Ancient tradition has it that the city of Pontevedra in the Rias Baixas in Galicia, first called Helenes, was founded by Teucer (Teucro) who fought in the Trojan Wars and named it after Helen.
True or not, this impressive, granite city on the Rio Lerez, houses one of the best Old Quarters in the whole of Spain - untouched and picturesque - arcaded, flagstoned streets and delightful squares with ancient stone crosses and typical balconied houses adorned with flowers and avenues lined with Camelias makes it the perfect Gallego town.
Don't miss the charm of the Praza de Lena, where the Jewish quarter once thrived and where the exceptional Museo Provincial de Pontevedra boasts an excellent collection of jet figures from Santiago and paintings by the Spanish greats.
There is much to see from the church of La Peregrina (shaped like a scallop shell) to the C13th church of San Francisco to the 16th century Basilica de Santa Maria la Mayor, but perhaps Pontevedra's real forte is the fact that it is still a lively and lived in town and to get the most of its atmosphere, no better to enjoy it than in the wonderful old bars sampling the traditional food and drink of Galicia at its best.