Ponte Vella – Historic Center of Betanzos loop from Betanzos-Cidade

Hiking trails & Routes

Ponte Vella – Historic Center of Betanzos loop from Betanzos-Cidade

Moderate

5.0

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Ponte Vella – Historic Center of Betanzos loop from Betanzos-Cidade

02:15

8.32km

110m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Reserva da Biosfera As Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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880 m

San Francisco Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Igrexa San Francisco Betanzos is declared a National Monument. It has only a single nave and an apse with a ribbed vault. It is so rich in reliefs, ornaments, peculiarities.
But very exceptional is the sarcophagus of the founder of this church as well as other important buildings, like the adjacent church Santa Maria di Azogue, Fernan Perez de Andrade, called "O Boo". It stands on the representative animals of the Andrade family, a bear and a wild boar as a base. Reliefs of hunting scenes can be seen, and on top the figure of the knight in armor. A total of 7 dogs are depicted near the knight, referring to the number 7 in the legend: the construction of 7 churches, 7 monasteries, 7 hospitals, and 7 bridges.
Previously, there was an affiliated Franciscan monastery here.

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895 m

Ponte Vella

Highlight • Bridge

Located in the historic center of Betanzos, this 59-meter-long stone bridge passes over the Mandeo River. Although the origin is not very clear, it is known that an old bridge already existed in the 13th century. The river floods knocked it down several times, so they had to rebuild it on numerous occasions.

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3.45 km

Caneiros Park

Highlight (Segment) • River

In this section, the trail winds parallel to the course of the Mandeo River. Here, eucalyptus, fern and pine forests abound, although there are also other species. It has many corners where you can sit and enjoy nature. You can also go up by boat or kayak, quite an experience!

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7.23 km

García Naveira Brothers' Square

Highlight • Settlement

The lively center of Betanzos is Plaza García Hermanos, popularly known as O Campo as it was a fairground for centuries.

A monument commemorates the García Naveira brothers, benefactors of the city. O Campo has also, since 1866, adorned a beautiful fountain cast in the workshops of Sucel et Fils in Paris, imitating the famous Diana fountain in Versailles.

Also here is the monastery of Santo Domingo, which was built between the 16th and 18th centuries.

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7.45 km

Betanzos Municipal Clock Tower

Highlight • Monument

The parish tower (clock tower), built in the middle of the 16th century, is 17.70 meters high. It is a prismatic building, on an irregular base and in the shape of a hexagon. The access door is preceded by a three-step staircase. Gargoyles in the shape of a hunting dog can be seen on the roof. The tower is connected to the head of the Church of Santiago.

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7.60 km

Church of Santa María do Azougue

Highlight • Religious Site

Beautiful 14th century Gothic church located near the main square and well worth a visit.

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7.68 km

Historic Center of Betanzos

Highlight • Historical Site

Betanzos is located southeast of A Coruña and is surrounded by the Mendo and Mandeo rivers, which flow around the city to form the Betanzos estuary. The medieval old town is very well preserved, so you can visit old churches and squares with beautiful facades.

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7.83 km