Guitiriz: Waterways and Cultural Heritage

Guitiriz combines paths along rivers, waterfalls and springs with buildings from different periods. When planning your stay, you can choose to focus on nature or cultural heritage: the paths and waterside spots invite you to explore the landscape, while churches, mills and historic sites tell the story of its long history. There is also a regional cake speciality and springs known for their healing waters.

Paths and waterside spots in Guitiriz

The PR-G 99 Ruta da Auga de Guitiriz has few steep sections and runs along the Parga and Ladroil rivers. It leads from the Santo Alberto Bridge to the Carballeira de Pardiñas. If you are interested in a route with named start and end points, this one offers clear orientation: its course and endpoints are as distinctive as the two rivers it follows.

The Sete Muíños recreation area lies on the Camino del Norte pilgrimage route. Its riverside path includes a natural pool, a man-made waterfall and three more small waterfalls. The Fervenza do Muíño da Ruxida ou Roxida can be reached from Guitiriz via the LU-2302 towards Mariz, followed by the signposted turnoff to Ferreira. There is a large car park as well as a recreation area with stone tables and benches.

Nearby, Cova da Serpe offers panoramic views over Guitiriz and opportunities to observe the local wildlife and plant life. The Ruta del Agua y la Piedra passes through a natural landscape where human care has helped preserve the native flora and fauna. The highlights differ when choosing a day trip: the PR-G 99 focuses on the river course and endpoints, while Sete Muíños is known for its pool and several waterfalls.

Archaeology, history and architecture

Pena Xiboi is an Epipalaeolithic rock shelter dating to 5000 BC that served as a natural refuge. Archaeological remains found there in 1994 are displayed at the Museo de Viladonga in Castro de Rei. A Pobra is a pre-Roman hillfort. Castelo de Pobra de Parga is protected as a cultural asset; Castelo de Parga dates from the 16th century. A Torre is a fortified house dating from 1372 that was destroyed and rebuilt in 1863.

The churches also showcase different periods and styles of construction. Igrexa Nova de Santa María was built between 1946 and 1968 in the Neo-Romanesque style, with French inspiration. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross; its interior furnishings include an 18th-century carved statue of John the Baptist. Capilla de Ecce Homo at O Curro Vello dates from the 20th century. Its altarpiece depicts the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the Christ Child, Christ the Redeemer, and the Ecce Homo.

The former parish church of San Xoán de Lagostel was founded as a chapel in the 14th century and rebuilt between 1719 and 1720. From the town centre, take the N-VI towards Lugo; the church is about a kilometre past the Guardia Civil barracks. The nearby Romanesque parish church of Santa Cruz de Parga also dates from the 12th century. The Pazo de Pontella, dating from 1799, is an example of civil architecture.

Springs, mills and a regional speciality

The springs of Pardiñas, Guitiriz and Parga are known for their healing waters. The historic Balneario de Guitiriz closed in 2017 and reopened in May 2023; Iberik Hoteles breathed new life into the facilities. If you are planning a visit, check the current visitor arrangements in advance. In Santa Mariña de Lagostelle, the Fuente de la Iglesia spring rises beneath the parish church altar. There is also a small recreation area with stone tables and benches near the church.

Nearby, in the settlement of O Lousado, are two mills with different histories: Muíño da Devesela dates from 1875 and is well preserved. Muíño do Crego, dating from 1900, is still in operation today. A regional speciality to try is Torta de maíz de Guitiriz: this handmade sponge cake is made with eggs, sugar, butter and cornmeal.

Discover more destinations: Figueiroa, Trazo, As Restrebas, Verdes, Ortigueira, Betanzos, Ares, Cesuras.

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