Lights to the End of the World

GALICIA

These are ancient lights of the Atlantic, the waters of a Celtic nation that were once known by the Romans as the Finis Terrae, the end of the world, beyond where the sun died and monsters inhabited. Today, the cape of Finisterre harbors many lighthouses in a route of ancient celtic heritage, christian spirituality, nature and traditional fishing villages. Here we enumerate just some of the many beautiful lighthouses of Galicia and its surrounding environments.

Tower of Hercules

This 2000 years old Roman wonder, modeled after the Lighthouse of Alexandria, is the oldest lighthouse that is still in active, and the second tallest in Spain. The name honours the three days fight of Hercules and the giant Geryion, in a legend that is from Celtic origins. Hercules buried the giant’s body in the place where the lighthouse stands and orderer to build a city, Brigantium, which is why the lightouse was mostly known as farum Brigantinum (the lighthouse of Brigantium.) The city today called La Coruña, “Balcony of the Atlantic” has the Tower of Hercules represented in its coat of arms.

Tower of Hercules, near the city of La Coruña

A must visit for lovers of Ancient History.

Where to stay: http://www.casaperfeutomaria.com/

Finisterra

Lighthouse in Cape of Finisterre

This cape was the westernmost point in Europe when Romans first “discovered” it, and they believed that it was the end of the world. Thus the name, Finis Terrae. Such a place surrounded by legends and monsters contains too much history and myths to be narrated in this post alone, but enough to say that here ends of the most important pilgrimage in the Christianity, el Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James. And after visiting the tomb of the Apostle, many pilgrims still come a little further, into this end of all things, to burn their pilgrim clothes in a sign of purification.

The End of the World

Where to stay: http://www.dugium.com/

Nuestra Señora de la Barca

Next to this lighthouse, surrounded by the seas of Costa da Morte (in Galician, “Coast of Death”), stands the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Barca (our Lady of the Boat). It’s uncertain the date, probably built around the 11th or 12th century.

A church made of rock and sea

Where to stay: http://www.casacastineira.es/en

Carnota

This beautiful environment harbors the village of Carnota, surrounded by ancient mounds and celtic forts.

Draws attention the largest hórreo in Spain -a traditional form of granary in the peninsular northwest; and the beach of Carnota, the longest in Galicia.

Where to stay: http://www.sancibranrural.com

Cedeira

The lighthouse of Punta Candelaria watches over the coasts of Cedeira, a traditional settlement of parishes like Cedeira, San Andrés de Teixido or Régoa. Along with the fishing, the livestock becomes more visible due semiferal horses ruminating on the steep landscapes of the coast, confirming a very characteristic sight along with its beautiful beaches.

Sea and horses, a common sight in Cedeira

Village of Cedeira

Where to stay: http://www.apasada.com/

Cabo Prior, Ferrol

A good time to check Ferrol, a beautiful town that witnesses population remains from prehistoric times to Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Roman and many other visitors, and one of the traditional leading harbour of the Spanish north seas.