Mondoñedo is a charming city in Northern Spain, whose historical grandeur and city status largely stem from its majestic cathedral. Despite its small size, the cathedral stands as a monumental structure that almost seems out of place in this quaint locale. We included Mondoñedo in our Northern Spain itinerary after discovering it on a list of Spain’s most beautiful villages. In this blog, you’ll learn more about the cathedral city, explore its attractions, and find out if we think its high acclaim is deserved.
Where to Find Mondoñedo in Spain?
Tucked away in the lush, green hills of the province of Lugo within the autonomous community of Galicia, Mondoñedo is positioned in the northwest of Spain.
Although it may seem small and village-like, Mondoñedo holds city status, a distinction tied to its historical role as an important cathedral city.
Just a short drive north of Mondoñedo, you’ll find the stunning Playa de las Catedrales, renowned as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Famous for its natural arch formations that resemble cathedrals, these structures are only visible at low tide and are submerged during high tide. About 60 kilometers and an hour’s drive south lies the historic city of Lugo, known for its impressive Roman walls that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Best Things to Do in Mondoñedo
#1 Visit The Cathedral
Without its massive cathedral, Mondoñedo might not attract many visitors. The cathedral is not only the city’s icon but also the main reason people come here.
The Cathedral of Mondoñedo, officially known as the Catedral Basílica de la Virgen de la Asunción, originated in the twelfth century and features a mix of architectural styles. Its foundation is Romanesque, dating back to the twelfth century, enhanced by baroque towers and a significant rose window. It is the oldest monument in the city. Since 1902, it has been recognized as a National Monument and is even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
There is an entrance fee for the cathedral. Your ticket also allows you to visit the seventeenth-century cloister between the cathedral and the Episcopal Palace. Additionally, it includes entry to the Diocesan Museum, one of Galicia’s foremost museums for religious art. The museum houses paintings by Zurbarán and El Greco, along with wooden sculptures and other precious art pieces.
We were most struck by the cathedral’s imposing facade, which dominates the small town’s landscape. Inside, the large organs and the ancient frescoes are particularly eye-catching. The frescoes date back to the fourteenth century and are remarkably well-preserved. We observed beautiful paintings on both the ceiling above the altar and the walls near the organs.
#2 Experience the Tarta de Mondoñedo
In Spain, the town of Mondoñedo is celebrated for its distinctive almond cake with candied fruit. This delightful pastry features layers of puff pastry and sponge cake filled with angel hair (a sweet, pumpkin-based preserve), almonds, and brightly colored candied fruits. It’s a staple in every local bakery and particularly at the famed O Rei das Tartas.
This cake boasts an impressive heritage, with a recipe that has been cherished for over 800 years, originally crafted by nuns in the 12th century. The dessert was brought to widespread attention by Carlos Folgueiro, a local pastry chef at the O Rei das Tartas bakery. He, along with food writer Álvaro Cunqueiro, who included the recipe in his book on Galician cuisine, helped propel the cake to fame far beyond the confines of Mondoñedo.
#3 Stroll Through the Historic Center
The historic heart of Mondoñedo is centered around the majestic cathedral square and is characterized by its narrow, authentically preserved streets. It’s recognized as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.
A leisurely walk through the area will lead you to several significant sites, including the Baroque Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church, the 16th-century old town hall, and the Episcopal palace. A must-see is the Fonte Vella, an ancient fountain built in 1548 by the bishop at the time. You’ll likely also encounter the Real Seminario Conciliar de Santa Catalina, an impressive 18th-century building located on Praza do Seminario.
Mondoñedo piqued our interest when it appeared on the list of Spain’s most picturesque villages—a register that marks excellence in tourism and heritage conservation. To be included, villages must fulfill rigorous standards such as having a population below 15,000, notable architectural or natural heritage, and a proven dedication to preservation.
Since being listed in 2017, we had high expectations that Mondoñedo didn’t quite meet. Although the town is undoubtedly charming and offers several photogenic spots, many of its buildings are sadly in a state of decay or even ruins, which somewhat detracts from its acclaimed status. Furthermore, the town is quite small and can be thoroughly explored in about an hour, not counting time spent visiting the cathedral.
#4 Visit the Os Muiños District
Just outside the old center lies the Os Muiños district, an area well-marked from the historic heart of the town that naturally draws curiosity. However, you might find yourself disappointed if you’re expecting a picturesque neighborhood.
‘Os Muiños’, which translates to ‘the mills’, references a period when the district was renowned for its water mills. Historically, this was where the city’s craftsmen, like potters and blacksmiths, lived. The district features streams with water channels and a couple of ancient bridges. Despite these quaint features, the overall appearance isn’t as charming as one might hope, largely due to the deterioration of many of its buildings.
#5 Hike the Camino de Santiago
For those who love to hike, Mondoñedo is a favored stopping point on the Camino del Norte, one of the pilgrimage paths leading to Santiago de Compostela. This route, though less famous than the Camino Francés, follows the stunning, rugged coastline of northern Spain, showcasing a mix of breathtaking natural scenery and charming villages. Mondoñedo’s prime location on this path makes it an excellent place to start or end a journey, offering a unique opportunity to explore this historic route.
