The land of the Miño’s springs
The land of the Miño’s springs
Life in A Pastoriza is deeply connected to the land. Livestock farming —especially dairy cattle— drives the economy of a territory where, for centuries, people and landscape have shaped an intimate and special bond.
Known as the birthplace of the River Miño, A Pastoriza is nature in its purest form: peatlands, meadows, spectacular recreational areas like Baltar, and trails that invite you to walk slowly and take it all in. But it is also a land of history — here the Britons settled in early medieval times, planting the seed of what would become the bishopric of Mondoñedo. Its rural heritage, churches and local festivals coexist with open landscapes and lively villages. A perfect destination for those seeking to connect with the most authentic side of Galicia.
Places to see
The historical heritage of A Pastoriza is dotted with rural churches, chapels and stone crosses, old farmhouses and traditional hórreos that spread across the municipality. The ancient temple of Bretoña, cradle of the Briton bishopric, stands as the cornerstone of its historical and spiritual past. Among the archaeological sites not to be missed are the Castro de Saa, whose elevated crown offers sweeping views of the landscape, and the Dolmen of Mazoi. And, of course, take a moment to admire the contemporary sculptures and stone crosses set around the beautiful Lagoon of Fonmiñá. Together, they form a network of heritage that blends the sacred, the megalithic and the everyday — a territory that will truly surprise you.
In the footsteps of Maeloc
After the fall of the Roman Empire, in the turbulent age that gave rise to the Arthurian legend during the 5th and 6th centuries, groups of celtic Britons fled their islands amid conflicts with the Angles and Saxons. Some of them crossed the sea and reached Galicia, settling in this corner of A Terra Chá.
Here they left their mark, founding a Christian community whose leader, Maeloc, would establish the Bishopric of Britonia, the forerunner of today’s Bishopric of Mondoñedo.
Maeloc’s Fountain
Located in the main square of Bretoña, Maeloc’s Fountain is a symbolic monument that commemorates the figure of Bishop Maeloc and his connection to this land. It was erected as a tribute to the Briton community that settled in Galicia during the first centuries of the Christian era.
Church of Santa María de la Paz de Bretoña
The present-day Church of Santa María de la Paz de Bretoña stands at the centre of an ancient hillfort, where the defensive wall and the deep surrounding moat can still be seen. Excavations carried out in the 1970s uncovered remains of the hillfort’s acropolis, the apse of a 6th-century basilica, and buildings identified as the episcopal palace of the historic Briton see. The current temple was rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries on the site of a former medieval church, of which only an inscription on one of its walls remains.
Cruceiro da Parola
Located in the same square as Maeloc’s Fountain, the Cruceiro da Parola takes its name from the word “parola”, a local term referring to the lively conversations once shared by neighbours at this meeting point.
Castro de Saa
The Castro de Saa, located in the parish of Baltar, is one of the most impressive hillforts in the province. Strategically built on a small hill, it offered a commanding view over the Miño Valley and much of A Terra Chá. Its three defensive walls, moats and counter moats speak of a fortified past more than 2,000 years old. Today, you can easily walk around the site and imagine what life was like here in the heart of the Iron Age, surrounded by an open and pristine landscape.
CIN Bretoña, a journey to Galicia’s Celtic-Briton origins
The Bretoña Interpretation Centre (CIN) invites you to discover a fascinating story: the arrival of the Britons in Galicia and the birth of the ancient bishopric of Britonia. Through interactive displays, archaeological pieces and audiovisual resources, you can delve into the legacy of Bishop Maeloc and explore the Celtic and Briton roots that still resonate in this land.
A perfect space for families, history enthusiasts and curious travellers who want to understand why A Terra Chá is so much more than just landscape.
Alto Miño Interpretation Centre
Located beside the source of the River Miño, this centre helps you understand the natural, cultural and historical importance of Galicia’s most iconic river. Through panels and interactive displays, you can learn about the ecosystems, legends and traditions that surround the Miño from its origin here in A Pastoriza.
Nature &
Recreational Areas
A Pastoriza is pure Galician nature. The great river of Galicia, the Miño, is born here, in a symbolic and beautiful setting like the Lagoon of Fonmiñá. Around it stretch riverside landscapes, Atlantic forests and old farmlands that today open up for visitors to enjoy. Recreational areas such as A Riboira, in Baltar, and O Acebreiro are perfect places to relax, have a picnic, or simply let yourself be carried away by the peace of this corner of A Terra Chá. A Pastoriza is part of the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected natural areas in Galicia.
Fonmiñá
The Lagoon of Fonmiñá, one of the most symbolic places in A Pastoriza, features a recreational area with wooden walkways that allow you to explore this natural space and enjoy the harmony between nature and art.
Thrills & adventure!
Karting circuit
In A Pastoriza, motor enthusiasts will find their perfect spot at a karting and motorsport circuit with over one kilometre of track and curves designed to unleash adrenaline. The venue hosts official competitions as well as open days, where amateur drivers can test their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
A different kind of plan for those seeking excitement on asphalt — right in the heart of nature.
If you’re into outdoor excitement and adventure, A Pastoriza offers a wide range of experiences for every taste, all surrounded by nature: from kayaking along the River Miño to paintball, archery, hiking or mountain biking. Activities to enjoy with friends, family, or simply at your own pace.
Culture, taste & celebration
In A Pastoriza, celebration beats in every corner. In June, the Rapa das Bestas, held in the curro of Campo do Oso, showcases an ancestral spectacle of strength and mutual respect between humans and horses. The Festival da Chaira brings a contemporary touch to the territory, with concerts, cultural activities and gatherings that spark local creativity. And beyond the major events, it’s the parish festivities of each village — pilgrimages, open-air dances, neighbourhood gatherings — that keep alive the Galician tradition of celebrating the everyday, sharing stories and strengthening community ties.
In A Pastoriza, celebration beats in every corner. In June, the Rapa das Bestas, held in the curro of Campo do Oso, showcases an ancestral spectacle of strength and mutual respect between humans and horses.
Rapa das Bestas de Campo do Oso
It is one of the most unique celebrations in the area of A Pastoriza, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of Galicia. It takes place on the last Sunday of June and gathers hundreds of people to witness the ancestral encounter between humans and wild horses. In the “curro,” riders and “agarradores” confront the animals face to face to brand them, deworm them, and cut their manes, following a tradition that goes back centuries. More than a festival, it is a living display of the bond between Galician culture and nature.
Flavours of the land
The gastronomy of A Pastoriza is a tribute to the land and to local produce: excellent pasture-raised meats, Atlantic vegetables, and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Here you can also taste ancestral and unique dishes such as freces — a kind of sweet, crumbly bread pudding — and the famous bola de liscos, a savoury dough filled with pork belly and chorizo, traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens wrapped in cabbage leaves.
Every spring, these flavours are celebrated at the Festa da Bola de Liscos e das Freces de Bretoña, an event that blends history, tradition and authentic Galician taste.
Festival da Chaira
Held in June in the parish of Baltar, the Festival da Chaira is one of the major cultural events in A Pastoriza. Live music, workshops, traditional games, brass bands and food trucks turn the A Riboira Recreational Area into a lively meeting point surrounded by nature. If you’re in the area during summer, this is a festival you shouldn’t miss.
Come and discover A Pastoriza
Come and discover A Pastoriza
