I have to admit, I’m currently in a totally serious “love affair” with ancient and medieval city walls—yep, you heard me! Especially the ones still flexing their muscles after centuries of epic brawls, Mother Nature’s tantrums, and what I can only imagine as some dramatic weather hissy fits. I mean, if only my love life could boast the same tough-as-nails durability as those ancient stone behemoths!
About Lugo
Lugo serves as the capital of the province of Lugo and is recognized as the fourth most populous city in Galicia—indeed, this is a noteworthy distinction. It stands as a prominent location along the Camino Primitivo, the oldest of the Camino de Santiago routes, impressively maintaining its allure over the years. Lugo is particularly renowned for its medieval wall, which is functional for reenactments of medieval events. Additionally, the culinary offerings in the region, especially Galician cuisine, deserve mention. Traveling on a budget transforms into a delightful culinary exploration, particularly when the appealing empanadas are so reasonably priced that one might consider filling a suitcase with them rather than with clothing. Their exquisite taste prompts a consideration of applying for honorary citizenship.
Getting there
Train
- Renfe Media Distancia train (mid-distance) from Sarria to Lugo costs EUR 3,30 per person.
- Duration: 25mins – 27mins Direct
- No need to reserve seats.
- For updates of train fares and schedules, please click here for Renfe official site.
Alternative modes of Transportation
- According to Rome2Rio site, there appears to be buses from Sarria to Lugo. However, the official bus websites showed otherwise. I would strongly suggest traveling to Lugo by train to minimise uncertainties and lengthy journey.
It was awesome to kick off our trip early so we could check out Lugo before the crowds rolled in. I totally recommend this to anyone planning the same adventure!
Medieval Wall of Lugo
If you’re hopping on a train to Lugo, don’t freak out if the ancient Wall plays hide-and-seek from the station—it’s just a breezy 500m uphill trek to the Old Town. And believe me, your legs won’t mind this workout because the views are like a scenic postcard come to life! Plus, Porta da Estacion is the closest city gate to the Lugo train station, so grab your invisible explorer hat and get ready for a mini adventure!
The entire Roman walls of Lugo (also known as Muralla Romana de Lugo) is approximately 10 to 15metres high and stretches about 2,120 metres with 71 towers around the Old Town of Lugo. This is by far the only city in the world to be surrounded completely by intact Roman walls. The Roman Wall, built in the 3rd century, is now recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: Access to the Wall is free of charge. There are several entrances and stairs to the top. Most of the stairs are located next to the city gates.
Our intention for getting to Lugo early was to walk the entire Wall that surrounded the Old Town. Before we could do half of the Wall, the weather was not looking too promising from the top of the Wall which made us decide to descend and visit the Old Town and take cover instead.
Old Town of Lugo
Glad to walk the Old Town at ground level as it did pour.
Head westwards and slightly down a slope to find the magnificent building of Cathedral of Lugo. Those who frequent Europe, the exterior of the Cathedral looks like just any cathedral around the world. The interior of the Cathedral is amazing.
According to Google map, there is a fee to enter the Lugo Cathedral. I was expecting to pay at the door steps of the Cathedral. However, we were allowed into the Cathedral to pray. Only the museum section of the church is covered and entrance fees payable. It is a good idea to drop by the Cathedral to admire its beauty. Visiting the museum is left to individual’s option as fee payable upon entry.
Tip: Church is accessible from 9:30am to 7:30pm daily except Sunday. Entrance to the Cathedral for prayers and masses is Free of Charge. Museo Diocesano cost between EUR9.84 to EUR13.09. Tickets can be purchased at the Cathedral or Download either Ófficial website of Lugo Cathedral or GetYourGuide.
Strolling around the Old Town can be rather interesting to read the placards about the place. The Squares and parks are extremely clean that I can hardly find a cigarette butt.
This building was home to the old prison of Lugo built in 1757 and was completed in 1797. Today, the tower remains. The front is a boutique shop.
It started to rain heavier when we were strolling around the Old Town that we decided making our way to the Station for our transportation back to Sarria. There are not many buildings leading to the train station have shelter for pedestrians.
There are quite a number of merchandise shops in the Old Town with the doors shut to keep the heat within. It was approximately 15 degrees Celsius when we were there in April.
Lugo is worth venturing around. To determine whether the shops are open, best to walk to the front to see if there is anyone inside.
Note: During my visit to Lugo, there were some track maintenances during the day which affected trains servicing Ourense, Lugo and Sarria. As a result of this, buses were deployed. The buses will run exactly the same timing as the trains and will disembark passengers at the parking lot of the train stations.