Guitiriz in Galicia: waterways, history and thermal springs

The PR-G 99 Ruta da Auga de Guitiriz is a gently sloping route along the Parga and Ladroil rivers, running from the Santo Alberto Bridge to the Carballeira de Pardiñas.

Nature

The Sete Muíños recreational area lies along the Camino de Santiago’s Camino del Norte. The riverside path at Sete Muíños includes a natural pool, an artificial waterfall and three other small waterfalls. A new variant, signposted by the Xunta de Galicia in 2017, also begins in San Alberte, follows the other variant for several kilometres and branches off from it at A Toar.

The Ruta del Agua y la Piedra runs through an outstanding natural landscape. Human stewardship has helped preserve the native flora and fauna there. In the surrounding area, Cova da Serpe offers panoramic views over Guitiriz, as well as opportunities to observe the local wildlife and plant life.

Fervenza do Muíño da Ruxida ou Roxida can be reached from Guitiriz via the LU-2302 towards Mariz, followed by the signposted turn-off towards Ferreira. The waterfall has a large car park and a recreational area with stone tables and benches.

Culture, history and cuisine

The Pena Xiboi archaeological site is an Epipalaeolithic rock shelter dating back to 5000 BC. Archaeological remains discovered at Pena Xiboi in 1994 are on display at the Museo de Viladonga in Castro de Rei. Castelo de Pobra de Parga is protected as a cultural heritage site, while Castelo de Parga dates from the 16th century. A Pobra is a pre-Roman hillfort.

A Torre is a fortified house dating from 1372 that was destroyed and rebuilt in 1863. The former parish church of San Xoán de Lagostel was founded as a chapel in the 14th century and rebuilt between 1719 and 1720. From the centre of Guitiriz, it can be reached via the N-VI towards Lugo; it is located about 1 kilometre beyond the Guardia Civil barracks.

The Capilla de Ecce Homo at O Curro Vello dates from the 20th century and contains an altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the Christ Child, Christ the Redeemer, and the Ecce Homo. Igrexa Nova de Santa María is a church with a Latin-cross floor plan, built between 1946 and 1968 in the Neo-Romanesque style with French inspiration. Among its interior furnishings is a carved statue of John the Baptist dating from the 18th century.

The parish church of Santa Cruz de Parga, a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century, is located in the surrounding area. Also nearby is Pazo de Pontella, dating from 1799 and an example of civil architecture. Two mills are located in the surrounding area of the settlement of O Lousado: Muíño da Devesela, dating from 1875 and well preserved, and Muíño do Crego, dating from 1900 and still operating today. The analemmatic sundial Reloj Analemático de Sol is located in the square in the centre of Guitiriz.

Torta de maíz de Guitiriz is an artisan sponge cake made from eggs, sugar, butter and cornmeal.

Recreation

In the surrounding area, next to the church in Santa Mariña de Lagostelle, there is a small recreational area with stone tables and benches. In the surrounding area, the Fuente de la Iglesia spring rises beneath the altar of the parish church in Santa Mariña de Lagostelle. The springs of Pardiñas, Guitiriz and Parga are known for their thermal waters.

The historic Balneario de Guitiriz closed in 2017 and reopened its doors in May 2023; Iberik Hoteles brought the facilities back to life.

Other destinations: Viseo, As Restrebas, Camariñas, Corrubedo, Tabeaio, Arriba, Trazo, Quintáns

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