Noceda – Mámoas, Nature and Igrexa de San Pedro

The Mámoas do Campo do Circo are two Neolithic megalithic monuments in Noceda. They are located between Porcís in the parish of Noceda and O Portelo in the parish of Vilarello. Both monuments are situated at an altitude of 1,280 metres. One monument has a diameter of 19 metres, while the other measures 15 metres.

Their shared location between two parishes and their different diameters are among the characteristic details of this archaeological site. Thus, two monuments from the same site stand side by side here, differing in size.

You can find more places here: Castelo, Adelán, Hortás, Fonsagrada, Trabada, Bolmente, A Pontenova and Friol.

Nature

Noceda has mountain meadows that are treated as natural or near-natural ecosystems. The term therefore encompasses both natural and near-natural areas. Monte Riocovo reaches an altitude of 1,191 metres in the parish of Noceda.

The landscape therefore brings together different elevations and landforms: the Mámoas are located at 1,280 metres, while Monte Riocovo reaches 1,191 metres in the parish of Noceda. The mountain meadows complement this picture with open areas that encompass both natural and near-natural ecosystems.

Culture and History

A mill in Vilanova do Pedregal is listed as cultural heritage. A hórreo in A Lama 1 is listed as cultural heritage.

The two listed structures are associated with different locations: the mill is in Vilanova do Pedregal, while the hórreo is associated with A Lama 1. Both complement the church of Noceda with further named elements of the cultural heritage.

The Igrexa de San Pedro de Noceda has a rectangular floor plan. Its roof is a gabled roof. It is covered with slate. There are chapels on the sides. These form a floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross. The entrance has a round arch. The bell gable has a single nave. It has one opening.

The architecture therefore combines the rectangular floor plan with the slate-covered gabled roof and the side chapels. The round arch at the entrance and the single-nave bell gable with its opening are also part of the described appearance of the Igrexa de San Pedro.

The Igrexa de San Pedro de Noceda contains sculptures from the 17th century. One depicts Saint Peter. Another shows Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus. There is also an image of another female saint. The church also contains an image of Saint Sebastian from the 16th century.

The sculptures thus date from two different centuries. The 17th-century collection includes Saint Peter, Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus and another female saint; the image of Saint Sebastian is attributed to the 16th century.

Hiking

A hiking route leads to the iron mines of Madredauga. On the return journey, it passes through the braña of Vilanova do Pedregal.

The route therefore connects two clearly named destinations and trail sections: on the way there, it leads to the iron mines of Madredauga, and on the way back, through the braña of Vilanova do Pedregal. Both place names remain linked to the respective section of the route.

Mountain Pass Road

The road over the Penas do Comeal pass is sufficiently wide. It has no shoulders. The asphalt is in good condition. The road markings are acceptable. The same applies to the vertical signage. Traffic is very light.

The pass road is thus described in terms of both its structural features and the information concerning its road surface, signage and traffic. In addition to its sufficient width, this section of road is characterised by the absence of shoulders, well-maintained asphalt and very light traffic.

For the overarching travel overview: Lugo.