Carballeda – Bridges, Cultural Heritage and Nature

Culture

The Igrexa de San Vicente in Carballeda (San Vicenzo) is listed in Galicia’s Autonomous Cultural Heritage Plan as an architectural heritage site. The Iglesia de San Julián de Casoio has a Mannerist altarpiece. The Iglesia Padre Eterno de Lardeira is a small, recently restored chapel; the old slate floor was restored, the roof repaired and an external porch added.

The Ponte Nova de Sobradelo is also known as the Puente de Sobradelo. Built in the 17th century, the bridge has seven arches and is more than 100 metres long. It lies on the Camino Real between A Coruña and Madrid. The Puente sobre el Río Casaio was restored in 2018. During the restoration, its original forms and materials were respected. Its age is uncertain; its origins probably date back to Roman times, although this has not yet been proven.

Other destinations

Other destinations include A Peroxa, Amoeiro, Arnado, Ribo, Os Peares, Leiro, Lobios and Manzaneda.

History

Tungsten was mined at the Minas de Valborraz. From 1913 to 1923, the Minas de Valborraz went through a Belgian mining and extraction phase. From 1937 to 1945, they served as a concentration camp for Republican military personnel. Later, the Minas were marked by hunger and the smuggling of this mineral.

Nature

The Teixadal de Casaio is a small forest. It is home to around 400 yew trees, some of which are more than 500 years old. The forest can only be reached via long hikes and steep climbs. The routes are considered highly challenging.

Fonte da Cova lies at an altitude of around 1,800 metres at the foot of the Pena Trevinca massif. The Fonte da Cova area is suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities. The landscape of Valdeorras is characterised by slate, as can be seen at A Medua in Carballeda de Valdeorras.

Geographical Setting

The Malecón de Sobradelo is a riverside promenade on the Río Sil, with the bridge of Sobradelo serving as a central feature. When the Malecón was renovated, stone was used as the main material; concrete benches were also added, blending harmoniously into the surroundings.

From the Mirador de A Costa, you can look out over the entire municipality and view the panorama of the Roman bridge and the Río Sil in the distance. The area of a derelict house ruin at the Puente sobre el Río Casaio was used as a viewpoint over the gorge and the bridge.

Festivals

The Festas de San Xusto e Pastor are the patron saint’s festival of the Carballeda parish and take place over three days on the first weekend of August. They include a gaita serenade at 10 a.m., a festival parade, a procession at 1 p.m. and a sung Mass in honour of the holy martyrs.

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