The archaeological findings from this shire tell us of a very early settlements. Special mention has the "Ribadeo Tiara" a Celtic jewel which fragments can be seen at the Louvre museum, and at Madrid archeological museum.
However is not until the year 742, with king Alfonse that history begins here, in a town known as "VilaVella", that moved to its present site around 1182. Its importance grew with king Ferdinand II who established a episcopacy confirming Ribadeo as the main town of the east side of "A Mariña" estuary.
EThe harbour and docks contributed enormously the historical importance of Ribadeo as early as the XIII century. Thanks to its geographical situation and estuary played an important role in the defense of the Cantabrian coast against the English navy during 1719 battle that caused the loss of the fortress to the enemy hands.
Its closeness to the sea was not only as a defense purpose but of trade. At the end of the XVIII century and the beginning of the XIX, the port of Ribadeo was authorize to trade with the ports of Northern Europe and America, bringing to the town no just prosperity but an important place for business, and many entrepreneurs set their residence in Ribadeo.
Today Ribadeo´s main economical activity are still based on trading and fishing, but tourism and outdoor activities are on the increase.
