02.EXPERIENCE THE REGION OF O CONDADO
A LAND OF BORDERS, WATER AND HISTORY
A LAND OF BORDERS, WATER AND HISTORY
Walk around the valley of the Tea River and its tributaries, and get to know the history and tradition of this land through its museums and landscapes. You will discover ancient petroglyphs, castros (pre-Roman hillfort settlements) and majestic castles, which have dominated the territory. You will be surprised by the traditions that have been maintained in this land, such as the singular catching of the lamprey, the centuries-old spas with healing properties, or its excellent wines.
Discover the region of O Condado, which comprises the towns of As Neves, Salvaterra de Miño, Ponteareas, Mondariz and Mondariz-Balneario. Walk around the valley of the Tea River and its tributaries, and get to know the history and tradition of this land by visiting its museums and enjoying its landscapes.
Petroglyphs —open-air rock engravings— are scattered all over the place as evidence of the beliefs of the communities from the Bronze Age. Centuries later, the castros from the Iron Age, located in strategic positions, and then the medieval castles, which defended former borders, such as the magnificent Sobroso Castle, were used to control the territory.
The Tea River and its tributaries rise in the hills and its waters used to move old mills that are still preserved in natural spots of great beauty. These are still a source of life in the region, from the traditional catching of the lamprey to the fertility of orchards and vineyards that produce excellent wines.
Land and water combine in order to create springs that have been places for well-being, relax and leisure since ancient times. Thermal baths in centuries-old spas, such as the one in the town of Mondariz, offer nature, tradition and health in an amazing environment.
- 1 - Ponteareas
- 2 - Mondariz - Balneario
- 3 - Mondariz
- 4 - As Neves
- 5 - Salvaterra do Miño
MUSEUMS
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This municipal museum is located in the castle of Salvaterra. There, you will get to know the winemaking tradition in Galicia, especially the one of the wines under the Designation of Origin Rías Baixas.
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In this heritage interpretation centre you will discover the natural, historical and architectural heritage of the parish of Taboexa.
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This museum, located in a former tannery, takes us on a journey through the history of the region; with information on the important people of the town; shows the works of local artists and promotes the Corpus Christi, a very deep-rooted religious festival in the town of Ponteareas.
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It is located on the top of the Landín Hill, and dates back to the 12th century, although in the 14th century it was rebuilt and turned into the most impressive fortress in Galicia.
Phone: +34 986 654 305 +34 986 804 100
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
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Fortification from the Middle Ages, formed by a walled enclosure and different rooms, which serves as a viewpoint over the Miño River.
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Settlement from the Iron Age protected by a wall, a unique fortified tower, a ditch carved in the stone and several parapets. More than 30 houses have been excavated in this site.This castro, popularly known as Serpe de Troña, has been named after the petroglyph depicting a serpent.
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The spa complex in the town of Mondariz has an attractive golf course, with 18 holes and a funny and tough round. It is surrounded by nature and is among the most popular golf courses in Galicia.
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The properties of these spring waters were already popular in Roman times, and in the 19th century were discovered by the Galician doctor Peinador Vela. There, he opened one of the most renowned spas in Spain, and was among the first to commercialise bottled mineral water.
CULINARY MOMENTS
- Lugar da Muguiña, Arantei, 36458 Salvaterra de Miño
- Porto de abaixo, 10, 36453 Salvaterra de Miño
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It is a festival declared of Tourist Interest in Galicia, which has been celebrated for more than fifty years every August. There, you can taste the wines of Salvaterra de Miño paired with other local products.
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Food festival devoted to this tasty sparkling wine, mostly made with Albariño grapes under the Designation of Origin Rías Baixas. It is celebrated on the first weekend of December.
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The festival of cottage cheese and honey, declared of Tourist Interest in Galicia, and celebrated in March, is dedicated to a dessert with a long tradition in this town. Its origin dates back to the 12th century and it is believed that it was the basic pilgrim’s food.
- Bouza do Rato, s/n, 36449 As Neves.Phone: +34 986 667 212
NATURAL SPOTS
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On the top of the hill, at 387 metres above sea level, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley of the Tea River and the Sobroso Castle. Today, on the grounds of a medieval castle there is a big cross that marks the end of the Way of the Cross.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
- Archaeological sites Couto do Conde and Portomaior
It is an archaeological site with plenty of granite constructions, where people from the Neolithic and the Bronze Age carve the rocks with zoomorphic, circular and reticular motifs to express their beliefs, and mark the territory.
[+] INFO - Archaeological site of Altamira
The location of this castro makes it visible from any spot of the valley of the Tea River, and for this reason it has a great visibility over the surrounding area. Important archaeological discoveries have been made, among which some Roman bronze figures stand out.
[+] INFO - Church of Santa María de Taboexa
Its construction started in 1544 on the grounds of a Roman building. It keeps architectural elements in different styles, such as the Renaissance and the Baroque. This church, enclosed by a wall in which the Crucifixion of Jesus is depicted, is surrounded by the local cemetery.
[+] INFO - Thermal baths of Salvaterra
This spa retreat is the biggest public spa in Galicia. It is surrounded by nature and consists of several open-air thermal baths. Moreover, the ancient thermal baths of the spring waters of village of Teáns have been restored. They are well-known for its healing properties.
- Petroglyphs of Gargamala
Petroglyphs carved in granite stones over four thousand years ago, featuring cross-shaped, zoomorphic, human, and connected circle motifs…
CULINARY MOMENTS
- Rosquillas of Ponteareas
The rosquillas (a type of doughnut) are one of the most renowned products from this town. They are usually crunchy and made of puff pastry.
