Torre de Guimarei

This 12th-century tower of square plan is all that remains of a medieval castle destroyed during the Irmandiño revolts in the 15th century, much like most medieval castles in Galicia. It is perhaps the most representative tower-manor house of A Estrada. The tower, which is missing its roof, has thick walls and is approximately 15 metres tall. It has loopholes on the sides and cannons made of stone hanging like gargoyles from the upper part of each corner. These thick walls are made out of large stone blocks, typical of medieval defensive constructions. Guimarei Tower is connected to the remains of the manor house of Guimarei, built in the 17th century, and its first inhabitant was the lord of Villar de Payo Muñíz, Antonio de Mosquera Nóvoa (1589), son of Alonso Vázquez Valcárcel, and the lady of Granja de Nogueroa, Luisa de Novoa Ulloa. The manor house has a maximum length of 34 metres. Inside, some interior dependencies such as the kitchen or the rooms are still preserved. Above the main door is a coat of arms with two inscriptions that read ‘Villar’ on it, and under the curved pediment a very well carved coat of arms with the weapons of the Villar, Sarmiento, Mosquera and Aranda families. This coat of arms is related to Luis Francisco Mosquera, Villar y Aranda, third Marquis of Aranda de Quintanilla and third of Guimarey. Knight of the Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III and member of the Royal and Supreme Council of the Indies (18th century).