Iria Flavia

Iria Flavia or simply Iria in Galicia, northwestern Spain, is an ancient settlement and former bishopric in the modern municipality of Padrón, which remains a Catholic titular see [1]. Located at the confluence of the Sar and Ulla rivers, Iria was a port city, the main seat of the Celtic Capori tribe, on the road between Braga and Astorga [1]. The Romans rebuilt the road as via XVIII or Via Nova and refounded the Gallaecian port as Iria Flavia to compliment Roman emperor Vespasian [1]. No commercial or political rationale for siting a bishop at Iria Flavia seems to present itself, though excavations have identified a cult sanctuary dating to the second half of the sixth century [1].