Carballedo: Churches, River Landscapes and Hiking Trails

Carballedo brings together churches and archaeological remains from different periods, as well as river landscapes and hiking trails. Historic buildings tell of former monasteries and the changes brought about by the Os Peares reservoir; viewpoints and trails offer different perspectives on the Miño and Sil. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping in mind both the history of these places and their respective access conditions.

Churches and History

Santo Estevo de Chouzán was moved from its original site during construction of the Os Peares reservoir. San Xoán da Cova also had to be relocated because of the reservoir’s construction. The church dates from the late 12th century and belonged to a former Benedictine convent. It is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Together, the two buildings represent a tangible link between religious history and the impact of reservoir construction on the landscape.

Santa María de Temes reveals another historical dimension: the complex includes remains from pre-Roman and Roman, Early Christian, and Christian Visigothic periods. A marble sarcophagus lid is set above the church’s triumphal arch. It was made in a Roman workshop between 315 and 325. The church interior is closed; visits are possible only as part of a tour with official guides.

In Santiago de Lousada, a medieval church is the only surviving remnant of a former cenobium, or monastic community. Aguada and Pradela also offer a comparison across periods: Aguada has a Romanesque church dating from the 13th century, while Pradela has one dating from the 12th century. This makes it possible to distinguish the two churches by their recorded construction dates while keeping in view their shared Romanesque classification.

Local tradition in A Matanza links a battle against the “Moors” to the origins of the veneration of Our Lady of Faro. This story belongs to local tradition and should be distinguished as such from the dated buildings and archaeological evidence.

The Miño, Viewpoints and Local Character

In A Grixoá, houses with rubble-stone walls and slate roofs illustrate the region’s traditional architecture. Chestnut, oak and pine forests surround the village. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the Miño and of vineyards on terraced slopes. The architecture, woodland and terraced vineyards each lend the area a distinct landscape character.

The Miño runs along Carballedo’s eastern municipal boundary and is dammed within the municipality to form the Os Peares reservoir. From the Miradoiro do Alto da Picota, visitors can see the dam and reservoir, the confluence of the Sil and Miño, the Sil valley, and the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil. Visibility depends on conditions.

Protected-area designations also help put the landscape in context: Monte Faro is designated a Site of Community Importance within the Natura 2000 network. The list of municipalities for the Canón do Sil (A Ribeira Sacra) area includes Carballedo.

Hiking and Practical Information

The Sendero Garambullo is a seven-kilometre linear hiking trail. It starts in Castro, passes through woodland and riverside landscapes, and leads to the Penedo do Garabullo viewpoint. The Penedo itself is a natural formation, not a built viewpoint. Several trails offer different perspectives on the surrounding area, including views of the Fondós stream and its confluence with the Miño.

Reaching the Penedo do Garabullo requires an approximately 15-minute walk over difficult terrain. Suitable footwear and caution are recommended. The duration and difficulty information refers to this access route; it should not be confused with the length of the Sendero Garambullo.

Access to Santo Estevo de Chouzán is also described specifically: from the indicated parking area, a path of about 500 metres with a considerable incline leads to the church.

The Carballo do Pazo de Cartelos is included in the Galician Catalogue of Outstanding Trees. The Devesa de Cartelos and the tree are accessible; calling ahead is recommended. The privately owned Pazo de Cartelos is not open to visitors. The tree, woodland and pazo should be clearly distinguished: the access information applies to the Devesa and the tree, not to a visit to the private estate.

Discover more destinations: Noceda, Becerreá, Mondoñedo, A Pobra do Brollón, Novelúa, Cervo, Ferreira De Pantón, Frontón

For the wider travel overview: Lugo.