In A Gudiña, the Vía de la Plata runs along Calle Maior and divides at Praza Maior. A southern route leads towards Verín, while the northern alternative heads towards Laza. The area is also characterised by an old network of lanes, a wolf trap and the landscapes of Serra Seca and Pena Maseira. Here, an important route and different facets of Galician cultural heritage come together.
The Vía de la Plata and the lanes of A Gudiña
The route division at Praza Maior is a useful landmark for anyone interested in the course of the Vía de la Plata. The southern direction points towards Verín; the northern alternative leads to Laza and is also known as Camino Antiguo or Verea dos Galegos. The two routes therefore initially differ in their direction and name.
The townscape also offers a historical point of reference: an old network of lanes survives in the upper part of A Gudiña, arranged around Calle Maior. This street is also the route along which the Vía de la Plata passes through the town. The square, street and network of lanes offer different points of reference for understanding the town and its connection to the route.
The Foxo do lobo: wolf trap and cultural heritage
Another facet of the area’s cultural history is the “Foxo do lobo” of Parada da Serra in A Gudiña and Pedroso in Riós. The trap lies on the municipal boundary between Riós and A Gudiña, in Serra da Urdiñeira, at an altitude of about 1,100 metres. It is a converging-type trap: wolves were driven into the pit.
A signposted walking route, about 4 km long, starts on the road to the village of Pedroso and leads to the “Foxo do lobo”. Information panels and figures explain the centuries-old relationship between people and wolves along the way. The site thus brings together a specific historical trapping method and interpretation along the route.
Serra Seca and Pena Maseira
A route starting in A Gudiña passes through the windy, remote Serra Seca and offers far-reaching views across the valleys. The route from A Gudiña also climbs towards Alto do Espiño, which lies at an altitude of about 1,000 metres. The description of Serra Seca therefore highlights both its remote landscape and its wide valley views, while the elevation provides a distinct point of reference.
There are some partly abandoned villages in the mountains of Serra Seca. Their abandonment is attributed, among other things, to the harsh climate and the presence of wolves. This landscape therefore tells a story not only of nature but also of life in a mountain region, where local conditions have shaped the history of its villages.
Pena Maseira is a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network and extends across the municipalities of A Gudiña and A Mezquita. The Galician part includes Serra de A Esculqueira, at 1,149 m, and Penedo dos Tres Reinos, at 1,004 m. These elevations add another dimension to the landscape and help distinguish the named peaks within the protected area.
Getting your bearings locally
The Oficina de Turismo de A Gudiña – Casa da Viúva is located at Avenida de Beato Sebastián de Aparicio, s/n, 32540 A Gudiña, Ourense, Galicia. This provides a specific address for finding your way around the town.
Discover more destinations: Tamallancos, Ribadavia, Sobreira, San Cibrao Das Viñas, Parada De Sil, Castro Caldelas, Reboredo, Manzaneda.
Go to the main travel overview: Ourense.
