Vigo is situated in the south west of Galicia, on the coast within the province of Pontevedra, 35km north of the Portuguese border and 100km west of Ourense. Set within a natural harbour and protected by the Atlantic by the beautiful Las Islas Cies.Home to a population of some 390,000 this climbs to over half a million, when taking into account the Vigo metropolitan area.
Although there has been a permanent occupation of the area since before Roman times, the only records showing Vigo to be a village, start from around the 15th century. During Roman times a city by the name of Vicus existed within the area of present day Vigo and it is widely accepted that Vigo lends it's name from it's Roman predecessor.
Vigo has always been a sea fearing town and is home to the largest fishing port in Europe. This wasn't always the case and for a long period of time, played second fiddle to it's northern counterpart of Pontevedra but during the 19th century Vigo began to grow on the back of industry and by the early 20th century saw it become the leading economic center of Galicia. Trade with the America's increased and prosperity grew, much of the buildings leading down to the old town is the legacy of this Golden Age.
The Franco years brought about a period of economic, social and cultural decline, but nowadays Vigo is seeing a healthy revival in all respects and is a forward looking city with a thriving cultural scene.
The above is only intended to be a 'brief history' those requiring a more in depth view should try the following sites:
http://hoxe.vigo.org/conecenos/historia.php?lang=ing
