Santa María Cathedral in Tui:
More than a temple
You have before your eyes the most important monument in the town of Tui.
Its construction began in the 12th century, although later Gothic elements were added.
Its appearance is reminiscent of a fortification, especially because of its crenellated towers.
Its main doorway covered by a beautiful portico of pointed arches in Gothic style stands out.
On the other side of the Cathedral, we have the North doorway where we can see a good example of Romanesque art.
Inside you should not miss the Cloister as well as the Chapel of the Relics. Do not leave the Cathedral without going up to the roofs and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Minho River and the neighbouring town of Valença de Minho.
The high part of the sierra shows the harsh conditions of living in a watchtower, overlooking the Minho River Valley. And the rivers erode and fill its slopes with life in the lower parts.
Recommendations:
Ask at the information office for guided tours.
Visit the Cloister
Visit the Chapel of Relics
Climb up to the rooftops to be amazed by its views.
QRs nearby:
More information at:
Websites of interest:
https://www.riasbaixas.info/tui.html
Further information:
We must look for the antecedents of this great construction in the primitive paleochristian basilica of the V-VI centuries, in times of the Suevo Kingdom, although the archaeological records note an uninterrupted occupation of the space since pre-Roman times. Named Castellum Tyde, the city was the head of the region of the Grovios, belonging to the Conventus Bracarensis; in the following centuries it became a centre of special importance, a key point for trade and the seat of monarchs and powerful nobles, with intense commercial activity developing mainly in its port around the 15th century. There is even reliable documentation of the presence of two synagogues of the important Jewish colony during the Middle Ages.
The present cathedral building began to take shape in the course of the 12th century after the turbulent periods of Saracen and Norman invasions when the city was re-established as an episcopal see. It was then that the bishops, with the support of kings and nobles, promoted the construction of the church, obtaining numerous privileges and concessions for this purpose. The presence of walls and fortifications denote the defensive nature of the city, given its strategic importance as a crossroads and crossroads.