Five truncated-cone chimneys in the town center bring A Pontenova’s industrial history to life: the Hornos de Vilaoudriz are each 11 meters high and 4 meters wide; minerals were processed in them. Old railway lines, a historic forge and paths along rivers add to this focus. If you would like to combine culture and activity on a trip, A Pontenova offers a range of themes—from ironworking to river landscapes.
Blast Furnaces and Historic Ironworking
The surviving blast furnaces bear witness to the town’s industrial past. Ironworking is also a deeply rooted local tradition that goes back centuries. For a closer look at historic work, visit the FerrerĂa de Bogo, also known as the FerrerĂa de Vilaboa: the Ruta de As Reigadas ends at the forge, founded in 1534 by the hidalgo Pedro de Miranda. The features described include a small reservoir with a waterfall, a channel that diverts river water to the Banzado, a forge with a hammer and bellows, and a small power station.
You can also explore the area’s industrial history along the former railway line. The Ruta do Ferrocarril follows its route from the iron ore mines of Vilaoudriz, now A Pontenova, to the loading point at Porto Estreito, at the entrance to the RĂa de Ribadeo. The route is more than 12 kilometers long, almost flat, and has a cumulative elevation gain of just 20 meters; it is suitable for walkers and cyclists. One third of the original railway, which was almost 33 kilometers long, has been restored as a greenway between the former Villaodrid station—now the tourist information office—and San Tirso.
Trails Among Mines, Forest and Water
For a different perspective on mining, the Ruta das Minas passes the Vieiro, Eneas, Consuelo and Boulloso galleries. For much of its length, it runs parallel to the TurĂa River. The Ruta de As Reigadas, by contrast, follows the Reigadas River and several tributaries, including the Bounote, into the heart of the Fraga de As Reigadas. This Atlantic forest is considered one of the most important and best-preserved in Europe. The route lies within the RĂo Eo, Oscos e Terras de BurĂłn Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2007, and is included in the Carballido Site of Community Importance (SCI).
Water is the focus of the Ruta da FĂ©rrea. It leads to the A FĂ©rrea waterfall in the Muradal forest, near the town center of A Pontenova. The waterfall consists of two cascades, each approximately 7 to 8 meters high. The lower waterfall can be reached by car to within 300 meters. The excursions described here therefore offer distinct experiences: this one centers on a waterfall and forest, while the Ruta do Ferrocarril stands out for its almost flat profile and railway history.
Fishing, Festivals and Relaxation on the Eo
The second floor of the tourist information office houses the Aula de interpretación de la pesca de salmónidos. It displays materials on fishing for salmon, trout and sea trout, and holds the most important collection of “riscos” in Galicia. The Festa da Troita adds another river-themed highlight: held every year on May 1 since 1978, it includes salmon and fly-fishing competitions on the Eo.
Other events also bring together craft traditions and river life. The Feria de AntigĂĽedades y ArtesanĂa takes place annually during the Spanish Constitution Day holiday period. Demonstrations include traditional crafts such as clog making, basket weaving, decorative painting and ironworking. Baixeo is a non-competitive summer descent along a stretch of the Eo, using boats and floating devices that participants build themselves. At the finish in the Pozo da Ola recreation area, visitors can sample the traditional dessert Gran Faragull-Eo. If a particular festival is part of your travel plans, check the exact event dates in advance.
For a quieter time by the river, there are several river beaches and designated areas for picnics, family days and relaxation along the Eo as it passes through A Pontenova. The destination offers everything from industrial and craft history to a variety of routes, events and time by the river, each with its own appeal to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: DonĂs, Meirengos, Estelo, Lagoa, Bascuas, Casacamiño, Faro, Baleira.
For the broader travel overview: Lugo.
