Monfero: Trails in the Nature Park and Historic Buildings

Monfero appeals to travelers who want to combine nature trails and architectural history in one trip. In Fragas do Eume Nature Park, trails lead through different forest landscapes; Santa María de Monfero and the Capela da Ascensión add a cultural and historical focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Monfero, you can organize the sights according to your travel interests: circular routes and the nature park are just as much an option as church and chapel architecture.

Nature Park, Forest and Circular Routes

Monfero is one of the five municipalities through which Fragas do Eume Nature Park extends. Its steep slopes preserve the native vegetation of the Atlantic forests. Pena Fesa reaches 709 meters and is among the highest peaks in the province of A Coruña.

The Camiño dos Cerqueiros leads from pine forests in higher areas down to the lichen-covered forests near the reservoir. Along this route, the forest landscapes described change from the higher-altitude pine forest to the lichen-covered forests by the water.

The Os Cerqueiros route offers a good insight into all the ecosystems of the nature park. It runs mostly along forest tracks and is suitable for mountain biking; conditions along the route can vary. The Camino de Pena Fesa is a 10-kilometer circular hiking trail in Fragas do Eume Nature Park, which begins and ends in A Marola in Monfero. If you would like to include such a loop in your travel plans, you may want to consider this route; for mountain biking, Os Cerqueiros is suitable.

Monastery and Chapel

Santa María de Monfero was founded in the early 12th century by King Alfonso VII. The church of Santa María has an octagonal dome with Italian influences. “Octagonal” means eight-sided and here describes the shape of the dome; the Italian influences indicate another feature of its design.

The Capela da Ascensión is a small rural chapel. There is an inscription from 1763 on its lintel. In its natural setting, it offers excellent views of the Xestoso Valley.

The two buildings set different emphases: for the monastery, the founding history and the dome architecture are central, while for the chapel, the rural character, the dated inscription and the view into the valley take center stage.

Getting There and Trip Planning

Santa María de Monfero can be reached from As Travesas via a signposted, 2.5-kilometer turnoff from the AC-151. Road conditions and signage can change; check the directions before you go. A local road that passes by Monfero Monastery provides access to the left bank of Fragas do Eume Nature Park. To reach the Capela da Ascensión, take the signposted AC-151 towards Irixoa; in Xestal, turn left towards Val Xestoso, Alto Xestoso and As Pontes. Continue via the DP-3902 and DP-0905, as well as a turnoff towards Restrebas, to the chapel.

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