Cospeito: Lagoons, Birdwatching and Galician Festival Culture

Nature

Cospeito focuses on the Laguna de Cospeito, a protected and restored natural area where flora and fauna are increasing. The greatest diversity of fauna can be observed there from October or November to February or March; this includes lapwings from Northern Europe. The lagoon and its wetlands also provide a habitat for amphibians such as newts, green frogs and salamanders.

The PR-G 151 Ruta das Lagoas includes a birdwatching trail at the lagoon as well as observation towers overlooking the lagoon.

The directly linked destination is A Feira Do Monte. Other destinations in the same higher-level area are Valbón, A Lobagueira, Foz, Baleira, Lourenzá, Chantada and Bolmente.

Culture

The Torre de Caldaloba is a medieval structure dating from the 14th to the 15th century, of which only the tower remains. It was declared a BIC in 1949. Due to its connection with the Irmandiño Revolt and Mariscal Pardo de Cela, the Torre de Caldaloba is of major historical importance.

Another structure is the Ermida Nosa Señora do Monte. It has a rectangular floor plan and two side extensions. It also includes a cruceiro, built in the mid-18th century.

The Pazo de Sistallo is a private, 18th-century Baroque country house that is not open to visitors. The estate includes a Renaissance chapel and gardens with plant species from all parts of the world. The combination of the country house, chapel and worldwide plant diversity defines the special architectural ensemble without changing its private status.

Surrounding Region

The wider region around Cospeito is home to three museums: the Museo de Prehistoria e Arqueoloxía de Vilalba, the Museo Interactivo da Historia de Lugo and the Museo Provincial de Lugo. The Castelo de Vilalba, a castle, is also located in this wider regional area.

The mountains and peaks in the wider region around Cospeito include Pico Casa as a peak, Monseivane as a mountain, A Carba as a mountain and Pico do Xistral as a peak.

Festivals and Crafts

Since 1992, the Festa da Filloa de Muimenta has taken place every 1 May in the village of Muimenta in the municipality of Cospeito. In 2008, it was recognised as a festival of Galician tourist interest. Its fixed date and official recognition are part of the history of this local festival.

At the Festa da Filloa de Muimenta, handmade filloas are served with churrasco and chorizos criollos. Traditional craftspeople such as clog makers, blacksmiths and basket makers also demonstrate their work and age-old crafts live. This festival therefore combines regional food with demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lugo.