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Galicia (/ ɡ ə ˈ l ɪ ʃ (i) ə / gə-LISH(-ee)-ə; Galician: Galicia (officially) [ɡaˈliθjɐ] ⓘ or Galiza [ɡaˈliθɐ] ⓘ; Spanish: Galicia) is an autonomous community of Spain and historic nationality under Spanish law.
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Galicia, comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) and historic region of Spain, encompassing the northwestern provincias (provinces) of Lugo, A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Ourense. It is roughly coextensive with the former kingdom of Galicia. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, by the autonomous communities of Asturias and Cast...
The terrain of Galicia is hilly and relatively uniform in elevation, with more than half its area lying between elevations of 1,300 and 2,000 feet (400 and 600 metres) and less than one-fifth at elevations lower than 650 feet (200 metres). Mountains ring the interior, isolating the region from the Spanish provinces of Asturias, León, and Zamora to the east and from Portugal to the south. The interior is dominated by strongly dissected mountains, which gradually give way to the coastal plains of the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay littorals. Numerous rivers and their tributaries drain seaward through Galicia, permitting the region to export hydroelectric power to the rest of Spain. Annual precipitation is moderately high, exceeding 40 inches (1,000 mm) in most places, but it is of only limited benefit, because the badly eroded soil retains little moisture.
Villages are ordinarily small and isolated, the parish being the common denominator among the widely dispersed villages of a locality. The terrain favours animal husbandry over cultivation, and the former is the premier agricultural activity; nonetheless, the farm population is large and fairly evenly dispersed, resulting in the subdivision of the countryside into small landholdings, or minifundios. Families generally own and cultivate the minifundios, and the inability of those farms to support a growing population has resulted in a higher-than-average emigration from Galicia since the 18th century. Overseas emigration was particularly high between 1920 and 1935. Emigration since World War II has been not only to the industrialized countries of Europe but also to the Spanish provinces of Madrid, Vizcaya, and Barcelona. Emigration has been especially high among men, resulting in serious demographic and economic imbalances, among them an aging population and declining economic productivity.
Subsistence farming prevails among the minifundios, with potatoes and corn (maize) among the leading crops and cattle among the leading livestock. Underemployment plagues the agricultural sector, and large numbers of migrant labourers periodically leave Galicia in search of seasonal work elsewhere in Spain. On the mountains, considerable quantities of timber (pine) are produced, and sawmills are widespread. The port of Vigo is one of Spain’s leading fishing ports.
Galicia’s manufacturing sector is well developed. Fish processing and ship building are of particular importance; Ferrol and Vigo have major shipbuilding works. The textile, automotive, and foodstuffs industries are economically significant as well. The manufacture of turbine components is important to the construction of wind turbines; Galicia has dozens of wind farms throughout its provinces that generate about one-third of Spain’s total energy output. Lignite deposits are used to produce thermoelectric power. The installation of a petroleum refinery in A Coruña has stimulated industrial development in that province. Services make up slightly less than one-tenth of the economy; tourism increased in the early 21st century.
Galicia’s culture and language developed in relative isolation, showing greater affinity for the Portuguese culture and language than for the culture and language of Spain until the final separation of the two countries in 1668. The literary use of Galician reached a high point in the 13th and 14th centuries, when its metre, drawing on that of Provençal, showed greater refinement and versatility than the then relatively underdeveloped Castilian metre. Other noteworthy literary periods include the Rexurdimento (“Resurgence” or “Revival”) of the late 19th century, as well as the 1920s and ’30s. Rosalía de Castro (1837–85) was a leading figure of the Resurgence. Her Cantares gallegos (1863; “Galician Songs”) was the first major work to be written in the Galician language in centuries. It represented the revival of Galician as a literary language and inspired a growing regional consciousness. In the years just before Franco came to power, a group of Galician writers born in the 1880s formed the core of the Galician cultural movement. Known as the Xeración Nós (“The We Generation”), these writers promoted their objectives in the literary and artistic journal Nós (1920; “We”), dedicated to consolidating Galician culture.
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Galicia’s name is derived from the Celtic Gallaeci, who lived there when the region was conquered by the Roman legions about 137 bce. In Roman and Visigothic times Galicia stretched south to the Duero River and eastward to beyond the city of León and formed part of the archdiocese of Bracara Augusta (Braga). From about 410 ce it was an independent ...
Feb 3, 2021 · Galicia is located right in the top western corner of Spain, right above Portugal. A unique part of the country, it has its own customs, culture, food and even language. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the region.
Nov 2, 2023 · Galicia is famous for its incredible seafood. Indulge in fresh octopus, clams, scallops, and the iconic Galician-style pulpo a la gallega (octopus dish) during your visit. Wander the Camino de Santiago. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, passes through Galicia.
- A Celtic Connection. Unlike much of Spain, Galicia has strong Celtic roots, evident in its music, dances, and even ancient stone structures called “castros.”
- The Rías and the Sea. Galicia is renowned for its rías, or coastal inlets. These rías are a defining feature of the landscape, giving rise to picturesque fishing villages and stunning beaches.
- A Language of Its Own. While Spanish is widely spoken, the region also has its own language, Galician. This Romance language is closely related to Portuguese and adds another layer to the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
- Birthplace of Empanada. Galicia is often credited with popularising the empanada, a pastry filled with meat, fish, or vegetables. These delicious turnovers are a staple in the local cuisine and can be found throughout the region, each with its own unique twist.
Feb 3, 2021 · Galicia is known for its cool and rainy days, even in summer, so be prepared and bring a rain jacket and umbrella – as well as your bathing suit. It’s home to beautiful wild beaches. Galicia may not be as popular for a beach holiday as Spain’s Costa del Sol, Costa Dorado or the Costa Brava, but it’s actually home to many spectacular beaches.
01. Where to go. Places not to be missed. Oca Manor House. Its beautiful gardens are worthy of comparison with the style of… Costa da Morte. An area of legend formed by 17 towns and villages, it was for a… Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Santiago cathedral is the last stop on the pilgrims' journey, and… Puente Mayor (High bridge)
