Esgos: Petroglyphs, Monastery and Festivals

Culture and History

Esgos combines petroglyphs, the Montes de Rocas and historic religious buildings with a local culture in which the Felo costume has also been preserved. Esgos is home to numerous petroglyphs, that is, rock carvings engraved into the stone thousands of years ago. The Montes de Rocas in the Esgos area are characterised by spindle-shaped granite formations. The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is carved into the natural rock; a fresco was discovered there that is dated to between 1175 and 1200 and depicts apostles as well as a world map.

The Igrexa de Santa María de Esgos has a Latin cross-shaped floor plan and projecting chapels. Two other wayside shrines display different historical details. The Peto de Ánimas de Meiroá is an enclosed wayside shrine bearing the year 1854; the wooden altarpieces, which have since disappeared, were dedicated to Saint Anthony and the poor souls in purgatory. The Peto de Ánimas de Cachamuíña is also an enclosed wayside shrine, but has a polychrome stone altarpiece and bears the year 1834 in an inscription.

The Felo costume is also part of the preserved local culture. The typical carnival costume of the municipality of Esgos, the Felo costume, was worn in the 1960s. It consists of a white shirt, a strikingly colourful tie, colourful shoulder shawls and ribbons, as well as white knitted trousers and white underskirts.

Landscape and Trails

The preserved mills in Laioso and As Campiñas form the Ruta dos Muíños. Another combination of landscape and culture is provided by the Camino Real hiking trail: from Esgos, the Peto de Ánimas de Meiroá can be reached via this route. After leaving the paved road, the wayside shrine is located about 1 km further along the route. The mill route and the Camino Real connect preserved structures with paths through the landscape.

To reach the Peto de Ánimas de Cachamuíña, follow the signs from Esgos to the village of Cachamuíña after passing the municipal cemetery. Then cross the village to its end and follow the path behind the washhouse; the wayside shrine is a few metres farther on. Before setting out on a hike, current trail conditions should be checked, as practical planning depends on the conditions at the time.

Festivals and Local Dates

The Festa do Magosto is associated with 11 November and usually takes place on a weekend. The Feira Agroalimentaria do Pinto takes place on the first Saturday in August. The annual calendar therefore includes both an event centred around the traditional Magosto and a fixed market day in August. For events, the date and exact times should be checked again before travelling.

More Destinations

More destinations: Ourense, Seixalbo, A Vilavella, Larouco, Abelleira, Carballeda De Avia, Xinzo De Limia and Compostela.

To the main travel overview: Ourense.