Palas de Rei: Pilgrim Routes, Castles and Waterfalls

Palas de Rei combines notable stages of the Way of St. James with Romanesque church architecture, medieval castle history and water-shaped landscapes. The Way of St. James passes through the Os Chacotes recreational area to Palas de Rei; the Pabellón de Peregrinos is located there. The Camino Francés leaves Palas de Rei via Campo dos Romeiros, a traditional meeting place for pilgrims.

Another place is Lestedo.

Culture

The Church of San Tirso in Palas de Rei is a Romanesque church from the last third of the 12th century; the main portal and part of the façade have been preserved from the original structure. The Romanesque construction period and the preserved elements of San Tirso provide an early historical accent. The Church of San Salvador de Vilar de Donas was part of a former monastery that belonged to the Order of Santiago. The Church of San Xurxo de Augas Santas consists of granite masonry and has a main altarpiece from the 17th and 18th centuries. Thus, Palas de Rei and its immediate surroundings are home to religious buildings from different periods and with clearly defined historical connections.

Castelo de Pambre was built by Gonzalo Ozores de Ulloa around 1375 and is considered the best example of medieval military architecture in Galicia. The castle is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Casa-Torre de Quindimil is also designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural; it is privately owned and cannot be visited. Muíño de Pambre is an ethnographic mill. Ponte Ferreira is associated with the Way of St. James routes Camino Francés and Camino Primitivo.

Nature

Penedos Brancos consists of white quartz rocks visible among the scrubland. The names Casacamiño and Hospital at Penedos Brancos point to a clear connection with pilgrimages. The Torrentes de Mácara are located in the municipality of Palas de Rei in the upper reaches of the Río Ulla, where its waters merge with the Río Pambre.

The route to the Torrentes de Mácara begins at Castelo de Pambre and then continues on foot along a path running beside the river. As the route follows the river upstream along the Torrentes de Mácara, numerous waterfalls and pools follow one another; the surroundings are characterised by many strawberry trees. Quartz rocks, river courses, waterfalls and pools form distinct landscape elements along the route described.

Geographical Location

The Serra do Careón area, which also includes Palas de Rei, can be reached via the N-547 from Santiago or Lugo, as well as via the AC-840 from A Coruña through Betanzos.

Further Aspects

Balneario Río Pambre offers medical and cosmetic treatments both to its overnight guests and to other users of the spa. The Festa da Xuventude no Camiño was presented in its 17th edition.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lugo.

Further Destinations

Other places within the same destination:

Monterroso, Mera, Fonte De Cervos, Hortás, Ourol, Begonte, Carballido.