Centro de Interpretación das Torres Arcebispais (CITA)
Underground museum beneath Avenida de Santa María, with the remains of the moat of the former fortified palace of the archbishops of Santiago.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Torres Arzobispales were a fortified palace of the archbishops of Santiago de Compostela, built into the walls of Pontevedra. The first buildings date back to 1180; the complex served as a residence for the prelates during their stays in the city and also housed Portuguese kings. It suffered damage in the war between Alonso II de Fonseca and Pedro Madruga in the 15th century, was almost destroyed by English troops in 1719 and was completely demolished in the 19th century.
In 2008, renovation works on the Avenida de Santa María uncovered well-preserved sections of the fortress's defensive moat. As the remains lay about five metres below street level, the city council decided to keep them in an underground museum designed by the architect Jesús Fole Osorio, whose only surface access is a glass entrance.
The centre opened in August 2010 and occupies about 715 m². The route begins with touch screens and a model of the fortress, continues through the moat, with its scarp and counterscarp, the pillars of the drawbridge, stone catapult balls and pottery from the excavations, and ends with a three-dimensional audiovisual projection.
Highlights
- Remains of the moat of the former archiepiscopal fortified palace, about five metres below the street
- Pillars of the drawbridge and stone catapult balls
- Tactile model and interactive screens
- Final three-dimensional audiovisual projection
- Underground museum in the historic centre, next to Plaza de España
Permanent exhibition
- Foso y fortaleza de las Torres Arzobispales – Underground route through the remains of the moat of the medieval fortified palace, with models, touch screens, excavation finds and an audiovisual projection.
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Concello de Pontevedra
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1Unemployed people, students, large families, pensioners and children aged 8 to 16 |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 7 · Children under 8 enter free; those aged 8 to 16 pay the reduced rate. |
| Seniors | €1Reduced admission for people over 65. |
| Students & apprentices | €1 |
| Groups | €1 per personGroups pay the reduced rate. |
| Families | €1Reduced admission for families of four or more members. |
Free admission: Free on 18 May (International Museum Day); also free for ICOM members.
Rates published by the Galicia tourism portal: €2 for general admission and €1 for reduced admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Galicia tourism portal states that the centre is accessible to people with disabilities, with step-free access and accessible toilets. There is a tactile model.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
Historic centre of Pontevedra, next to Plaza de España and close to the basilica of Santa María. The only surface access is a glass entrance on Avenida de Santa María.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | It is advisable to book the visit, especially at peak times, by telephone (986 090 677) or by email (cita@pontevedra.gal). |
