Cape Finisterre
| Cape Finisterre | |
|---|---|
|
|
Finisterre on the Atlantic coast of Galicia
|
|
 |
|
| Location |
Galicia,  Spain
|
| Coordinates | 42°52′57″N 9°16′20″W / 42.88250°N 9.27222°WCoordinates: 42°52′57″N 9°16′20″W / 42.88250°N 9.27222°W |
| Offshore water bodies | Atlantic Ocean |
Cape Finisterre (Galician: Cabo Fisterra, Spanish: Cabo Finisterre) is a rock-bound peninsula on the west coast of Galicia, Spain.
In Roman times it was believed to be the end of the known world. The name Finisterre, like that of Finistère in France, derives from the Latin finis terrae, meaning "end of the earth". It is sometimes said to be the westernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. However, Cabo da Roca in Portugal is about 16.5 kilometres (10.3 mi) further west and thus the westernmost point of continental Europe. Even in Spain Cabo Touriñán is farther west.
Monte Facho is the name of the mountain on Cape Finisterre, which has a peak that is 238 metres (781 ft) above sea level. A prominent lighthouse is at the top of Monte Facho. The seaside town of Fisterra is nearby.
The Artabri were an ancient Gallaecian Celtic tribe that once inhabited the area.
Cape Finisterre has some spectacular beaches, including O Rostro, Arnela, Mar de Fora, Langosteira, Riveira, and Corbeiro. Many of the beaches are framed by steep cliffs leading down to the Mare Tenebrosum (or dark sea, the name of the Atlantic in the Middle Ages).
There are several rocks in this area associated with religious legends, such as the "holy stones", the "stained wine stones", the "stone chair", and the tomb of the Celtic crone-goddess Orcabella.
...
Wikipedia