. I love color..and flowers.

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  29. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    Thank you for stopping by.

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  30. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    Thank you, Jill. I have not been to Toledo...yet. Maybe this summer.

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  31. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    There's so much to see. Start your travel vision board. :-)

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  32. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 2, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    Pontevedra and Vigo are just beautiful. Did you make it out to the Cies Islands? So pretty. Cafe con leche...everyday...everywhere. :-) And an occasional vermouth or glass of albariño. ;-)

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  33. Elizabeth GeorgianMay 5, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    I love exploring both small towns and big cities! Stick me pretty much anywhere that has good food and some scenery and I'll be happy!


    Thank you for linking up with #ReasonstoTravel! It is great to find new blogs!

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  34. Kelly @ A Lovely Life, IndeedMay 6, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    Thank you, Elizabeth, for the opportunity to link up. :-) Thrilled to join.

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