Cambados: the perfect itinerary for a weekend in the Rías Baixas

Cambados

What to see in Cambados? To answer this question means telling you about a town located in the privileged natural environment of the mouth of the Umia River, in the Rías Baixas. Belongs to the Salnés region, whose capital is Villagarcia de Arosa. In addition, it has a long history that can be seen both in its surroundings and in its old town or Vila Vella.

Its life began in pre-Roman times, with forts located in the mountains of the area. The Phoenicians also passed through it and the Romans had to confront its inhabitants. Already in the Middle Ages, the king Ferdinand II of Leon awarded him the title of «Very Royal Villa». It even belonged, successively, to the orders of the Temple, of the Holy Sepulchre and of Saint John of Jerusalem. Since the 19th century, it is a municipality in the province of PontevedraBelow, we present the main monuments to see in Cambados.

Cambados Seafront Promenade

Saiñas Beach

Saiñas Beach, one of the many to see in Cambados

One of the first activities you can do in Cambados is to walk through its Promenade. You will see the magnificent Mouta beach, opposite the seaside district of Santo Tomé. It is a small sandy beach about three hundred metres long with calm and crystal-clear waters. In addition, from it you can see the tower of San Sadurniño, a vestige of a medieval fortress located on a nearby island that you can walk to when the tide is low.

But, as is logical if we are talking about the Rías Baixas, you have many other beaches to see in Cambados. To Fontina y Crochet are located on the outskirts, in a protected natural area. For its part, the beach of The Facho It is in the parish of Castrelo and is very quiet and the Tragove y Saiñas They form a small inlet near the town's marina.

However, if you prefer, you can also go hiking around Cambados. One of the easiest routes is to climb the Grenla mountain, where will you see the fort of Con de Sete Pías, a vestige of pre-Roman times. You can also visit the Mount King and, above all, to A Pastora viewpoint, which offers you wonderful views of the Arosa estuary and the coastal vineyards. There you have the chapel of the same name, but also nearby, you have the imposing ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo.

The church of Santa Mariña Dozo

Santa Maria Dozo

The church of Santa Mariña Dozo

It is a temple built in the 12th century by order of Lope Sanchez de Ulloa, feudal lord of the area. It has Romanesque features, but a later restoration ordered by Maria de Ulloa, daughter of the previous one, in the 15th century gave it Gothic and Renaissance elements.

It has a single nave crossed by four Romanesque arches, several side chapels, a sacristy and a chapel. As we said, it is in ruins, but its magnificence can be clearly appreciated. You can even see part of its decoration, which represents biblical scenes to seven deadly sinsIt was the old parish church, which was abandoned in the 19th century to move to the convent of San Francisco, which we will tell you about below.

Finally, next to the temple there is a cemetery to which the Galician writer Alvaro Cunqueiro He described him as "the most melancholic in the world."

Convent of San Francisco and other temples to see in Cambados

Church of Saint Benedict

Church of San Benito, one of the most beautiful temples to see in Cambados

As we were saying, it houses the current parish church of Cambados. It was built at the end of the 16th century by order of Juan Daval y María Pérez and maintained its conventual function until the ecclesiastical disentailment of 1835 promoted by Juan Alvares Mendizabal. Later it would be used as a school and even as a prison.

At that time, a good part of the building was demolished at the same time as the aforementioned parish church was added, Baroque. The small bell tower stands out in the complex, as do the crosses that decorate the façade. As for the interior decoration, you should look at the representation of the creators of the temple kneeling, the Figueroa coat of arms and the figures of Adam and Eve emerging from a shell.

Saint Sadurniño

San Sadurniño Tower

For its part, the Church of Saint Benedict is in the Ferfináns SquareIt was built in Romanesque style, although it would be reformed in the 15th and 17th centuries. For this reason, the current temple presents more Classical and baroque elements than those of its original style. However, the interior is Gothic and, in the ensemble, the figures of two warriors made of granite stand out. They are the so-called Balboa and, according to tradition, they are intended to protect both the church and the square where the church is located.

Finally, among what to see in Cambados regarding religious buildings, there are also several chapels. We have already told you about the one The Shepherdess, but it is, equally, very pretty that of Santa Margarita, the only vestige of the old manor house of the Abraldes. Similarly, the chapel of the Valvanera It is part of the Montesaco manor house and was built in the 18th century. Its name is due to the fact that it houses the image of the Virgin of Valvanera, patron saint of La Rioja, but also much loved by the people of Cambados.

Town Hall and House of the Cunchas

Cambados Town Hall

Cambados Town Hall

In the historic center of Cambados you will find the building of the Consistory, a beautiful neoclassical mansion from the 19th century. Its facade is notable for the ironwork of its windows and balconies, but, above all, the central turret adorned with an analogue clock. In its time, it also functioned as a courthouse and even a prison.

More original is the House of the Cunchas, so called because of the decoration on its façade, which imitates scallop shells. It was built in the 19th century with stone ashlars and, in addition to its characteristic feature, elements can be seen in it neo-baroque. Apparently, its curious decoration is due to the fact that the house was used by fishermen. But its exterior also stands out for the ironwork of its windows, its central balcony and, above all, the tower attached to its left side.

On the other hand, other houses are also interesting, such as the flour y that of the Fraga, the current municipal library, which was built in the 19th century. You should also see the tower of tribute, which dates back to the 16th century. But more important are the different pazos to see in Cambados.

The manor houses, among the best things to see in Cambados

Manor House of Ferfiñáns

Pazo de Ferfiñáns, one of the most beautiful in Cambados

As you may know, a pazo is a stately and manor house typical of Galicia. In Cambados you have many and all of them are spectacular. The most famous is the one from Ferfiñáns, located in the square of the same name. Its construction dates back to the 16th century and is due to Mr. Juan Sarmiento Valladares, who was an advisor to the king Felipe IIHowever, it was renovated a hundred years later, adding baroque elements to its classical style.

It has an L-shaped floor plan with a shorter arm at the end of which is the keep. The corners are notable for the circular balconies and windows with Renaissance decoration. On the other hand, the façade is baroque and features several noble coats of arms.

Even older is the Ulloa manor house, as it dates back to the 15th century. It belonged to the aforementioned Lope Sanchez de Ulloa and has a well-kept romantic-style garden. Its façade is also decorated with noble coats of arms. For its part, the Moltó manor house It was built in the 16th century to serve as a hospital. Inside, the chapel of the Purification stands out. Regarding the Bazan mansion, dates back to the 17th century, although it has been renovated several times to function today as a tourist inn. The writer lived there for a time Emilia Pardo Bazán, since, as its name indicates, it belonged to his family.

Finally, the Fajardo mansion It also stands out for its heraldic shields; Torrado's It is currently an exhibition hall and a place where the Albariño Festival is celebrated, and the one from Montesaco It stands out for its baroque exuberance.

Wineries and gastronomy

ALMOND CAKE

A delicious Santiago cake

We just mentioned to you the Albariño Festival, which is celebrated in Cambados at the end of July or beginning of August (the exact dates vary) and which is classified as of National Tourist Interest. Its aim is to promote this type of wine, typical of the area. It is one of the events to see in Cambados in the summer.

But, at any time of the year, you can visit the different wineries that the Galician town has. In them you will discover how it is made. However, if you want to know all its secrets better, we recommend that you visit the rooms of the Ethnographic and Wine MuseumYou will find it next to the ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo and it also offers you an interesting set of sculptures located in its garden and created by Manuel Paz.

On the other hand, along with Albariño, you should try the tasty food typical of Galicia in general and Cambados in particular. Fish and seafood are an essential part of its cuisine. For example, we recommend the grilled razor or Galician octopusBut you can also enjoy magnificent Galician beef or baked lamb. Likewise, the traditional ones cannot be missed pies nor lacon and other pork products. And to finish your meal, you can enjoy a homemade flan, a piece of Santiago's cake or some crepes (a kind of crepe).

In conclusion, we have shown you What to see in Cambados We are offering you an itinerary through this beautiful Galician town. As you can see, it has as many natural wonders as architectural ones. Come and discover them.


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