Padron, the Roman Iria Flavia

Padron is one of Galicia's oldest towns and dates back to pre-Roman times. It also has important religious links and was the home of a famous Galician poet. Padron has museums, churches and the largest out door market in Galicia.

General information about Padron

Modern day Padron is close to the site of an old town that was known as Iria Flavia and is located some distance inland from the coast. A biblical story claims that the apostle Saint James lived and preached in the area and that after his murder his body was brought back to the town before been taken to what is now Santiago de Compostela. Padron is built around a river and is famous for the small green peppers that are grown there.

What to see and do in the town of Padron

Tip 1. Sat either side of the river that splits the town are a monastery and the church of Santiago. Both are popular with visitors to the town. The church has an old stone known as the Pedron beneath its altar and it is thought that it is from a derivation of this word that the town gets its name.

Tip 2. Padron was the home of Rosalia de Castro, a well known Galician poet with a tragic life, but whose literary legacy lives on. Just outside the main town there is a museum to Castro in her former home and it is one of the most popular museums in Galicia.

Tip 3. A very short drive from Padron town is one of the spots where Saint James is said to have preached. This location is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and has some interesting stories associated with it.

Tip 4. Padron has what is arguably the largest outdoor market in Galicia in the Espolon Promenade. This is a tree enshrouded area that runs by the side of the river and is a good place to get a bargain.

Tip 5. Another of Padron's famous figures and also an author is Camilo Jose Cela and there is a museum in the town that bears his name and has a varied collection of items on display.

Where is Padron and how do you reach it

Padron is fairly close to Santiago de Compostela and although located inland is only a short drive from the coast.

Padron is popular with visitors and sees a lot of pilgrims in the summer months. It has distinct old and new town areas although it is only the latter that a tourist would want to see.