A granite warrior’s head from Rubiás dates back to the 1st century AD; at the same time, the Castro settlement’s position above the Cadós River shapes the view of the area’s ancient history. Other features include various depictions of Santiago and the Camiño de San Rosendo. Cadós thus brings together archaeological themes, religious imagery and a route that follows a Roman road, crosses a river and climbs uphill.
Rubiás: a settlement by the river
The Castro settlement of Rubiás lies in the parish of Santiago de Cadós, on a typical spur of land above the Cadós River. On its vulnerable western side, it was protected by a wall and a ditch. Here, the location and fortifications go hand in hand: the settlement stood on the elevated spur, while the wall and ditch secured its exposed western side. Rubiás can therefore be understood both through its topography and its archaeological defensive structures. The Museo Arqueolóxico Provincial de Ourense also documents a granite warrior’s head from Rubiás, Santiago de Cadós, dating to the 1st century AD. The settlement’s location and a dated stone find thus represent distinct aspects of Rubiás’s archaeological history.
Chapel, church and living cultural heritage
At the Capela de Pazos, the entrance portal stands out, with its round arch and relief of a chalice. The bell gable is simply designed: an arch topped with a cross. The portal, relief and bell gable each create a distinct architectural feature. The Igrexa de Santiago de Cadós depicts Santiago in various roles: on the façade, he appears as a pilgrim and also as a warrior in the Battle of Clavijo; on the inner altarpiece, he is portrayed as a martyr. The three motifs thus differ in their depiction and context. In addition, the Peto de Ánimas en Cadós is classified as ethnographic cultural heritage. During Cadós’s traditional Entroido celebration, ox or ram horns were carried as part of the costumes. Together, these features offer insights into religious imagery and traditional culture.
The Camiño de San Rosendo and more to discover
The Camiño de San Rosendo follows a secondary Roman road, crosses the Cadós River and climbs to Alto do Vieiro. Rubiás is a prominent point along the route. The archaeological site and the route’s specific features thus sit side by side: the historic road, the river crossing and the climb that follows.
In the municipality of Bande, the Monte Grande information area connects the park’s archaeological attractions and offers routes on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or in an off-road vehicle. Here, the focus is on several archaeological destinations and different ways of getting around, setting this route concept apart from the single named findspot at Rubiás. Also in the municipality of Bande, the Mercado del Xurés takes place on the first Sunday of every month and offers a chance to discover local products. Check the current date before travelling. The market offers a different focus from archaeological sites and routes: local products take centre stage.
Discover more destinations: Pazó, Requiás, Mosteirón, Sampaio, Reboredo, A Teixeira, Compostela, Esposende
For the broader travel overview: Ourense.
