Maceda: Castle, Mills and Serra de San Mamede
Culture and History
Castelo de Maceda is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). On its outer defensive wall, next to the only entrance, stands a rectangular tower; on the opposite side stands a round tower. The two different tower shapes are therefore among the distinctive architectural details of the medieval complex.
The Igrexa de San Pedro, also known as Eirexa da Torre, stands next to the medieval castle of Maceda. The Museo do Médico Rural traces the development of medicine in the 20th century and comprises ten thematic areas. The church, castle and museum each focus on different aspects: the Igrexa de San Pedro is connected with the medieval castle, while the museum presents the evolution of medicine over the past century in thematically structured areas.
Festivals and Traditions
The Feira de Maceda takes place on the 4th and 20th of every month. If the 20th falls on a Sunday, it is brought forward to Saturday the 19th. When planning a visit, it is therefore important to take into account not only the fixed monthly schedule but also the change to the second date.
The emblematic masks of Maceda Carnival, os felos, are distinguished by black rather than white stockings and more rustic clothing. Their design visibly sets them apart from the aforementioned white stockings and gives the Carnival tradition its own appearance.
On the second weekend of August, Maceda hosts the Festa Medieval y Gastronómica Exaltación Carne de Tenreira (ternera) autóctona. It is a gastronomic festival celebrating local beef. The date combines the medieval designation of the festival with its gastronomic focus and its celebration of the local product.
River and Landscape
Several hydraulic mills stand on the Maceda River and directly along the riverside promenade; they remained in operation well into the last third of the 20th century. Their location by the river and along the promenade points to the connection between the watercourse and their former use. Along the Maceda River, the Paseo o carón do río is almost three kilometres long.
The Serra de San Mamede reaches an altitude of 1,620 metres and is suitable for hiking and mountaineering. The elevation indicates a significantly different landscape scale from the nearly three-kilometre-long riverside path: the landscape therefore includes both the linear riverside section and the mountains with their stated activities.
Trails and Mountain Biking
The Ruta de las Minas de Baldrei y de los Milagros en Maceda is 14.20 kilometres long and has a low difficulty level. The Mina de Estaño de Baldrei is a point of interest along this route. Length and difficulty describe the trail in different ways, while the mine identifies a specific point within the route.
Maceda has a covered indoor pump track with numerous jumps for mountain biking (BTT) training, regardless of the weather conditions. The pump track complements the route with a separate training opportunity: the route covers 14.20 kilometres and has a low difficulty level, whereas the covered facility is designed for training with numerous jumps.
To the overarching travel overview: Ourense.
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