Back to the origins
Back to the origins
Among gentle hills and endless meadows, Castro de Rei invites you to connect with the most authentic side of Galicia. Here, the past feels alive in the legendary Castro de Viladonga, while rural life still sets the rhythm of this peaceful green land. Wandering along its paths is like travelling through time: walls that whisper legends, villages that preserve their charm, and rivers that accompany every step. A perfect place to disconnect, walk slowly, and let nature surround you.
Land of ancient hillforts, manor houses, and open horizons, Castro de Rei awaits you to dive into its history and landscape.
Places to see
Castro de Rei preserves traces from every era — from ancient hillfort settlements to the manor houses and stately homes that dot its rural landscape. The great highlight is the Castro de Viladonga, one of Galicia’s most important archaeological sites, together with its remarkable museum, which takes you on a journey into the past to discover how the ancient Gallaecians once lived.The village of Castro de Rei, declared a Historic Site and Picturesque Setting, still bears the mark of its original hillfort and fortress — the very origin of the municipality itself. All around, villages, manor houses, churches, trails and stone bridges weave a route through a land where time seems to stand still.
Castro de Viladonga
& Museum
Castro de Viladonga & Museum
On a hill overlooking A Terra Chá, the Castro de Viladonga immerses you in the Galician-Roman world. Walk along its walls and circular dwellings, and explore the Monographic Museum to see the objects unearthed at the site — pottery, jewellery, coins and tools that reveal what life was like here more than 1,500 years ago. Open all year round, with free admission.
Villa histórica de Castro de Rei
The heart of the municipality beats in this village, declared a Historic Site and Picturesque Setting. Built upon the ancient defences of the hillfort and medieval fortress, it still preserves its original essence — traditional architecture, stately homes and corners steeped in history. Stroll through its streets and discover the origins of Castro de Rei.
Monument to the Sagrado Corazón
At the top of Santa Leocadia stands the impressive Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rising 14 metres high. Some historians identify this site with the mythical Mount Medulio — the legendary setting of battles between the Romans and the Galician tribes. A short, symbolic route marked by a Way of the Cross leads from the parish church up to the summit.
Veiga da Acea Mill
By the river, this traditional mill preserves all its original machinery and can still be set in motion just as it was more than a century ago. Carefully maintained by its owner, it keeps alive the memory of rural life and traditional labour in Castro de Rei.
Duarría Bridge
Spanning the River Vello, this small stone bridge features a semicircular arch and a cobbled roadway. Believed to be of Roman origin — later rebuilt in medieval times — it once formed part of the ancient route connecting Lugo with the coast. Its natural surroundings make it a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the landscape.
Castro de Rei lies within the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve, home to numerous wetlands, rivers and protected forest formations. Much of these ecosystems are part of the Natura 2000 Network, ensuring their preservation and making the area a top destination for nature lovers.
Discover the amazing diversity of wildlife in lagoons such as Caque, where you can watch birds from its viewpoint while enjoying the silence of the landscape, and wander through the beautiful river scenery along the Azúmara River.
Laguna de Caque
A unique ecosystem surrounded by water lilies, bulrushes, willows and oaks. It is home to wintering birds such as ducks and herons, as well as a refuge for amphibians and reptiles.
Club Fluvial del Río Azúmara
In Castro de Rei, the Azúmara River offers a peaceful riverside spot with picnic areas, swimming zones, an outdoor fitness park and forest trails. Other river areas, such as the Lea Recreational Area, are perfect places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Castro de Rei beats with living traditions. Every Wednesday, the market of Castro Riberas de Lea, and on alternate Sundays, the one in Castro de Rei, bring together local produce, neighbours, hundreds of visitors and, above all, the unmistakable flavour of the traditional pulpo á feira — Galicianstyle octopus. Throughout the year, events such as the Expo Galiña de Mos, celebrating the recovery of this prized native chicken breed, the Festa da Malla harvest festival, and many others turn the municipality into a vibrant stage of celebration, memory and rural life. Check the dates, dive into the atmosphere, and let yourself be tempted by the scents of the countryside at every fair and festivity.
Castro de Rei beats with living traditions. Every Wednesday, the market of Castro Riberas de Lea, and on alternate Sundays, the one in Castro de Rei, bring together local produce, neighbours, hundreds of visitors and, above all, the unmistakable flavour of the traditional pulpo á feira — Galicianstyle octopus. Throughout the year, events such as the Expo Galiña de Mos, celebrating the recovery of this prized native chicken breed, the Festa da Malla harvest festival, and many others turn the municipality into a vibrant stage of celebration, memory and rural life. Check the dates, dive into the atmosphere, and let yourself be tempted by the scents of the countryside at every fair and festivity.
Feira de Castro Riberas de Lea
Come on a Wednesday to the Castro Riberas de Lea Market and enjoy the “pulpo á feira” experience like nowhere else.
Expo Galiña de Mos
In October, the parish of San Xiao de Mos hosts the Expo Galiña de Mos, a day devoted to Galicia’s emblematic native chicken breed. Exhibitions, tastings, competitions and family activities fill this lively event that blends rural tradition with gastronomy.
Galicia Aeronautical Criterium
In addition to the courses and a wide range of aerial activities available at the Rozas Airfield, its facilities become every summer a meeting point for pilots, enthusiasts and aviation lovers. During the
Galicia Aeronautical Criterium
In addition to the courses and a wide range of aerial activities available at the Rozas Airfield, its facilities become every summer a meeting point for pilots, enthusiasts and aviation lovers. During the Galicia Aeronautical Criterium, you can experience unforgettable moments: parachute jumps, introductory flights or aerial baptisms over the endless landscapes of A Terra Chá. Dare to try?
Come and discover Castro de Rei
Come and discover Castro de Rei
