Vigo history

The history of Vigo is rooted in deep antiquity, with pre-Roman fortifications and settlements existing on the site of the modern city. With the arrival of the Romans, a settlement known as Vicus emerged here, from which the modern name of the city is believed to have originated. Despite its ancient past, confirmed by archaeological excavations, in the Middle Ages, Vigo was a small fishing village dependent on neighbouring, larger towns. The first written mentions of it as an independent settlement date back to the period between the 11th and 15th centuries.

Key Factors of Formation

The growth and development of Vigo were driven by several interconnected factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated on the shores of the spacious and well-protected Ria de Vigo bay, which has served as an excellent natural harbour for seafarers since ancient times, including the Phoenicians and Romans.
• Trade and Port: True prosperity began in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially after King Charles V granted Vigo the right to trade with the Americas in 1529. This transformed the port into an important commercial hub and attracted attention, including that of pirates.
• Defence and Self-Governance: Frequent attacks, including those by the English privateer Francis Drake, led to the necessity of building defensive walls in 1656. A pivotal event in the city's history was the expulsion of Napoleonic troops on March 28, 1809, making Vigo the first city in Europe to be liberated from French occupation, which strengthened its status and self-identity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, Vigo's economy depended entirely on the sea. It was a modest fishing village with life centred in the port district of O Berbés. From the 18th century, with the arrival of Catalan entrepreneurs, the fish canning industry began to actively develop in the city, based on salting and processing the catch. Fishing and related crafts remained the backbone of the local economy and culture for centuries, shaping the unique appearance of the old town. Architectural development proceeded slowly, and it was not until the 19th century that iconic structures, such as the neoclassical Collegiate Church of Santa María, were erected.

Key Dates in the History of Vigo

• 3rd–1st centuries BC — The first fortified settlements (castros), belonging to the Iron Age culture, appear on Mount O Castro.
• 1st–4th centuries AD — During the period of Roman rule, the settlement of Vicus appears on the site of the modern city, becoming an important point on maritime trade routes.
• 1529 — King Charles V grants Vigo the right to trade with the American colonies, which facilitates the growth of its port.
• 1589 — The English privateer Francis Drake attacks the city, highlighting its strategic vulnerability.
• 1656 — Construction of the city walls begins under King Philip IV to protect against pirates and enemy fleets.
• October 23, 1702 — The famous naval Battle of Rande takes place in the Bay of Vigo during the War of the Spanish Succession, where an Anglo-Dutch fleet destroys a Franco-Spanish squadron carrying treasures.
• March 28, 1809 — The residents of Vigo rise up and expel Napoleon's French troops, making it the first city in Europe to be liberated from occupation.
• 1810 — In recognition of the bravery shown in the struggle against the French, Vigo receives the honorary title "Faithful, Loyal and Courageous City".
• Late 19th century — With the arrival of Catalan entrepreneurs, a boom in the canning industry begins in the city, laying the foundation for its modern economy.
• 1947 — The Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Vigo) is created, giving a powerful impetus to the city's industrial and commercial development.
• 1982 — The Rande Bridge opens, becoming one of the symbols of the city and a vital part of the transport infrastructure connecting the shores of the bay.

Key Stages of Vigo's Development

Throughout its history, Vigo has journeyed from a small fishing village to the largest city in Galicia and one of Spain's most important industrial and port centres. The key milestones of its development reflect the transformation of its economy, culture, and urban landscape.

• Right to Trade with the Americas (1529): The granting of this right by King Charles V was the first significant impulse for economic growth. Although full implementation took centuries, it laid the foundation for Vigo's future transformation into a major Atlantic port.
• Rise of the Canning Industry (Late 19th Century): The arrival of Catalan entrepreneurs and the introduction of preservation technologies revolutionised the city's economy. Vigo became a centre for processing sardines and other seafood, which defined its industrial profile for decades and contributed to population growth.
• Creation of the Free Trade Zone (1947): The establishment of the Zona Franca de Vigo was a turning point in the city's modern history. This status attracted major investments and facilitated economic diversification.
• Opening of the Citroën Plant (1958): The decision by Citroën (now part of Stellantis) to build its factory in Vigo was a direct consequence of the Free Trade Zone's advantages. The automotive plant became the region's largest employer and the backbone of its industrial power, making Vigo one of the main centres of automotive manufacturing in Spain.
• Construction of the Rande Bridge (Opened in 1981): The erection of this cable-stayed bridge across the Vigo estuary was a landmark infrastructure project. The bridge not only became an architectural symbol of the city but also significantly improved transport connections, linking Vigo with the Morrazo peninsula and strengthening its role as a logistics hub.
• Foundation of the University of Vigo (1990): The creation of its own university marked a new stage in cultural and social development. The University of Vigo (UVigo) quickly became a centre for innovation and research, especially in technical and marine sciences, attracting youth and fostering the development of the region's intellectual potential.

The architectural appearance of Vigo is a visual history of its transformation from a modest fishing village into the largest industrial city in Galicia. While traditional buildings dominate the old quarters, the city's flourishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries gifted it with magnificent examples of Eclecticism and Modernism, which define its unique character today.

Historical Centre and Neoclassicism

The heart of the old town (Casco Vello) has preserved its medieval layout with narrow granite streets and small squares. Simple and functional maritime architecture prevails here, especially in the O Berbés port district. The main religious structure is the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo, built in the 19th century in a strict neoclassical style on the site of an older Gothic church. Its towers, designed with Baroque elements, create a recognisable silhouette in the panorama of the old town.

The "Golden Age" of the Bourgeoisie: Eclecticism and Modernism

The industrial boom of the late 19th century led to rapid city growth and the formation of a new district — the Ensanche. The wealthy bourgeoisie began to erect luxurious residential buildings and public edifices here, competing in sophistication. This period left Vigo with a rich heritage of stone architecture, dominated by Eclecticism and Modernism with French influence. Central streets, such as Policarpo Sanz and García Barbón, turned into a true exhibition of architectural achievements.

• García Barbón Theatre — a striking example of the Neo-Baroque style, created in the image and likeness of the Paris Opera.
• Edificio Bonín and Edificio El Moderno — iconic examples of Modernism with elegant balconies, bay windows, and rich floral decor.
• Hotel Universal — an impressive building in the Eclectic style, demonstrating the grandeur and ambitions of the city in that era.

Contemporary Architecture and Urban Development

In the second half of the 20th century and up to the present day, Vigo's architecture has developed along the lines of functionalism and modern trends. The city grew actively, with new residential and industrial districts appearing. Major infrastructure projects became important milestones, such as the famous Rande Bridge, which has become one of the symbols of modern Vigo. Among the newest iconic structures, the Auditorium and Congress Palace "Mar de Vigo" stands out, as well as the futuristic "Halo" lift connecting different levels of the city — examples of how Vigo continues to integrate bold architectural solutions into its historically established landscape.

The city of Vigo, known for its industrial power and the largest port in Galicia, has also left a mark on world culture thanks to the people who lived, worked, or drew inspiration here. Although the list of Vigo natives includes many contemporary figures in art, sports, and business, two historical figures stand out particularly brightly.

Perhaps the most famous personality whose name is inextricably linked with the city is the great French writer Jules Verne. He never lived in Vigo, but he was so impressed by its bay and the history of sunken galleons with treasures after the battle of 1702 that he made it a setting in his immortal novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea". It was here, in the Bay of Vigo, that Captain Nemo replenished his gold reserves from the ocean floor. In gratitude for this, the city honoured the writer's memory by erecting a bronze monument in his honour.

Roots go much deeper into history with another famous name — Martín Códax. This medieval troubadour (poet and musician), who lived in the 13th century, is considered one of the key figures of Galician-Portuguese literature. Although few precise biographical details about him have survived, it is assumed that he was from Vigo or closely connected with the city, as it is repeatedly mentioned in his famous "cantigas de amigo" (songs of a friend) — songs praising love and the sea. His work is a priceless monument of the region's medieval culture.

Besides these legendary names, Vigo is the birthplace of many modern celebrities, including footballers, actors, and entrepreneurs, who continue to bring fame to their hometown both within Spain and beyond its borders.