Environment

A bit of history…

Valdeorras is a region steeped in a long and rich history. Being a natural gateway to Galicia, coupled with its fertility, has led to its population since ancient times. Its history has always been linked to the Roman presence in the valley and the construction of the "Via XVIII." However, before the arrival of the Romans, human presence seems evident from the abundance of archaeological remains that have been found.

The remains of “megalithic” burials – the typical “mámoas” – that appeared in the mountains of Cereixido (A Rúa) and in the Sierra da Enciña da Lastra (Rubiá) are significant.

Remains of Bronze Age art have been found, as well as beautiful examples of open-air rock art, including the famous "petroglyphs" near Valdegodos (Vilamartín), in Petín, and in San Esteban de A Rúa Vella.

Dating back to pre-Roman times, the best examples of these ancient settlements are the "castros," a type of fortification that was located in mid-mountain areas. Among these "castrexo" settlements, we can highlight those found in Coyas, Pardollán, Quereño, Castelo, Portela do Trigal, O Castro, Xirimil, Xardoal, Cabanelas (Larouco), Sta. Maria, Valencia do Sil, Arnado, Mones, Chao do Castro, Vilaseco, A Capilla (Vilela), Castrillón (Fontei), A Coroa (A Rua Vella), etc.

Some -Castrillón, A Coroa- are identified more as ancient "castellum" type fortifications than as actual settlements.

The first Count of Valdeorras was Bernardo Gatoniz, who, as such, appeared in the minutes of the solemn consecration of the Cathedral of Santiago by King Alfonso III on May 6, 899. He was succeeded by Froila Díaz and his descendants, until in 1336 Ramiro Flores de Guzmán, the last lieutenant of Valdeorras, fell into disgrace before King Alfonso XI, who dismissed him and donated the land of Valdeorras to D. Pedro Fernández de Castro, linking our fate, from this moment on, to that of the all-powerful Galician Castro family and consequently to the House of Lemos.

(text by Antonio Castro Voces, published on the web valdeorras.com)