Carballedo combines relocated churches and Romanesque buildings with river views, forests and terraced vineyards. Its cultural sites reflect different historical periods: churches were moved during the construction of the reservoir, while other sites preserve medieval architecture or archaeological evidence from antiquity.
Churches and traces of different eras
Santo Estevo de Chouzán was moved from its original location during construction of the Os Peares reservoir. San Xoán da Cova was also relocated because of the reservoir construction. The church belonged to a former Benedictine convent dating from the late 12th century and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. Santiago de Lousada is a medieval church and the only surviving remnant of a former monastic community. Aguada has a 13th-century Romanesque church, and Pradela a 12th-century Romanesque church.
Santa MarĂa de Temes extends the story beyond medieval buildings: its historical and archaeological complex includes remains from pre-Roman and Roman, early Christian, and Christian Visigothic periods. A marble sarcophagus lid made in a Roman workshop between 315 and 325 is set above the church’s triumphal arch. According to local tradition in A Matanza, a battle against the “Moors” is linked to the origins of the veneration of Our Lady of Faro.
Forest, the Miño and scenic views
A Grixoá illustrates the region’s traditional architecture: houses with rubble-stone walls and slate roofs stand in a village surrounded by chestnut, oak and pine forests. From there, you can enjoy views of the Miño and the terraced vineyards. The river runs along Carballedo’s eastern municipal boundary and is dammed within the municipality to form the Os Peares reservoir.
From the Miradoiro do Alto da Picota, views extend to the Os Peares dam and reservoir, the confluence of the Sil and Miño, the Sil valley and the Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil monastery. Visibility can vary depending on conditions. The protected-area designations also differ: Monte Faro is designated a Site of Community Importance in the Natura 2000 network. Carballedo is also included in the municipal list for the Canón do Sil area (A Ribeira Sacra).
Hiking trails and access conditions
The Sendero Garambullo is a seven-kilometre linear hiking trail. It starts in Castro, passes through forests and riverside landscapes, and leads to the Penedo do Garabullo viewpoint. Penedo do Garabullo is a natural formation, not a built viewpoint. Several trails offer different perspectives on the surrounding area, including the Fondós stream and its mouth at the Miño.
Reaching the Penedo involves an approximately 15-minute walk over difficult terrain; suitable footwear and caution are recommended. Take note of the direct access to Santo Estevo de Chouzán as well: from the designated car park, the route is about 500 metres long and has a considerable incline. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Plan your visit in advance
The interior of Santa MarĂa de Temes is closed and can only be visited as part of a tour with official guides. Check in advance whether such a visit is currently available. The Os Peares landing stage is intended for river trips on the Miño; however, no service is currently offered there. If you are considering a trip, check current availability beforehand.
The Carballo do Pazo de Cartelos is one of Galicia’s listed notable trees. The Devesa de Cartelos and the tree are accessible; calling ahead is recommended. The privately owned Pazo de Cartelos is not open to visitors.
Discover more destinations: Lama, ArgozĂłn, Trabada, Cospeito, Castro De Rei, Randulfe, San Cibrao, Vilamor.
For the main travel overview: Lugo.
