The aim of the museum is to disseminate Valga’s natural heritage and history, as well as celebrate its most illustrious daughter, Agustina Carolina Otero Iglesias, commonly known as La Bella Otero. History, art, geography and ethnography ensure that this museum is of great cultural interes.

Its original construction dates back to the Paleochristian period between the 4th and 5th centuries. It was extended in the 12th century in Romanesque style, preserving part of its early appearance, but definitively erased in later renovations. Nearby, almost completely hidden by the vegetation, a medieval sarcophagus can be found.

In this natural setting of great scenic beauty, formed by the course of the River Valga, are to be found the waterfall, natural pools and mills, surrounded by dense, autochthonous vegetation, accessible via walkways and wooden staircases.

Between Monte dos Penucos and Monte dos Salgueiros can be found a prehistoric engraving in the shape of wavy lines which could represent serpents, associated in the past with fertility rituals.

From the hillock, visitors are greeted by a pretty, panoramic view of the Ulla river valley as it flows into the Arousa ria, the Barbanza mountain range and its foothills, mounts Oleiron, Meda and Xesteiras. The pine forest that repopulated the area is specked with different tree species, forming the so-called Botanical Forest Route. Resting on the summit is a windmill, which belongs to Valga Ecomuseum, as do the River Valga’s waterfalls, Mina Mercedes lagoon and Vilarello river beach.