Open Travel Guide
History of Galicia

Galicia History & Heritage Guide 2026

The history of Galicia told through its places: sites worth the detour and the context they need.

The short answer: start with Lugo Roman Walls (Muralla Romana de Lugo), Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Tower of Hercules. This guide profiles 5+ historical sites in Galicia, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Galicia is an autonomous community in northwest Spain, celebrated for its emerald-green landscapes, dramatic Atlantic coastline, world-famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, outstanding seafood, and Albariño wines from the Rías Baixas.

Historical timeline

Key moments that shaped Galicia.

  1. 1

    Pre-Roman (700–100 BC)

  2. 2

    Roman (100 BC–AD 400)

  3. 3

    Suevic Kingdom (409–585)

  4. 4

    Visigothic and Moorish Period (585–718)

  5. 5

    Discovery of the Apostle's Tomb (circa 830)

  6. 6

    Pilgrimage Growth (10th–12th centuries)

  7. 7

    Kingdom of Galicia (9th–15th centuries)

  8. 8

    Unification with Castile (15th–17th centuries)

  9. 9

    19th–20th Centuries

  10. 10

    Autonomy (1981–present)

Historical sites

Places where Galicia's past comes alive.

Historic

Lugo Roman Walls (Muralla Romana de Lugo)

Where: Lugo

Admission: Free

Historic

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Where: Santiago de Compostela

Admission: Cathedral: free. Museum: €12 (~$13)

Historic

Tower of Hercules

Where: A Coruña

Admission: €3 (~$3.25)

Historic

Castro de Santa Trega

Where: A Guarda, Pontevedra

Admission: Museum €1.20 (~$1.30); site free

Historic

Monasterio de Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil

Where: Nogueira de Ramuín, Ourense

Admission: Free (exterior and church)