Lourenzá: Faba, Sacred Art and Camiño Norte

The Centro de Interpretación da Faba opened in October 2004. The facility provides information about the characteristics of the legume and traditional cultivation techniques that have been used in the Mariña lucense for centuries. For anyone who wants to learn about the Faba through its botanical characteristics and agricultural history, both topics are the focus there.

Tradition

The Festa da Faba was established in 1990 on the initiative of the Concello de Lourenzá. Its aims included promoting consumption of the legume and increasing its price. On the first weekend of October, the event in Lourenzá brings together producers, buyers, traders and consumers of Faba de Lourenzá. This date provides the specific timeframe for visitors who want to experience the festival on site. The Festa da Faba combines the gastronomic appreciation of the bean with entertaining and cultural events.

The first room of the Centro de Interpretación da Faba deals with the worldwide origin and development of the bean. Botanical and cultural aspects are also part of this presentation. The focus therefore extends from the plant itself to its global development and cultural significance.

Culture

The Museo de Arte Sacra de Vilanova de Lourenzá is located in the Benedictine church of the Monasterio de Vilanova de Lourenzá. The church now serves as a parish church. The museum houses a significant collection of sacred art. The holdings include goldsmith work, sculptures and paintings. Furniture and liturgical vestments are also part of the collection.

The Baroque façade of the Igrexa Parroquial de Santa María de Valdeflores is considered an architectural precursor to the Obradoiro façade of Santiago Cathedral. The Capilla de Valdeflores contains an early Christian sarcophagus from the 5th century. It is associated with the Conde Santo.

History

The Pazo de Tovar was built as a new fortress in 1530. Its builder was Don Antonio de Tovar, a relative of Mariscal Pardo de Cela. The old tower was used during its construction. As preserved, the structure therefore combines its designation as a new fortress with the use of an existing tower.

Routes and Recreation

From the Barrio de San Lázaro, the Camiño Natural de San Rosendo follows the Camiño de Santiago along practically its entire route to Lourenzá, specifically the Camiño Norte variant. The route designation thus refers both to the Camiño Natural de San Rosendo and to the section of the Camiño de Santiago that belongs here to the Camiño Norte variant.

The LU-P-2804 road connects the towns of Pedrón and Cazolga. It also connects the town centre of Lourenzá, the N-634 and the Cazolga neighbourhood. At A Cazolga, the route provides access to a recreational area. The area includes tables, benches and children's play areas.

Further destinations: A Airoá, Merille, Castro De Rei, Xove, Chao De Pousadoiro, Sabenche, Mera, Becerreá

To the higher-level travel overview: Lugo.