Dadín: Churches, Pilgrimage and Hiking Trails in Galicia

Landscape and Hiking Trails

Dadín is located in the municipality of O Irixo, whose landscape is shaped by the contrast between mountains and valleys. Dense coniferous forests cover the mountainous and valley landscape; alongside them grow several native tree species. These different landscape features accompany two routes that connect nature and culture.

The Ruta de las 12 Iglesias is a hiking route in O Irixo. It invites visitors to discover the municipality’s cultural and religious heritage. The Ruta de los Castros runs along the Coedo River and reaches Coto del Castro. There, remains of the wall of Castro de Orros have been preserved. The route thus combines a waterside hike with a surviving testament to local history. On the Ruta de los Castros, the Coedo River, Coto del Castro and the wall remains of Castro de Orros form part of the same route described.

Geographical Setting

The O-202 road connects O Irixo with O Carballiño, the capital of the comarca. Thus, the connection between the municipal area and the regional centre is also one of the specific geographical references around Dadín.

Churches and Architectural Heritage

The Church of San Pedro de Dadín dates from 1833. Its layout includes a main chapel, a nave with a gallery and a sacristy. The Reitoral de San Pedro de Dadín complements this architectural ensemble as an 18th-century building. Its masonry consists of irregular dressed-stone and granite rubble masonry, and its floor plan is L-shaped.

The remains of the Reitoral show a central staircase and a continuous Solaina on columns. Marian inscriptions are attributed to the door lintels of the doors leading to the Solaina. The Cruceiro de Dadín also reveals architectural details: it has a square shaft with bevelled edges, a moulded capital and a cross with a square cross-section. The arms of the cross feature Florentine-style finials.

Pilgrimage at Pena da Sela

The pilgrimage at Pena da Sela takes place in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and attracts hundreds of worshippers every year. The celebration around the Virxe do Carme da Pena da Sela follows a centuries-old tradition. It begins several days beforehand with the “Baixada da Santa”.

Pena da Sela includes a large oak woodland surrounding the 16th-century building. The site also has a picnic area and several fountains. Thus, the pilgrimage brings together religious tradition, historic built heritage and the landscape at Pena da Sela in one place.

Other Places

Other linked places include: A Vilavella, Compostela, Xunqueira de Espadanedo, Seixalbo, Taboadela, O Pereiro De Aguiar, Viana Do Bolo, Ourense.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ourense.