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99-607: The Pontevedra City Hall in Pontevedra , Spain, is the seat of the city council of this Galician city. It is located at the eastern end of the Alameda de Pontevedra , on the edge of the old town . To the west it opens onto the pedestrian España Square . In 1875, the idea of building a new headquarters for the Town Hall was born, located on the land occupied by the Bastida Grande ,

198-711: A bastion of the Pontevedra walls next to the Saint Dominic's gateway, which was also used as the town hall since 1595 and whose facade opened onto the old town . In 1876 it was decided to demolish the old building and the Pontevedra City Council approved the plans presented by the architect Alejandro Sesmero. During the work, the Town Hall was moved to the Casa del Barón, the palace of the Counts of Maceda. The foundation stone of

297-485: A marina close to its historic centre . At present, Pontevedra is a city in full revival. It has become the flagship city of the network of walkable cities and one of the cities in the world where children live best, known as The City of Children . Pontevedra is an important administrative, political, judicial, military, historical and cultural centre. In the 16th century it was the largest city in Galicia . Nowadays it

396-586: A national flag and a national coat of arms, and the two may not look alike at all. For example, the flag of Scotland (St Andrew's Cross) has a white saltire on a blue field , but the royal arms of Scotland has a red lion within a double tressure on a gold (or) field. Among the states ruled by communist regimes, emblems resembling those of the Soviet states were adopted in all the Warsaw Pact states except Czechoslovakia and Poland . Since 1986–1989, some of

495-569: A Free Zone and a Development Pole to the neighbouring city of Vigo, a rare case in Spain (for a city that was not a provincial capital), which favoured the economic development of this city in the province of Pontevedra to the detriment of the provincial capital, Pontevedra, becoming rival cities. The recovery of the local economy only partially began in the 1960s, with the introduction of some industrial activity. However, these very activities would later cause serious environmental and health concerns, forcing

594-488: A family or municipal body. Assumed arms (arms invented and used by the holder rather than granted by an authority) are considered valid unless they can be proved in court to copy that of an earlier holder. In the heraldic traditions of England and Scotland , an individual, rather than a family, had a coat of arms. In those traditions coats of arms are legal property transmitted from father to son; wives and daughters could also bear arms modified to indicate their relation to

693-454: A glory and clouds, displayed with no helm, torse, or mantling (unlike most European precedents at the time). Many of the American states have adopted their own coats of arms , which usually designed as part of the respective state's seal . Vermont has both a state seal and a state coat of arms that are independent of one another (though both contain a pine tree, a cow and sheaves of grain);

792-690: A high quality of life. An island on the Lérez, opposite a remarkable cable-stayed bridge dating from 1995 (the Tirantes Bridge , the Strap Bridge ) and next to the modern Pontevedra Auditorium and Convention Centre shelters the city's green lung, the famous Island of Sculptures park. It is a space where international artists such as Robert Morris , Ulrich Rückriem , Anne and Patrick Poirier , Giovanni Anselmo , Richard Long , Ian Hamilton Finlay or Jenny Holzer have left their works. Another large park,

891-461: A pedestrian city centre, which includes the old town and the city centre or first urban expansion area with streets such as General Gutiérrez Mellado and Daniel de la Sota among many others and squares such as Glorieta de Compostela or Concepción Arenal , which, together with parks such as Las Palmeras (the Palm Trees Park) and squares, make the city very pleasant to walk in and give it

990-399: A result, 65% of trips in the city centre are made on foot. Pontevedra was recognized in 2016 as one of the 15 best cycling cities in the world. The urban model of the city of Pontevedra follows the models of other European cities such as Amsterdam , Bruges or Copenhagen . The urban transformation of Pontevedra and measures to reduce motorized traffic in the city centre have reduced by 67%

1089-430: A semicircular arch decorated with a crown of oak leaves, symbolising strength, and the windows are decorated with the city's coat of arms . The columns that frame the entrance are on a large raised pedestal and are crowned by highly decorated Ionic or Roman Corinthian capitals. Sesmero replaces the acanthus with vegetation (leaves, fruit) hanging from the column. The balustrade at the top contains four Kraters at

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1188-481: A small Parisian palace in the Second Empire style into the city. In fact, as the historian Jesús Ángel Sánchez García discovered, he partially plagiarised the design of the rear façade and interior of a mansion (the hôtel particulier Murat (1850-1864), demolished in 1961, having belonged to Prince Murat and before that to Cécile Furtado-Heine ) at number 8 of the former Parisian street of Valois-du-Roule (joined to

1287-567: A total of 4818 foreigners resided in the city, of which, by continent, the most important were citizens of America mainly from South America and especially from Venezuela , Colombia and Brazil , although also from Peru , Argentina , Dominican Republic and United States and citizens from Europe , mainly citizens from other European Union countries, such as Portugal , Italy , Romania , United Kingdom , France and Germany . Behind them are African citizens, mainly from Morocco and Senegal , and Asians from China . Pontevedra has

1386-443: A total population of 83,260 (as of 2020). This results in a relative high density of population of 710.1 inhabitants per square kilometre. More than two-thirds of the population live in the city, and less than one-third in the rural parishes. The population of Pontevedra is aging, with generational replacement is not necessarily assured, although the city's population has been gradually growing since 1999. Broken down by age, 15.93% of

1485-522: Is a major military and commercial harbour 7 km away. The Pontevedra marina is close to the old town and the commercial and fishing port of Marín and Ria de Pontevedra , 5 kilometres west of the city centre. Thanks to a remarkable old town , the surrounding landscape and its former medieval port, Pontevedra has been defined as a "charming city" and "an authentic Galician city". Tourist attractions include many religious and civil buildings as well as picturesque medieval squares. The medieval squares of

1584-508: Is about 20 km (12 mi) wide from north to south. The city sits at the end of the ria that bears its name, occupying the valleys of the Lérez and Tomeza rivers. It extends southwards to the mouth of river Verdugo in Ponte Sampaio. It is surrounded by four mountainous regions divided by two faults , one stretching north–south and one from northeast to southwest. To the north it borders

1683-529: Is marked by a large presence of administrative services ( provincial Administrative Complex and provincial branches of the central government ), justice ( provincial court and provincial judicial complex ), political ( Pontevedra provincial council , provincial government delegation ), military (provincial defence delegation, BRILAT) and cultural ( Pontevedra Museum , Pontevedra Auditorium and Convention Centre , Principal Theatre , faculty of Fine Arts , Afundación cultural centre , Café Moderno ). The name of

1782-428: Is rainy, especially at the end of autumn and winter, with an annual average precipitation of 1,700 to 1,900 millimetres (66.9 to 74.8 in), and around 134 rainy days per year. Summer is drier, generally speaking, making Pontevedra the sunniest city in Galicia with 2248 hours of sunshine per year. The municipality of Pontevedra is composed of the city of Pontevedra and fifteen rural parishes in close proximity, with

1881-521: Is subject to occasional Atlantic storms in winter. These are characterised by a quick drop in temperature, rain and gales. With eleven of the twelve months above 10 °C (50 °F) Pontevedra is in the maritime subtropical climate zone under the Trewartha climate classification , a classification it falls short of under the Köppen classification due to the cool summer nights. Overall Pontevedra, as Galicia,

1980-524: Is the capital of both the Comarca and Province of Pontevedra , and the capital of the Rías Baixas . It is also the capital of its own municipality which is often considered an extension of the actual city. The city is best known for its urban planning , pedestrianisation and the charm of its old town . Between 2013 and 2020, the city received numerous awards for its urban planning, like

2079-633: Is the city with the youngest population in Galicia and northwest Spain and the Galician city that attracts the most people to live in, together with Santiago de Compostela. It is the Galician city with the best rate of natural increase (RNI). According to the 2001 census, 29.6% of the population have Galician as their mother tongue, where 32.1% speak it "often". The remaining 38.3% speak Castilian as their native language or speak mostly in Castilian In 2022,

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2178-568: Is used for multi-purpose rooms. The entrance on Alhóndiga Street is also being refurbished as the main entrance to the building. On the façade of the city hall there is a 16th century inscription from the old town hall on the legend of the Greek archer Teucer , the mythical founder of the town. FVNDOTE TEVCRO VALIENTE DE AQVESTE RIO EN LA ORILLA PARA QUE EN ESPAÑA FVESES DE VILLAS LA MARAVILLA DEL ZEBEDEO LA ESPADA CORONA TU GENTILEZA VN CASTILLO PVENTE Y MAR ES TIMBRE DE TV NOBLEZA Teucer ,

2277-443: Is very lively, to which the atmosphere of the many Galician taverns and tapas bars contributes. Plaza de la Pedreira The Stone Quarry square is so called because of the stone-cutting activities developed here by stonemasons for the city's works and constructions. Also called Plaza of Mugartegui, because of the baroque mansion in its center. Coat of arms Rolls of arms are collections of many coats of arms, and since

2376-583: The Xunqueira de Alba , is located near the Burgo district, in front of the tied-arch bridge Currents Bridge , inaugurated in 2012. The capital of the province of Pontevedra has become one of the most pedestrianised cities in Spain. The old city and much of the city centre are pedestrianized, so that in these neighbourhoods, motorized transport is limited to residents and services. In 1999 Pontevedra began its transformation process by pedestrianizing its old town . In

2475-399: The A Coruña - Tui railway and motorway corridor. Pontevedra bus station has multiple connections with other cities in Spain, Galicia and abroad. Pontevedra railway station is located between the Galician capital Santiago de Compostela (58 km to the north) and the largest Galician municipality, Vigo (30 km to the south). Renfe also has a Pontevedra-University railway stop in

2574-708: The Baroque Church of the Pilgrim Virgin (18th century) with its rounded façade, the ruins of the Gothic Convent of San Domingo (13th century), the Gothic Church of San Francisco (13th century), the Baroque Church of San Bartholomew (end of the 17th century) and the Gothic Convent of Santa Clare (14th century). Its old town also contains numerous noble houses with coat of arms (the 15th century House of

2673-618: The Consulta Araldica , the college of arms of the Kingdom of Italy , was abolished in 1948, personal coats of arms and titles of nobility, though not outlawed, are not recognised. Coats of arms in Spain were generally left up to the owner themselves, but the design was based on military service and the heritage of their grandparents. In France , the coat of arms is based on the Fleur-de-lys and

2772-456: The Daily Express and The Guardian ( United Kingdom ). As regards public transport, Pontevedra has two urban bus lines in the city centre: There is also a high frequency urban bus service between Pontevedra and Marín, which is located in the metropolitan area of Pontevedra and with which the city forms a virtual urban continuum. Pontevedra is well connected by road and rail. It sits on

2871-977: The Genealogical Office through the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland . Heraldry in Northern Ireland is regulated by the British Government by the College of Arms through the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms . The heraldic tradition and style of modern and historic Germany and the Holy Roman Empire – including national and civic arms, noble and burgher arms , ecclesiastical heraldry, heraldic displays, and heraldic descriptions – stand in contrast to Gallo-British, Latin and Eastern heraldry, and strongly influenced

2970-577: The Rule of Tinctures used in English heraldry as well. The monarch of Canada's prerogative to grant armorial bearings has been delegated to the Governor General of Canada . Canada has its own Chief Herald and Herald Chancellor . The Canadian Heraldic Authority , the governmental agency which is responsible for creating arms and promoting Canadian heraldry, is situated at Rideau Hall . The Great Seal of

3069-684: The Saint Ferdinand Barracks or the Valle-Inclán High School around the Alameda made this area the great leisure space for the city's bourgeoisie . This work led to the architect being awarded the Cross of the Royal Order of Charles III in 1880. In 1944, a half-basement was built to extend the building as well as an imperial staircase overlooking the building's courtyard, slightly raising

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3168-610: The early Modern Age centuries, they have been a source of information for public showing and tracing the membership of a noble family , and therefore its genealogy across time . Heraldic designs came into general use among European nobility in the 12th century. Systematic, heritable heraldry had developed by the beginning of the 13th century. Exactly who had a right to use arms, by law or social convention , varied to some degree between countries. Early heraldic designs were personal, used by individual noblemen (who might also alter their chosen design over time). Arms become hereditary by

3267-562: The leopard in the arms of Benin , Malawi , Somalia , the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, in the form of the black panther, of Gabon . In Kenya , the Swahili word Harambee (lit. "Let us come together") is used as a motto in the country's coat of arms. In Botswana and Lesotho , meanwhile, the word Pula (lit. "Rain") is used in like fashion. In the coat of arms of Eswatini ,

3366-402: The old town , the city centre-Ensanche , O Burgo , Campolongo , A Moureira , Mollavao , Monte Porreiro , A Parda , A Seca, Valdecorvos , Salgueiriños, Gorgullón. The residential area of A Caeira, although officially located in the municipality of Poio , is often considered as just another neighbourhood of Pontevedra since the vast majority of the residents work in Pontevedra and relate to

3465-415: The old town of Pontevedra and those of its first urban expansion stand out as small rooms with regular and geometric proportions. Many of them evoke with their trade names the activities that took place centuries ago: Plaza of firewood, vegetables, the stone quarry, the blacksmith's, the quay... Plaza de la Herrería Blacksmith's square is the main square of the city; it is the most popular because of

3564-610: The star and crescent symbol taken from the Ottoman flag . Other commonly seen symbols are birds, chiefly the Eagle of Saladin , and the Hawk of Quraish . These symbols can be found on the coat of arms of Egypt , and Syria , amongst others. Sub-Saharan African flags and emblems after decolonisation often chose emblems based on regional traditions or wildlife. Symbols of a ritual significance according to local custom were generally favoured, such as

3663-574: The surcoat with heraldic designs worn by combatants, especially in the knightly tournament , in Old French cote a armer . The sense is transferred to the heraldic design itself in Middle English, in the mid-14th century. Despite no common, enforceable widespread regulation, heraldry has remained consistent across Europe, where tradition alone has governed the design and use of arms. Some nations, such as England and Scotland , still maintain

3762-607: The 12th century Burgo bridge that remains in place today. The name of the town derives from the Latin pontem veteram , which means "old bridge" and refers to the first bridge that the Romans built to cross the Lérez River and the Ria de Pontevedra . However, nowadays there are historians who say that since in ancient Latin, ponto (pontus) meant sea and vedra means green, its name could be due to

3861-528: The 1990s contributed further to the growth of the city. Since 1999 Pontevedra has seen intense urban renewal and cultural revival, positively influencing the local economy. In the 21st century the city of Pontevedra has undergone both a cultural renaissance and an urban transformation, taking in the pedestrianisation of the city centre, extension of cycle lanes, recovery of the historical and natural heritage, rehabilitation of buildings and public spaces, and an increase in green areas and pedestrian walkways. Unlike

3960-566: The Award of the Center of Active Design in New York City in 2015. Pontevedra's model for responsible mobility is currently seen as an international reference. The municipality of Pontevedra is located between 42°20' and 42°30' north and 8°33' and 8°41' west, in the southwestern Galician coast, an area popularly known as Rias Baixas . The municipality covers 118.3 km (45.7 sq mi) and

4059-713: The Bells or the 18th century García Flórez Palace ), mansions – the Mendoza Mansion , Villa Pilar – as well as old palaces such as the 18th century Mugartegui Palace , which is now the headquarters of the Rias Baixas Wine Regulatory Council , or the Counts of Maceda Palace , which is now a Parador . Another major symbol of the city is the Ravachol Parrot , whose statue is in the city centre. The city also has

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4158-573: The British and Western European systems. Much of the terminology and classifications are taken from it. However, with the fall of the French monarchy (and later Empire) there is not currently a Fons Honorum (power to dispense and control honors) to strictly enforce heraldic law. The French Republics that followed have either merely affirmed pre-existing titles and honors or vigorously opposed noble privilege. Coats of arms are considered an intellectual property of

4257-529: The Church. The latter typically allude to their ideal of life, or to specific pontifical programmes. A well-known and widely displayed example in recent times was Pope John Paul II 's arms. His selection of a large letter M (for the Virgin Mary ) was intended to express the message of his strong Marian devotion . Roman Catholic dioceses are also each assigned a coat of arms, as are basilicas or papal churches,

4356-463: The Pilgrim Virgin , built for the pilgrims in the 18th century, has a floor plan in the shape of a scallop shell and there are scallop shells sculpted in the arches of the medieval Burgo Bridge . Pontevedra city has an important group of squares of medieval origin and monumental religious buildings, including the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (16th century) with its plateresque Renaissance façade,

4455-522: The United States uses on the obverse as its central motif a heraldic achievement described as being the arms of the nation. The seal, and the armorial bearings, were adopted by the Continental Congress on 20 June 1782, and is a shield divided palewise into thirteen pieces, with a blue chief, which is displayed upon the breast of an American bald eagle. The crest is thirteen stars breaking through

4554-547: The building was laid on 10 October 1877 and the work continued until the last stone was laid on 25 July 1879. The work was completely finished on 3 August 1880 and the building was inaugurated on 24 August 1880. The new town hall opened onto the Alameda and the new middle-class neighbourhood created by the demolition of the city walls in 1855. The construction of other large buildings such as the Provincial Council Palace (Pontevedra Provincial Council), also by Sesmero,

4653-409: The building, which in 1953 had been hidden behind a Stained glass window with the coat of arms of the province of Pontevedra , was found. On 7 July 2022, work began on the complete renovation of the building. A lift has been installed on the left side to improve accessibility and the entrance from Alhóndiga Street has been turned into the main entrance to the ground floor offices. When the building

4752-522: The city is likely a Latin composite of pons, pontis (bridge) and veter, vetera, veterum (old, long established). In Galicia, Latin pons , a masculine word, became feminine, hence Vulgar Latin Ponte Vetera , which became by the 13th century the modern Galician language toponymy Pontevedra , "the old bridge", in reference to an old Roman bridge across the Lérez River which had been located near

4851-499: The city is located on the edge of a ria at the mouth of the Lérez river by the sea, at the end of the Ria de Pontevedra , in the heart of the Rías Baixas . An economic centre and tourist destination, with a population of 83,260 in 2020, it is at the head of a metropolitan area around its ria of more than 200,000 inhabitants comprising the municipalities of Poio , Marín , Sanxenxo , Bueu , Vilaboa , Cerdedo-Cotobade , Ponte Caldelas , Barro and Soutomaior . Pontevedra has

4950-515: The city to serve the A Xunqueira university campus and the Monte Porreiro , Tafisa and A Seca neighbourhoods. Pontevedra city itself does not have an airport in its municipality but the city is relatively close to the airports of Lavacolla to the north (in the municipality of Santiago de Compostela) and Peinador to the south (in the municipalities of Redondela, Mos and Vigo). A good network of roads and motorways efficiently connects Pontevedra with

5049-475: The city with the rest of the country, after having lost its harbour. All in all, Pontevedra sees in this century a cultural, economic and urban revival. It is in Pontevedra when, in 1853, Xoán Manuel Pintos publishes the first book in modern Galician , A gaita gallega . Pontevedra entered the 20th century with great prospects. The city was at the heart of Galician culture and politics. Galicianists – such as Alexandre Bóveda and Castelao – took up residence in

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5148-581: The city, where in 1931 they founded the Partido Galeguista ("Galicianist Party"), the origin of contemporary Galician nationalism . However, the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and subsequent Francoist dictatorship (1939–1975) suddenly ended Pontevedra's progression. Political repression and economic hardships forced many to emigrate. In the 1940s–1960s the government of the Franco dictatorship granted

5247-509: The city. Pontevedra has a humid oceanic climate ( Köppen Cfb ). The average temperature is 15 °C (59 °F), with a daily average of 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) in January and 20.5 °C (68.9 °F) in July. These are unusually mild for a city so far north, and are due to Pontevedra's proximity to the sea and to the moderating effect of the ria . Yet, like all the Galician coast, Pontevedra

5346-460: The corners. The intercolumniation of the central body is wide and richly decorated. The columns have fluted shafts. The parapets of all the windows have balustrades. The interior has a central staircase in the Empire style . The gallery that surrounds the staircase with wide openings, leaded glass windows and the skylight that covers it is particularly noteworthy. After the renovation tendered in 2021,

5445-632: The current holder of the arms. Undifferenced arms are used only by one person at any given time. Other descendants of the original bearer could bear the ancestral arms only with some difference : usually a colour change or the addition of a distinguishing charge . One such charge is the label , which in British usage (outside the Royal Family ) is now always the mark of an heir apparent or (in Scotland) an heir presumptive . Because of their importance in identification, particularly in seals on legal documents,

5544-659: The daily crowds. With arches in two of its ends, with the gardens of the Plaza of Orense and the Herrería fountain at the corner of the church and convent of St. Francis . It is lined with camellias typical of the Rias Baixas . It owes its name to the blacksmiths who, in the 15th century, tempered the iron in the ovens and forges of its arcades for the weapons and paving stones that the Catholic Monarchs had asked them to manufacture. It

5643-408: The decline of the city, a decline which had already started for the rest of Galicia from the end of the 15th century. The situation would worsen during the 17th and 18th centuries. The port drastically reduced its activity due to the mentioned geographical causes. Furthermore, political decisions and dynastic conflicts provoked a general decay in trade, thus resulting in the depopulation of the city;

5742-598: The emissions of CO 2 from fossil fuels in the capital since 1999 and have been reported by foreign and French television channels such as France 2 , France 3 , Canal+ or TF1 and the Swiss channel Radio Télévision Suisse RTS and other foreign televisions like Das Erste , NDR1 and ZDF in Germany, MBC TV in South Korea, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Canada or Seven Network in Australia. The city has also been featured in reports by English-language channels and publications such as Bloomberg Television , Fast Company and Outrider ( United States ) or

5841-533: The end of the 12th century, in England by King Richard I during the Third Crusade (1189–1192). Burgher arms were used in Northern Italy in the second half of the 14th century, and in the Holy Roman Empire by the mid 14th century. In the late medieval period, use of arms spread to the clergy, to towns as civic identifiers, and to royally chartered organizations such as universities and trading companies. The arts of vexillology and heraldry are closely related. The term coat of arms itself in origin refers to

5940-418: The end of the 19th century with elements and concepts inspired by French architecture . The Town Hall was one of Alejandro Sesmero's first major projects, setting many of the guidelines for what would be his style, an eclecticism with a French flavour, giving the severity required by a public building, while its refined decoration underlines the building's political-administrative significance. Sesmero inserted

6039-408: The eventual closure of some of them. With the end of the dictatorship in 1975 the construction sector also developed. Improvements in the communications network during the 1980s and 1990s helped Pontevedra to regain weight in the Rias Baixas region, acting again as a trade hub and focusing on its administrative functions as provincial capital. The introduction of university studies in the city during

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6138-473: The ex- Communist states , such as Russia , have reused their original pre-communist heraldry, often with only the symbols of monarchy removed. Other countries such as Belarus have retained their communist coats of arms or at least kept some of the old heraldry. With the independence of the modern nation states of the Arab World from the First World War onwards, European traditions of heraldry were partially adopted for state emblems. These emblems often involve

6237-406: The façade. On the east side, overlooking Royal Street , there is a stone fountain with night lighting. Plaza de la Leña The Firewood Square is the most representative and picturesque typical Galician square in Galicia. With a calvary in its centre and popular houses with arcades on one side and the Baroque houses of the Pontevedra Museum on the other. It owes its name to the firewood that

6336-403: The few it did grant were annulled by the other Kings of Arms because they encroached upon their jurisdictions. Its purpose was supposedly to marshal an expedition to fully conquer Ireland that never materialized. Since 1 April 1943 the authority has been split between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland . Heraldry in the Republic of Ireland is regulated by the Government of Ireland , by

6435-402: The following years, the city centre and some other streets on the outskirts of Pontevedra were pedestrianised too. In 2010, Pontevedra was the first provincial capital in Spain to reduce the maximum speed in the city centre to 30 kilometres per hour and in 2019 to 10 kilometres per hour in the city centre. In Pontevedra, the Metrominuto pedestrian plan was created for urban mobility, which with

6534-415: The good government of the Officers of Arms; to nominate Officers to fill vacancies in the College of Arms; to punish and correct Officers of Arms for misbehaviour in the execution of their places". It was further declared that no patents of arms or any ensigns of nobility should be granted and no augmentation, alteration, or addition should be made to arms without the consent of the Earl Marshal. In Ireland

6633-425: The ground floor from which the staircase starts is a hall and an open-plan space with the offices. The upper floor, or main floor, consists of a meeting room occupying the entire length of the façade of the Plaza de España, and a room for institutional receptions, an office for the mayor and other auxiliary spaces overlooking the Alhóndiga street, as well as an interior space designed as a waiting room. The semi-basement

6732-407: The ground floor level. The original cast-iron staircase had a cast-iron banister and two flights that were unified in a central landing. In 2009, the building was renovated, recovering elements of its original architecture. In 2012 and 2013, more extensive renovations were undertaken. The roof has been restored to its original zinc finish. During this renovation work, the original iron skylight of

6831-399: The initial settlement was probably formed during the integration of Gallaecia (old Galicia) into the Roman Empire (circa 1st century BC)(Reference is required). The current name of the city is a Latin composite, derived from Pons/Pontis (bridge) and Veteris/Vetera (old), hence Ponte(m)Vetera(m) , and thence Galician language Ponte-Vedra , "the old bridge", in reference to

6930-424: The international European Intermodes Urban Mobility Award in 2013, the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality and the Excellence Award of the center for Active Design in New York City in 2015, among others. The city also won the European Commission 's first prize for urban safety in 2020. Surrounded by hills,

7029-483: The latter usually displaying these on the building. These may be used in countries which otherwise do not use heraldic devices. In countries like Scotland with a strong statutory heraldic authority, arms will need to be officially granted and recorded. Flags are used to identify ships (where they are called ensigns ), embassies and such, and they use the same colors and designs found in heraldry, but they are not usually considered to be heraldic. A country may have both

7128-678: The most important points of the city and the time it takes to travel them. The Metrominuto has been used as a model in other European cities such as Toulouse in France, Florence , Ferrara Modena and Cagliari in Italy, Poznań in Poland and the Angel district in London. In Spain, it has inspired other cities such Zaragoza , Seville , Cádiz , Salamanca , Granada , Jerez de la Frontera , A Coruña and Pamplona . As

7227-406: The municipal council. At a national level, "coats of arms" were generally retained by European states with constitutional continuity of more than a few centuries, including constitutional monarchies like Denmark as well as old republics like San Marino and Switzerland . In Italy the use of coats of arms was only loosely regulated by the states existing before the unification of 1861. Since

7326-566: The municipalities of Barro , Moraña and Campo Lameiro ; to the east, Cotobade and Ponte Caldelas ; to the south, Soutomaior , Vilaboa and Marín , and to the west, Poio and the ria, leading to the Atlantic Ocean. The main parroquias (parishes) of Pontevedra are: Alba, Bora, Campañó, A Canicouva, Cerponzóns, Estribela, Lérez, Lourizán, Marcón, Mourente, Ponte Sampaio, Salcedo, San Xosé, Santa María de Xeve, Tomeza, Verducido, Xeve. The neighbourhoods or main areas of Pontevedra are:

7425-433: The northern Galician city of A Coruña to Lisbon (Portugal). Likewise, Pontevedra will benefit from the high-speed train connecting Galicia and central Spain. That Galician connection will be fully operational in 2022. Despite the fact that Pontevedra was once the main Galician port, at present the Pontevedra harbour is only used for recreational purposes, not for cargo or passenger transportation. Neighbouring Marín

7524-457: The old Roman bridge across Lérez River. Well-connected since Roman times, Pontevedra consolidated itself as an intermediate town during the Suebic period (circa 5th–6th century AD). During the 12th century Pontevedra rose as an important commercial centre; it reached its zenith in the 15th century as a trade and communications hub. Pontevedra was the main Galician urban centre. In fact, Pontevedra has

7623-483: The other Galician cities, and also with Portugal (55 km to the south), and inland (100 km to the eastern city of Ourense ). Regular bus lines link Pontevedra with other Galician cities and towns, as well as with Madrid , Porto and Lisbon (among others). The AVE high-speed train (in Spanish Tren de alta velocidad , or TAV) reaches Pontevedra and the city is a stop on the " Atlantic Line ", running from

7722-487: The other six large cities of Galicia, which have lost inhabitants to neighboring municipalities, Pontevedra's population is currently increasing. It has become one of the most accessible cities for disabled people, receiving a national prize for this in 2006, along with the international European INTERMODES Urban Mobility Award in 2013, the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality and

7821-467: The particular greenness of the sea caused by the seaweed tides, being the meaning of the name of the city that of the green sea . A local legend relates the foundation of Pontevedra to Teucer , hero of the Trojan War , a legend which was reinforced with the suspicion that Greek traders might have arrived to the Rias Baixas area in ancient times. However, historians and archaeologists tend to agree that

7920-422: The population was reduced in half during that time, also affected by epidemics. In the beginning of the 19th century fishing, arts and crafts kept the economy going. With the establishment of new provincial division in 1833 Pontevedra saw itself transformed into a provincial capital. The city then grew and became an administrative, cultural and commercial centre. The introduction of the railway also reconnected

8019-406: The population were senior citizens, 69% between 15 and 65 years, and just 15.01% under the 15 years of age. The natality rate (9.8‰) is only +1.8 over the mortality rate (8‰). The migrational balance is slightly positive (+350 people in 2006). According to the local authorities Pontevedra is, since 1999, the fastest growing Galician city, with an average of +1000 more inhabitants per year. Pontevedra

8118-476: The present day, coats of arms are still in use by a variety of institutions and individuals: for example, many European cities and universities have guidelines on how their coats of arms may be used, and protect their use as trademarks as any other unique identifier might be. Many societies exist that also aid in the design and registration of personal arms. Heraldry has been compared to modern corporate logos . The French system of heraldry greatly influenced

8217-428: The same heraldic authorities which have traditionally granted and regulated arms for centuries and continue to do so in the present day. In England, for example, the granting of arms is and has been controlled by the College of Arms . Unlike seals and other general emblems , heraldic "achievements" have a formal description called a blazon , which uses vocabulary that allows for consistency in heraldic depictions. In

8316-449: The seal is used to authenticate documents, whilst the heraldic device represents the state itself. The Vatican City State and the Holy See each have their own coat of arms . As the papacy is not hereditary, its occupants display their personal arms combined with those of their office. Some popes came from armigerous (noble) families; others adopted coats of arms during their career in

8415-518: The second largest "old town" in Galicia, only after Santiago de Compostela . Pontevedra was on the route of the Way of Saint James , namely its southern or the Portuguese Way . The Church of the Pilgrim Virgin , with its distinctive scallop-shaped floor plan, is a destination for tourists and pilgrims. In the 16th century it still was a commercial city, with an increase in fishing. At that time, Pontevedra

8514-449: The second most important historic center in Galicia , after Santiago de Compostela . A city of art and history, the city is known as The Good City (name attributed by the French author Jean Froissart in his Chronicles in the 14th century) or The City of the Lérez . The city is also an important stopover on the Portuguese Way path of the Camino de Santiago : the circular church of

8613-457: The street of Monceau in 1868, the mansion was located at number 28) designed by the architects François-Joseph Nolau and Édouard-Emmanuel Convents, adapting it to the required institutional function with the inclusion of the city's coat of arms , the main balcony and the clock at the top. The building is a balanced ensemble with large Ionic (ground floor) and Corinthian (upper floor) columns that highlight its central part. The entrance door has

8712-500: The styles and customs of heraldry in the Nordic countries , which developed comparatively late. In the Nordic countries , provinces, regions, cities, and municipalities have coats of arms. These are posted at the borders and on buildings containing official offices, as well as used in official documents and on the uniforms of municipal officers. Arms may also be used on souvenirs or other effects, given that an application has been granted by

8811-415: The urban transformation of the city has won many national and international awards such as the international European INTERMODES Urban Mobility Award in 2013 and the 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development awarded by UN-Habitat in partnership with Dubai Municipality . The Metrominuto is a map based on the aesthetics of metro maps, which marks the pedestrian distances between

8910-568: The usage and granting of coats of arms was strictly regulated by the Ulster King of Arms from the office's creation in 1552. After Irish independence in 1922 the office was still functioning and working out of Dublin Castle . The last Ulster King of Arms was Sir Nevile Rodwell Wilkinson [Ulster King of Arms 1908–1940], who held it until his death in 1940. At the Irish government's request, no new King of Arms

9009-692: The use of arms is a matter of civil law and regulated by the College of Arms and the High Court of Chivalry . In reference to a dispute over the exercise of authority over the Officers of Arms in England, Arthur Annesley, 1st Earl of Anglesey , Lord Privy Seal , declared on 16 June 1673 that the powers of the Earl Marshal were "to order, judge, and determine all matters touching arms, ensigns of nobility, honour, and chivalry; to make laws, ordinances, and statutes for

9108-486: The use of arms was strictly regulated; few countries continue in this today. This has been carried out by heralds and the study of coats of arms is therefore called "heraldry". In time, the use of arms spread from military entities to educational institutes, and other establishments. In Scotland, the Lord Lyon King of Arms has criminal jurisdiction to control the use of arms. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales

9207-446: The valiant, founded you on the banks of this river , so that of Spain you may be the most beautiful city , the sword of Zebedee crown your kindness; a castle, a bridge, the sea which is your proof of nobility. Pontevedra Pontevedra ( Galician: [ˌpontɪˈβɛðɾɐ] , Spanish: [ponteˈβeðɾa] ) is a city in the autonomous community of Galicia , in northwestern Spain . It

9306-457: The walls, very close to the Trabancas gate of the old Pontevedra wall. This is where the pillory where the prisoners were executed was located. Teucer square With perfect geometric dimensions and framed by orange trees, it is surrounded by noble buildings, with the 18th century Gago and Montenegro Palace standing out on the north side, where the great coat of arms of 1716 is to be seen on

9405-527: Was appointed. Thomas Ulick Sadleir , the Deputy Ulster King of Arms, then became the Acting Ulster King of Arms. He served until the office was merged with that of Norroy King of Arms in 1943 and stayed on until 1944 to clear up the backlog. An earlier Ireland King of Arms was created by King Richard II in 1392 and discontinued by King Henry VII in 1487. It did not grant many coats of arms –

9504-529: Was built in the 19th century, the life of the city took place within the city walls, and the usual access to the City Hall was through Alhóndiga Street. The entrance from the Plaza de España was reserved for institutional events that took place on the first floor ( municipal councils, weddings or civil baptisms, speeches, reception of the Three Kings...). The building belongs to the eclectic style that prevailed at

9603-606: Was sold here in the past to heat Pontevedra's kitchens. Plaza de la Verdura Regularly proportioned, on the Vegetables square there are houses with coats of arms and a 19th-century forge fountain. This is where the House of Light is located, which commemorates the fact that Pontevedra was the first Galician city to have electricity in the 19th century. Today it is the headquarters of the Pontevedra Tourist Office. The square

9702-414: Was the largest Galician port , as it was a secure port open to the sea. One of Christopher Columbus ' ships, the carrack Santa Maria , originally named La Gallega ("The Galician"), was built in Pontevedra. It was in centuries later that the sedimentation caused by Lérez river gradually rendered the harbour unsuitable for large-scale navigation. The end of the 16th century marked the beginning of

9801-577: Was the place where the Feira Franca was held, granted to the city by King Henry IV. Here you will find the historic Carabela coffee shop, and other traditional coffees such as Savoy. Plaza de la Peregrina In the heart of the pedestrian centre of Pontevedra, the Pilgrim Virgin Square is the city's main meeting point. It is presided over by the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin and was located outside

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