The region known as Terra de Melide lies in the middle of Galicia at a level of 454 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Serra do Bocelo mountain range. This range includes the Coto do Pilar, the highest point in the province of A Coruña, at a height of 803 metres.

The town centre lies over a flat area, with its parishes stretching as far as the valley of the Ulla River, at the point where it meets the Furelos River. The council covers a total of 101 square kilometres, and its position as a crossroads between Santiago, Lalín, A Coruña and Lugo make it accessible to Galicia’s most dynamic areas of social and economic growth.

With a demographic volume of close to 8000 inhabitants living in 26 parishes, two of the routes of the Way of St. James cross through the area: the ‘Primitive Way’ and the ‘French Way’.

Trade forms a solid cornerstone of Melide’s economy, and includes all of the sectors of buying and selling. Agriculture and livestock have decreased in importance over the last decade, giving way to commercial activity. However, the livestock fair held on the last Sunday of each month continues to be an event of major importance and interest in the region.

Hostelry and restaurants play an important role in the development of the town, due to its important position along the Way of St. James. Special mention should also be made of advances in the building sector and the proliferation of small businesses, which continue to make Melide a dynamic centre of economic activity.

The region of Terra de Melide contains a large number of archaeological remains, confirming the presence of settlements in the area since prehistoric times. There are abundant remains from the Neolithic period and the hill fort culture, which may be seen in the area and in the Terra de Melide Museum.

One of the most important remains from this period is the Castro da Graña, a hill fort that was occupied from the seventh century BC onwards, or the dolmen of Forno dos Mouros, situated in the neighbouring Council of Toques.

In mediaeval times, Melide and other towns in the region are mentioned on various occasions. In 1212, King Afonso IX granted the territory of Abeancos or Terra de Melide to the Archbishop of Santiago Don Pedro Muñiz. Thanks to the document witnessing this event, it has been possible to reconstruct the ancient boundaries of Terra de Melide.

Melide was the centre of the Irmandiña Revolts that took place in the fifteenth century, against the power of the local barons. During these revolts, the town’s walls were demolished and part of its castle was destroyed, whose stones were later used for the construction of the Convent of Sancti Spiritus.

Melide became an important point again in the nineteenth century for its fight against the French during the War of Independence, and as the scene of fighting during the Carlist Wars.

The first thing that visitors notice on reaching the town’s historic centre is its delicious smell. The traditional ovens in the centre of the town are filled each day with melindres (sugar-topped pastries), amendoados (almond cakes) and ricos, a butter-based pastry flavoured with aniseed made exclusively in the town.

One of the most important events in the year is held on the second Sunday in May: the Festa do Melindre e da Repostaría Tradicional, the Melindre and Traditional Pastry Festival, which includes displays of the traditional ware of blacksmiths, cobblers and tinsmiths.

One of the best-known dishes served in Melide is its octopus, as it is one of the interior areas of Galicia that offers the most delicious portions in the entire region.

Visitors should not leave the town without exploring spots such as the recreational area of the Furelos River, the streets in the area where the castle formerly stood, the Convent Square or some of the parishes that lie alongside the Way of St. James, with outstanding heritage features such as the mediaeval bridges of Furelos and Leboreiro, or the Church of Santa María de Melide, with murals dating from the sixteenth century.

If you want to know more about our village, please click on the next link: http://turismomelide.com/index.php/en/