San Andres de Teixido: Pilgrimage and Coastal Cliffs

The sanctuary of San Andrés is a pilgrimage destination and is considered one of the most important places of worship in Galicia. The pilgrimage tradition in San Andrés de Teixido dates back at least to the 12th century. The most important Romería of Santo André de Teixido takes place on 8 September.

Culture

Throughout the year, further, less heavily attended Romerías take place in Santo André de Teixido. Sanandreses are brightly painted figures made from boiled bread. They depict various motifs associated with Saint Andrew, including his boat and the sardine he ate during the journey. According to the vendors, Sanandreses are intended to protect the place where they are kept. Pilgrims traditionally placed stones along the way and collected the love herb known as herba de namorar.

Hiking Trails

The Via ferrata Senda do Santo is located in the Sierra de la Capelada. It offers views of the Cortes cliffs and the village of Santo André de Teixido. The Cortes cliffs and the village are located a few kilometres from the route entrance.

The Los Muelles por la Costa route runs through the Costa Artabra area, which is protected as part of the Red Natura network. The Ayuntamiento de Cedeira has marked and signposted the route.

The Camiño Vello to Santo André de Teixido partly follows the old pilgrimage route to the sanctuary. The tradition of the Camiño Vello includes drinking from the three spouts of the Fuente del Santo and throwing a breadcrumb into the spring. The Fuente del Santo is also known as the Fountain of Life and Death.

The GR 55 is a long-distance hiking trail approximately 100 kilometres long that leads to Santo André de Teixido. It includes a 15.24-kilometre stage from Cerdido to Santo André de Teixido. The 15.24-kilometre stage from Cerdido to Santo André de Teixido constitutes a clearly designated section within the approximately 100-kilometre GR 55. The Ruta dos Peiraos passes through an area protected by the Red Natura network and into the Serra da Capelada. From Cedeira, the sanctuary is approximately 12 kilometres away along the road to Santo André de Teixido.

Other Places

Other places: Ribeira, Cee, Vedra, Monfero, As Virtudes, Arcos, Fadibón, Tambre

Landscape

San Andrés de Teixido is located in the Sierra de la Capelada above coastal cliffs. From a viewpoint at an elevation of approximately 360 metres, there is a view of the Atlantic Ocean. To the north, San André de Teixido lies in a small valley opening towards the sea. In front of it are the rocky Gabeiras Islands.

To the higher-level travel overview: Coruña.