Barbudo: Iron Age, Church Art and Mountain Views

Barbudo combines evidence of the Iron Age with church art and striking viewpoints. Monte Catadoiro lies at an altitude of 549 metres above the valleys of the Oitavén and Verdugo and is a natural viewpoint. One summit of Monte Catadoiro lies in the parish of Castro Barbudo and reaches an altitude of 467 metres. Several historical and landscape levels therefore exist side by side: Iron Age settlement remains, sacred art and heights offering views over valleys and a reservoir.

Other places: Ramil, Ribadulla, Moscoso, Moaña, Camposancos, A Illa De Arousa, Estacas and Catoira.

Culture and History

The parish church of Santa María do Castro Barbudo was built around 1790. Local tradition also includes the story that a long-bearded giant once lived in Castro Barbudo beside the Eiras Reservoir. Castro de Barbudo is also home to an Iron Age hillfort and another archaeological site from the Iron Age. The site has three terraces where the former Iron Age settlement was located. The three terraces structure the hillfort spatially; the church, Calvario and Peto de ánimas complement the Iron Age remains with sacred buildings and works of art.

Smaller works of sacred art also contribute to the area's historical character. The central cross of the Calvario de la iglesia de Barbudo depicts Christ on the front and Our Lady of the Rosary on the back. The Peto de ánimas de Barbudo contains an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the central niche and a group of seven souls made of polychrome stone. The Peto consists of three small image chapels crowned by three crosses. The central chapel was created by Manuel González in 1888, while the two side chapels were remodelled by Aniceto Justo Rodriguez in 1988. A sundial is located on the left side of the Peto de ánimas de Barbudo.

Museums in the Surrounding Area

The Museo de Pontevedra is located in the vicinity of Barbudo. The wider regional area is also home to the A formiga no carreiro museum and the Centro Arqueolóxico da Caeira museum. Museum opening hours may change; current times can be checked before visiting. The cultural selection thus includes one museum in the surrounding area and two museums in the wider regional area.

Nature and Viewpoints

The Praia de Cesantes beach and A Peneda mountain are located in the vicinity of Barbudo. The wider regional area includes the Miradoiro do Monte de Mogor viewpoint, Praia de Rande beach and the Miradoiro do Faro da Guía viewpoint.

Near O Castelo, there are views of the Oitavén Valley and the Eiras Reservoir. For viewpoints, it is advisable to check the current road conditions before setting out.

To the broader travel overview: Pontevedra.