In Palas De Rei, you can combine the Camino de Santiago with Romanesque churches, medieval architecture and river landscapes. For planning, there are three distinct areas of focus: pilgrimage history, architectural heritage or paths by the water. The specific places can help you decide which themes you would like to put at the heart of your stay.
The Camino de Santiago and getting your bearings
The Camino de Santiago passes through the Os Chacotes recreation area on its way to Palas de Rei. The Pabellón de Peregrinos is located there. Further along, the Camino Francés leaves Palas de Rei via Campo dos Romeiros, a traditional meeting place for pilgrims. These two places therefore mark different parts of the route: Os Chacotes lies on the way to Palas, while Campo dos Romeiros lies on the way out of town. If you are interested in the Camino de Santiago, you can consider these landmarks alongside the area's historic buildings.
Churches and medieval architecture
The Church of San Tirso is Romanesque and dates from the last third of the 12th century. The main portal and part of the façade remain from the original structure; later alterations are also part of its architectural history. San Tirso thus offers a way to trace both the building's Romanesque origins and how it has changed over time.
San Salvador de Vilar de Donas was part of a former monastery belonging to the Order of Santiago. At San Xurxo de Augas Santas, a different architectural feature takes centre stage: the church is built of granite masonry and has a main altarpiece dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, the three churches offer different perspectives on architectural history—from Romanesque fabric and former ties to a religious order to later furnishings.
Castelo de Pambre was built by Gonzalo Ozores de Ulloa around 1375 and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is considered the finest example of medieval military architecture in Galicia. Casa-Torre de Quindimil also holds this designation. It is privately owned and is not currently open to visitors. If you include these two buildings in your plans, this difference in access is important.
River landscapes and paths
The Torrentes de Mácara are in the municipality of Palas de Rei, in the upper reaches of the RĂo Ulla, where its waters join the RĂo Pambre. The route to the Torrentes starts at Castelo de Pambre and continues on foot along a riverside path. Farther upstream, numerous waterfalls and pools follow one after another; many strawberry trees grow in the area. The focus here is not architectural history, but the succession of river, waterfalls and pools. Trail conditions can vary, so check them before setting out.
At Penedos Brancos, white quartz rocks can be seen among the scrub. The names Casacamiño and Hospital also point to a clear connection with pilgrimages. In this way, Palas De Rei brings together landscape and pilgrimage themes in different ways: at the Torrentes, the water and riverside path shape the experience, while at Penedos Brancos, visible rock formations meet names linked to pilgrimage.
Getting there and other highlights
The Serra do Careón area, which includes Palas de Rei, can be reached via the N-547 from Santiago or Lugo, and via the AC-840 from A Coruña via Betanzos. Check road conditions before travelling. The best route for you depends on the direction you are coming from.
If treatments are among your travel interests, Balneario RĂo Pambre offers medical and cosmetic treatments to both overnight guests and other users of the spa. Check the treatment options and booking conditions before making a reservation.
Discover more destinations: Lestedo, Pacios, Lourenzá, Pena, Campa, Outeiro De Rei, Merille and Trabada.
Go to the main travel overview: Lugo.
