Baiona is a charming seaside town. It was the first place in Europe to receive the news of Columbus' discoveries, as the caravel La Pinta arrived here in 1493. The event is celebrated every year on the 1st of March.
What to see in Baiona
Fortaleza de Monterreal
Like so many strategic locations in Galicia, the site of the Monterreal castle had been inhabited since Celtic times. Later it served to defend the area from pirate attacks. It now houses a parador.
Replica of the caravel La Pinta
A life-sized (and perhaps surprisingly small) replica of Cristopher Columbus' caravel La Pinta, one of the two smaller ships (alongside La Niña) he took on his first voyage to the Americas.
Virxe da Rocha
The 'Virgin of the rock' is a 15-metre tall statue of the Virgin Mary, designed by Antonio Palacios Ramilo of O Porriño fame. The figure holds a small boat in her right hand, which is also a lookout visitors can climb up to.
