Tui belongs to the Pontevedra region of Galicia, Spain and the city is the official starting point of the last 100kms of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Nestled on the banks of the Rio Minho, Tui is a border town just across the river from Valenca in Portugal.
Notwithstanding its small size, the cathedral city of Tui is designated as a Historic-Artistic area that has played a long role in Spanish history.
So, let´s take a look at things to see and do in 24 hours in Tui.
Catedral de Tui
The city is well-known for the stunning cathedral where a pilgrim can purchase a pilgrim passport and receive their first Camino stamp.
The building of the cathedral began in 1120 in the romanesque style yet was finished in 1215 with a decidedly gothic flair due to the popularity of all things french at that time.
There is so much to explore inside the cathedral – tranquil cloisters, battlements, and lookout towers. Some say that the cathedral is more of a castle than a church, as the building played a role in the strategic defence of this area from the Portuguese across the border in Valenca during medieval times.
The beautiful gardens around the cathedral balance out the fortress style of the building.
Monte de Aloia
The mountain of Aloia near Tui was the first place in Galicia to be designated a nature reserve. A climb up to the top is rewarded with stunning views across the Vigo Estuary, Tui, the Rio Minho, and Portugal beyond.
Historic Quarter
Tui has a beautiful historic quarter with the main plaza playing host to a number of restaurants and cafes serving typical northern Spanish cuisine including tapas. There are many shops to explore, including one or two small hiking stores selling hiking equipment.
Ideas Peregrinos
One of my favourite places in Tui is Ideas Peregrino, a shop and albergue for Camino pilgrims located close to the cathedral. The owners provide a warm welcome and sell Camino memorabilia including a good stock of guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago.
Ponte Internacional Bridge & Valenca
Pilgrims beginning their Camino in Tui may wish to cross the Ponte Internacional Bridge to Valenca to experience a little taste of Portugal before heading north to Santiago. Check out my 24 Hours in Valenca on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago for details.
The Religious Buildings Of Tui
Tui has a number of small Iglesias (churches) to explore. Iglesia de San Telmo is well worth a visit, holding the remains of San Telmo, a Dominican monk who died at the house the church is built on in the thirteenth century.
Tui is also home to Monasterios Santo Domingo de Tui which sits regally on a hill above Tui surrounded by beautiful countryside. An afternoon wander up to this point gives views of the city and beyond.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on the Portuguese Camino and Camino Finisterre y Muxia.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago, check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
