The Puente de Cernadela is 70 metres long and retains five arches: four pointed arches and one round arch. This sequence of arches offers a tangible introduction to stone architecture. In the centre of Mondariz, the focus shifts: the town centre developed around the central square and is characterised by 19th-century stone houses. The bridge and the town centre offer two different perspectives on architectural history: a single structure with a precisely described sequence of arches, and a historic centre shaped by a number of historic houses.

Stone Architecture and Historical Layers

The Iglesia de Santa Baia brings together two points in time: the present church building dates from 1711, and a medieval sarcophagus is housed inside. The date refers to the church building, not the sarcophagus, so the two dates remain distinct. The Capela de San Xoán is a small, traditional stone chapel in the village of San Xoán. Together, these religious buildings illustrate different scales: a church containing a medieval object and a small village chapel made of stone.

The Monumento a Rodríguez Fornos introduces a different material: the bronze bust, created in 1925, is by Francisco Asorey. As a monument, it differs from the houses and religious buildings; its material, form, artist and year of creation make it a distinct cultural subject.

Castle and Rock Art

Castelo de Sobroso formed part of the region’s defence system; its existence is documented from the 12th century. During guided visits, images, lighting and sound convey the castle’s history. The visitor route covers seven rooms and lasts 50 minutes. As the duration may change, check the current time information before your visit.

There are 40 rock engravings in the municipality of Mondariz. These include the rock engravings of Gargamala; the relevant steps to have them entered in the Register of Cultural Assets of Special Interest have been initiated.

Trails and River Landscapes

The PR-G 119 Ruta do Xabriña circular trail offers another way to experience culture and landscape together. It follows the Xabriña River, a tributary of the Tea, starts in the parish of Paraños and passes through Prado de Canda and A Lamosa. Along the way are almost thirty mills, as well as traditional paths, fountains, water crossings and bridges. This route is not focused solely on individual structures: its various features form a sequence of cultural and landscape elements along the river.

The Río Tea has significant riparian forests along its approximately 50-kilometre course. The two river themes offer different emphases: the Ruta do Xabriña brings together mills, paths and water crossings on a circular trail, while the riparian forests stand out along the Tea. This distinction offers a clear way to choose a theme: here, cultural traces accompany a circular trail; there, riparian forests shape the river landscape.

Discover more destinations: Vilanova De Arousa, Mos, A Igrexa, A Telleira, Goián, O Baixo Miño, Marín, Raxó

For the main travel overview: Pontevedra.