Discover Riós: Chestnut Trails, Cultural Heritage and Autumn Traditions

Riós combines chestnut groves, historic buildings and trails for different modes of transport. The Roteiro Europeo da Castaña passes through groves with centuries-old trees and connects sections travelled on foot, horseback and by bicycle. The route begins near the Church of Santa María de Riós and ends at the Church of Santo Estevo de Trasestrada next to the Chestnut Interpretation Centre.

Other places at the same level are Xunqueira De Ambía, Gomesende, Carballeda, Soutelo, Drados, A Peroxa, Faramontaos and Verín.

Nature and Trails

The Foxo dos Lobos route is 4 kilometres long and starts and ends in Pedrosa. It is located in the Serra de Urdiñeira. Another trail is the Ruta das Fervenzas–Cortegada, which is classified as moderately difficult. A section of the Vía da Prata also runs through the municipality of Riós; this route is part of the Camino de Santiago.

The Foxo dos Lobos in Pedroso was signposted, restored and cleaned. Thus, alongside its course through the Serra de Urdiñeira, a specific historic trail destination is also a focal point. The centuries-old chestnut trees shape the course of the Roteiro Europeo da Castaña, while the different types of route distinguish between walking, horse riding and cycling.

Culture and History

The Church of Santa María de Riós was completed in 1718 and has a Baroque tower. Above the village of Pedroso lies the Castro de Pedroso on a tectonically formed summit. The remains of fortification walls and traces of buildings can be found there.

The Foxo do Lobo was built by local shepherds around the 10th century and used until the 15th century to gather livestock and protect it from wolf attacks. Its historic purpose is therefore just as much a part of this structure as its present-day signposted, restored and cleaned form.

Chestnut Centre

The Chestnut Interpretation Centre is located in La Iglesia in the parish of Trasestrada and is housed in a restored former rectory. It combines tradition and modernity to present the chestnut and various aspects of the municipality of Riós. As the endpoint of the Roteiro Europeo da Castaña, the centre is also directly connected with the chestnut route and its landscape.

Autumn Festival

Since 1990, the municipality of Riós has organised the Festa da Castaña e do Cogomelo. The festival showcases chestnuts and mushrooms as typical autumn products of this mountainous region in the southeast of the province of Ourense and bears the designation “Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Galicia”.

The event ends with a public feast organised by the municipality, where chestnuts and mushrooms are sampled. Chestnut groves, seasonal products, historic trails and the interpretation centre thus provide several concrete points of connection for exploring local traditions.

To the main travel overview: Ourense.