Allariz

Allariz, declared to be a Historic-Artistic Site, sits in a river landscape formed by the upper course of the Arnoia. Major religious buildings stand on the streets of a typically medieval town surrounded by forests of chestnut trees.

The origins of Allariz date back to prehistoric times, though it had to wait until the Middle Ages to gain the title of Town and Court. The presence of a great many princes, including the future Alfonso X the Wise, led to the town being walled and fortified. Testimony to its importance during this period of history are the major pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic churches. You can visit San Martiño de Pazó, the Collegiate Church of Xunqueira de Ambía, the Sanctuary of Santa Mariña de Augas Santas and the churches of Santiago, San Estevo and San Pedro. Outstanding among the civil architecture are the remains of the castle and the bridges of Vilanova (15th century) and Frieira (18th century) over the Arnoia. It is also worth taking a stroll through the Campo de A Barreira, a place which has a fountain and beautiful “cruceiros” (stone crosses). It is a good idea to visit this town in August, during the Pie Festival, a tradition which combines folklore and gastronomy.