An oval Castro covering just under three hectares, a Baroque church and communal village ovens give Candás a rich cultural character. Archaeology, religious art and everyday buildings offer different ways to explore the area. Choose what to visit based on the topics that interest you most, rather than making a single attraction the focus of your entire itinerary.
Archaeology and Church Art
The archaeological Castro de Cástrelo de Lampaza has an oval ground plan. It measures about 264 metres from east to west and about 235 metres from north to south, and occupies just under three hectares. The two dimensions are similar; the area figure also gives an idea of the site’s size. Gently sloping hillsides provide access to the acropolis, especially from the north and east. Before visiting, check whether the site is currently accessible.
The Church of San Martiño de Candás is one of the examples of Baroque architecture in Rairiz de Veiga. Its furnishings include reliefs of San Benito and San Martiño, probably created by Francisco de Moure or his workshop. Abraham’s Sacrifice is depicted on the sacristy door, which dates from the 17th century. The church also houses a silver chalice donated in 1769 by Francisco Galindo, Bishop of Ourense. The reliefs, the door’s imagery and the chalice offer a glimpse of different aspects of church art and history.
Communal Buildings and Local Features
The communal oven Forno comunal de Fontefria is located in the centre of the hamlet of Fontefria. Elements of a traditional oven have been preserved inside. Another communal oven, the Forno comunal de Outeiro de Candás, is in Outeiro de Candás; its interior also retains elements of a traditional oven. Together, these buildings add a tangible, communal dimension to the area’s architectural heritage.
Other named local features include the Fonte e lavadoiro de Candás in Candás (San Martiño) and the Muíño da Regueira mill in Gándara in Candás (San Martiño). Along with the ovens, they broaden the picture beyond the Castro and church: the fountain and washhouse, mill and communal ovens represent different types of buildings in the area and its named localities.
Hiking Route and Practical Planning
The San Martiño de Candás hiking route, described in October 2023, starts at the Rectoral de Candás in the parish of San Martiño. It first follows an old path shaded by oak and chestnut trees to Fontefría. It then continues along quiet country roads through fields and woods, descending to the Church of San Martiño. The change from a shaded path to rural roads shapes the route as described. Check the starting point before setting out; vegetation and trail conditions can vary.
To reach Casa Reitoral de Candás, the directions take you from the road to Celanova onto the OU-531 after a junction. After one kilometre, turn left towards Candás. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check before driving.
Rectoral de Candás is a rural tourism establishment in Group A, operating from 1 January to 31 December. If you are considering an overnight stay there, check the latest operating information and availability before travelling. The cultural and landscape features that interest you in Candás can also help guide your choice of holiday apartment.
Discover more destinations: Sabariz
Return to the main travel overview: Rairiz De Veiga.
