Nantón can be explored through remains from different eras: the Church of San Pedro de Nantón represents rural Baroque architecture, while A Piolla preserves traces from the Megalithic period and the Bronze Age. There is also a historic hórreo, the Castro de Anido, and stories about former routes and uses. Visitors can choose what to focus on according to their interests, whether architecture, archaeology, or local history.

Church and prehistoric remains

The Church of San Pedro de Nantón is a rural Baroque church dating from the 18th century. A 16th-century apse has also been preserved. Its furnishings include three altarpieces in Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Its construction date, older apse, and varied styles provide several specific points of interest when looking at the church.

A Piolla, in the parish of San Pedro de Nantón, opens a window onto a different period. The area contains one of the largest concentrations of mámoas in the municipality of Cabana de Bergantiños; these remains are attributed to the Megalithic period, or Stone Age. The petroglyph of A Piolla is one of the few examples of its kind from the Bronze Age in the Bergantiños region, along with the petroglyphs of Corme and O Roncudo. The mámoas and rock carving therefore represent different archaeological subjects that can be distinguished when exploring the region's past.

Hórreo, Castro, and former uses

The hórreo in A Palleira is considered the largest in Bergantiños. There are two interpretations of its construction history: it may consist of two connected hórreos, or it may be an original hórreo with six pairs of supports that was extended with another one having four pairs of supports. This alternative is precisely what makes the structure interesting: it draws attention not only to its size, but also to how its present form may have come about.

At the Castro de Anido, mechanised farming has severely affected the preservation of the fortifications. Defensive remains are nevertheless present on the northwest, east, and southwest sides. The description links the condition of the site with specific surviving areas. The historic Molino de Nantón is another notable local landmark: it was once powered by electricity.

The history of the routes tells of everyday transportation. An old path in the parish of Nantón was used by muleteers known as “xalleiros,” who collected clay from Buño. Farmers transported sand from A Insua to their fields along it. Processions were once held at the Fuente del Carmen near the new cemetery, during which the brotherhood offered linen bundles and money. These accounts complement the buildings and archaeological sites with insights into former work and religious customs.

Routes and directions

Route 8, “Del Vao al Castro de Anido por Camafreita,” passes through the parish of Nantón. It provides a named route to the Castro de Anido; the historic use of the old path by muleteers and farmers is a separate subject. The C-552 from A Coruña to Fisterra runs along the southern edge of the municipality, passing through A Piolla and Nantón.

To reach the Church of San Pedro de Nantón, take the road from exit 53 (A Pedra-Nantón) on the AG-55, via the C-552 and a turnoff in A Ameixenda, to the church. This specific sequence can help you find your way if the church is your destination. To choose which other topics to explore, you can instead consider whether you are more interested in the architecture, the prehistoric remains, or the history of former routes.

Discover more destinations: Piñeiro, Ambroa, Boqueixón, Vilar, Noia, Monfero, Paizás, Vila Da Area.

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.