A Roman-walled city in northwestern Spain with a 3rd-century fortification encircling its historic center. Home to San Martín Cathedral and a campus of Santiago University.
Lugo, in northwestern Spain's Galicia region, has preserved its Roman walls from the 3rd century - the only complete circuit still standing in the world. You can walk the entire 2.1-kilometer stone fortification, passing 85 towers and looking down at the city's medieval streets. Inside the walls, the Cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture, while tapas bars serve free pinchos with every drink. Beyond the historic center, an 18-kilometer path follows the Miño River past Roman baths and an ancient bridge.
Walking the Roman Walls
Ten access points lead to the top of Lugo's 10-meter-high Roman walls, including the Carmen gateway (Porta Miñá) - an exit point for Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Walking the full 2.1-kilometer circuit takes about 45 minutes, giving you views of medieval rooftops on one side and modern neighborhoods on the other. The walls' 85 original towers have remained intact since the 3rd century, and locals still use them daily as a walking path.
Inside the Medieval Center
Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza España form the heart of the historic quarter. The City Hall, built in 1738, dominates Plaza España with its baroque architecture and a clock tower added in the 19th century. The streets between these squares fill with locals during tapas hours, when bars serve free pinchos with each drink from noon until late evening.
Lugo's Religious Architecture
The Cathedral's construction started in the 12th century, incorporating both Romanesque and Gothic styles, with a Neoclassical façade added later. The Santiago gate marks one of the main entrances to the complex. Next door, the Episcopal Palace from the 18th century sits where the Counts of Lemos tower once stood.
Local Food Culture
Around Campo Square, you'll find traditional Galician dishes like lacón con grelos (pork with turnip tops), locally-produced tetilla cheese, and fresh seafood from northern Galician ports. Local bars serve wines from the nearby Ribeira Sacra region. Try the octopus á feira (prepared with olive oil and paprika) during lunch hours (1:30 PM to 4 PM), when local families fill the restaurants.
Parks and River Area
Rosalía de Castro Park spans 23 hectares, with a central lake and paths winding through native trees and three giant sequoias. At the Miño River, you can explore partially excavated Roman baths and cross a bridge dating to the first century. The "Terras do Miño" Visitors' Centre marks the start of an 18-kilometer riverside path that extends to the river Neira's mouth.
Getting Around and Day Trips
The old town is walkable, and local buses connect to outer areas. From Lugo, you can visit the 4th-century archaeological site at Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, or drive 30 minutes to coastal towns like Viveiro, Foz, and Ribadeo. If you visit As Catedrais beach, check the tide tables - the natural stone arches are only accessible during low tide.
