Estacas brings together distinct cultural and historical features: the double Foxo dos Lobos, old shepherds’ shelters and a granite church. The riverside woodland along the Alén and its tributary, the mountain scrubland and a section of the Vía Mariana add nature and a named route. You can therefore choose to focus on rural land use, sacred architecture, landscape or the route.

Rural History and Architecture

The Foxo dos Lobos is in Bustelos, within the parish of Estacas, at Chan de A Anduriña. The double wolf trap was built to protect livestock from wolf attacks and is considered unique in Europe.

The Neveira da Chan da Anduriña lies in ruins, 80 metres southeast of the Foxo dos Lobos. Its circular plan measures more than twelve metres in diameter. The comparison highlights different features: the double wolf trap and its purpose at the Foxo, and the Neveira’s circular plan, diameter and ruined condition.

More than forty old chozos, or auxiliary shelters for shepherds, stand on the communal mountain of Estacas. The Chozos de As Estacas have been documented since 1550, though they may date back further. Together with the Foxo, they illustrate two aspects of rural livestock farming: protecting livestock and providing auxiliary shelters for shepherds.

The Igrexa de Santa María das Estacas is built from dressed granite blocks and has a Latin cross-shaped floor plan. Its façade features a niche with an image of Santa María and an oculus, or circular opening. The Peto de ánimas das Estacas is an enclosed wayside shrine set into the wall of a private building in As Estacas. Compared with the Igrexa, its main distinguishing feature is its position within the wall of a private building.

River Landscape, Scrubland and Routes

Relatively mature woodland grows along the banks of the Alén River and its tributary, the Río da Portela do Foxo. Its appearance can change depending on the season. The mountain scrubland of As Estacas provides habitat for protected species such as the Seoane’s viper and the Montagu’s harrier. The natural environment therefore includes both riverside woodland along the waterways and mountain scrubland as habitat for protected species.

The petroglyphs of Coto do Raposo are located on a rocky outcrop with impressive views over the valley of the Couñago River. This archaeological site thus brings together rock carvings and a specific connection to the landscape.

The Vía Mariana begins at Santa María de Estacas in Fornelos de Montes. From there, it follows the Camino de Difuntos to the Pontella del Río Couñago and Ponte Anceu. The section from Estacas offers views of the Río Parada. Unlike the single petroglyph site, the Vía Mariana is linked to several named stops. This lets you choose between an archaeological focus and a route with several place references.

Discover more destinations: Donsión, A Torre, Viascón, Ardia, Covelo, Forxán, Tabagón, San Bieito

For the main travel overview: Pontevedra.