In the city of Lugo, in the autonomous community of Galicia, northwestern Spain

 “There is of course a deep spiritual need, which the pilgrimage seems to satisfy, particularly for those hardy enough to tackle the journey on foot.” ― Edwin Mullins, The Pilgrimage to Santiago

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(in northwestern Spain) The city of Lugo, capital of Lugo province in the autonomous community of Galicia, northwestern Spain, is found on the Miño River, southeast of A Coruña. Lugo originated as the Roman Lucus Augusti, and its Roman walls, which were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000, remain a public walkway. The city was occupied by Suebi (Suevi), Moors, and Normans and was recaptured by King Alfonso III of Asturias and Leon in the 10th century. Notable landmarks include the Gothic Church of San Francisco, the cloister of which is a national monument, and the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, with Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical additions. Lugo is the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls, which reach a height of 10 to 15 meters along a 2,117-meter circuit ringed with dozens of towers. The walk along the top is continuous round the circuit, and features ten gates. Like Santiago de Compostela, Lugo has been a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. The "Camino Primitivo," which forms a part of the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way), starts in Oviedo, then leads to Lugo and south to Santiago de Compostela. This route has become very popular in recent years because it is less crowded than other alternatives. Conquered from the Celts in the 13th century BCE by the Romans, Lugo became the most crucial town in Hispania Tarraconensis, not least because of its rich gold mines, which were quite active in Roman times. During their many centuries of rule, the Romans left famous monuments, among them the bridge over the Minho. Repaired and restored many times, the six elegant arches still cross the river and are particularly attractive when illuminated from below at night. Not far from the wall and the city center, visitors can enjoy Lugo’s largest park, named after Rosalia de Castro, Galicia’s most famous poetess. Her favorite flower was the camellia, which is also the national flower of Galicia. The park covers 61 acres (~25 hectares), with a lovely pond in the middle. Walkways, lookouts over the river, a play area for children, and plenty of flowers and trees (like redwood conifers, magnolias, and camellias) make for a quiet respite from exploring the city. For a glimpse of the luxury and splendor in which wealthy Romans lived, head to the center of the Old Town and visit the underground remains of an ancient villa, known as the Domus Oceani, or the House of Mosaics. (Colorful mosaics that cover floor and walls remain fresh and intact.)