Castelo de Soutomaior
Medieval castle from the 12th century. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it is linked to Mr Pax Méndez Sorrede, who lived during the reign of Alfonso VII (1126–1157) and Ferdinand II (1157–1188) and was the first to use the Sotomayor surname.
The castle was remodelled during the 15th and 19th centuries. It reached its greatest splendour with Pedro Madruga. In 1870 the Vega de Armijo marquises made it their summer residence, adding the balcony "Galería de Damas" to the historic site. Afterwards it became the property of the marchioness of Ayerbe and her husband, Dr. Lluria, who built a sanatorium in the surrounding area. In 1917 they lost ownership of the property and in 1982 it was acquired by the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, which carried out a major restoration work.
The construction has double defensive walls and an irregular oval layout which opens to two entrances: the south one, which today is used as an entry to the public, and the original one on the opposite side. The fortified complex is composed of the tower and the palace attached. The drawbridge that connects to the tower is a highlight, as it was an important element of defence.
The castle was remodelled during the 15th and 19th centuries. It reached its greatest splendour with Pedro Madruga. In 1870 the Vega de Armijo marquises made it their summer residence, adding the balcony "Galería de Damas" to the historic site. Afterwards it became the property of the marchioness of Ayerbe and her husband, Dr. Lluria, who built a sanatorium in the surrounding area. In 1917 they lost ownership of the property and in 1982 it was acquired by the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, which carried out a major restoration work.
The construction has double defensive walls and an irregular oval layout which opens to two entrances: the south one, which today is used as an entry to the public, and the original one on the opposite side. The fortified complex is composed of the tower and the palace attached. The drawbridge that connects to the tower is a highlight, as it was an important element of defence.
Services
Description of equipment and other services The castle is a Historical-Artistic Monument and does not offer any public bathrooms or a restaurant service inside. However, the Pousada del Castillo de Soutomaior hotel is next door, and it has accessible public bathrooms, a restaurant, a coffee shop and accommodation. There is an accessible side entrance to the castle, although the monument itself lacks any ramps or mechanisms for people with reduced mobility.- Pago con Tarjeta: Sí
- Baños públicos: Sí
- Information point: Sí
- Reservas: Sí
Customer service
- Idioma: Gallego, Castellano, Inglés, Francés, Italiano
Guided tours
- Idioma: Gallego, Castellano, Inglés, Francés, Italiano
Features
- Responsible body: Provincial Council of Pontevedra
- Propiedad: Public
- Estilo Arquitectónico: Medieval
- En uso: Sí
- Chronology: 11th-12th centuries
- Interés Paisajístico: High
- Description of the surroundings: With panoramic views
Environmental protection status
- Figura de Protección: BIC
Prices
- Descuentos a familias: Sí
- Descuentos a niños: Sí
- Descuentos a grupos: Sí
- Descuentos a tercera edad: Sí
- Prices: Individual price: €5
Access
- Accesos a pie: Sí
- Los accesos al recurso están adaptados para personas con discapacidad: Sí
- Accesos para vehículos privados: Sí
- ¿Existe transporte público para acceder al recurso?: Sí
Timetables
- Horario de apertura desde: Monday
- Horario de apertura hasta: Friday
- Hora Apertura mañana: 10:00
- Hora Cierre tarde: 21:00
- Horario de apertura desde: Saturday
- Hora Apertura mañana: 10:00
- Hora Cierre mañana: 14:00
- Hora Apertura tarde: 16:00
- Hora Cierre tarde: 20:00
- Horario de apertura desde: Festivo
- Hora Apertura mañana: 10:00
- Hora Cierre mañana: 14:00
- Hora Apertura tarde: 16:00
- Hora Cierre tarde: 20:00