A Lanzada
Approximate duration: 45 minutes
1. Con do Cabalo
The highest point of the site. Its raised position makes it possible to see the site in its entirety, from the sector that has disappeared underneath the houses on the other side of the road to the cape, and where the remains of one of the medieval fortress’s towers and chapel are preserved. From here, A Lanzada’s sandbank can be seen, although at the time of the site’s occupation it did not exist, making this point a strategic spot from which to control maritime traffic which entered the ria of Arousa from the south.
2. Oblong huts
This site has always been defined as an “atypical castro” as there are no remains of defences and the dominant constructions are not the typical round huts usually found in the hillforts but a combination of round, oblong and rectangular floor plans. Only two can be considered dwellings: the two oblong structures in the central section of the site, which can be dated back to the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE.
3. Salting factory
From the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, according to carbon-14 dating, these structures have nothing in common with other Gallaecian factories from the Iron Age in the north-western Iberian peninsula. Here, we find a salting factory built and in operation before the arrival of the Romans in these lands. It comprises two large structures, one rectangular, possibly a store, and the other of an undefined shape around which small clay basins, used to make fish sauces, were clustered.
4. Lower area
Under almost two metres of sand was found a series of structures comprising a unit that is difficult to define in functional terms. Initially, it would appear to show similarities with some family units that existed in the sizable Gallaecian hillforts from the 2nd century BCE onwards, but the presence of large ovens in their interiors and the lack of remains of elements representing everyday life would lead archaeologists to believe that it was a space for producing rather than for dwelling.
5. Church
Superimposed onto previous structure, the church was documented as having a rectangular floor plan. It is known to have been built in the 4th century and that it continued to be used until the following century at least. Three adult burials, from the 5th century according to carbon-14 dating, also appeared in connection with this structure. The ceramics found in the interior (luxury ceramics made in what is Tunisia today used in primitive Christian celebrations) and the associated burials have led archaeologists to define this structure as a small, primitive church.
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A Lanzada beach (O Grove)
One of Galicia’s most emblematic beaches. It is over 2 kilometres long and is ideal for walking or doing water sports such as surfing. Nearby can be found the Umia-O Grove intertidal zone, which is of great ornithological interest.
Mount Siradella (O Grove)
The highest point of the O Grove peninsula and a vantage point looking out over the ria of Arousa and the Atlantic ocean. The Cíes Islands, Ons Island and the O Vao inlet can be seen from here.
As Telleiras de Vilalonga (Sanxenxo)
For hundreds of years, the Umia-O Grove intertidal zone was mined for its sedimented clay, extracted to make ceramic objects, such as bricks and tiles in the so-called “telleiras” (brick and tile factories). Their importance was key to the economic development of the area until new energies, foreign competition and new materials forced many of them to close or change their activity.
Nosa Señora da Lanzada Chapel ()
It was built in the 12th-13th centuries, superimposed onto a previous one, associated with the fortress built to defend the coast in the 10th century. It witnessed many battles in the Middle Ages and was destroyed by the Irmandiños in the 15th century and abandoned. Only the chapel and the ruins of one of the fortress’s towers remain: the Tower of A Lanzada. The chapel is Romanesque and has a nave and a semi-circular apse. It has an impressive rose window, oriented towards the sea and the sunset. Several legends surrounding the chapel exist, mainly linked to the sea and fertility rituals. On the last Sunday of August, a multitudinous procession takes place in honour of Our Lady.
Pazo de Quintáns (Sanxenxo)
The Pazo de Quintáns or Pazo do Casal has belonged to Sanxenxo Town Council since 2006. Its origins lie in an old tower dating back to the end of the Middle Ages, situated on the site of the current pazo. Refurbishments have been carried out on the pazo itself, the chapel, the raised granary and surrounding property. It is hoped that the future Centre of Gastronomic Culture of O Salnés will be established here.