Adro Vello
From a factory to a monastery…?
1. The eastern-facing side and bossed ashlar wall
In this small space, several structures with different purposes were superimposed. Perhaps the most difficult to demarcate is the Late Roman villa that once existed here. The imposing bossed ashlar wall that would have enclosed the space closest to the sea, perhaps to prevent invasion, can be seen from this spot. It would appear to be dated between the 3rd and 4th centuries, and a construction with such characteristics is unparalleled in Galicia.
2. A tower…?
Consisting of the base of a modest-sized, rectangular construction. Archaeological research has interpreted it as having been a tower to watch over and defend the settlement from Early Medieval Norman invasions, along the lines of other constructions nearby, such as the tower at A Lanzada (Sanxenxo). However, it is thought it could also have been the foundation of the existing church’s bell gable, or bell tower.
3. The church and the necropolis.
These are the two longest-lasting elements of all the constructions found here. The church would appear to have been founded in the 6th or 7th centuries (although the remains visible can be ascribed to the Late Middle Ages), and was most likely abandoned in the 7th century. It occupies the central part of the site and is rectangular in shape, with a single nave and square apse. An extensive necropolis/cemetery, with more than 1600 documented graves, emerged along with the church.
4. The salting factory
4 troughs surrounding a patio were the remains of the ancient salting factory discovered, which can be dated back to the end of the 1st century and beginning of the 2nd. The troughs are quadrangular in shape and measure 1.5 x 1.5 m in length and width, and 1.5 m in depth. The remains of the factory spread out towards the south (inland), just below the current access road, which also serves to protect the remains.
¡Lo que no te puedes perder!
Con da Hedra (O Grove)
This is the second highest spot in O Grove, after A Siradella. Some of the islands that form a part of the Atlantic Islands National Park (Cíes, Ons and Sálvora) can be spotted from here, as can some of the best-known beaches in the region, such as A Lanzada, Area da Cruz or Raeiros.
O Grove Aquarium (O Grove)
A themed, scientific and informative complex. By exploring the depths of the ocean we can come to understand and interpret the atmosphere and culture of Galicia’s seafaring tradition. The marine ecosystems of the Rias Baixas and the Atlantic Islands National Park are represented in the aquarium.
Pedras Negras (O Grove)
The “Pedras Negras” (Black Stones) Route hugs the San Vicente do Mar coastline, boasting natural landscapes, small coves and rock formations. It begins at Pedras Negras Marina and ends at the site of the old military base at Con Negro. Walkers can then either double back or continue along the path to the coastal defence batteries at Puerto Cuaces.
O Grove Fish Market (O Grove)
The fish market, managed by San Martiño Fishermen’s Association, is where the first sale of marine products caught and extracted by the ria de Arousa’s fishers and shellfishers takes place. Guided tours are available, enabling visitors to see how the fish and seafood landed daily arrives, how it is weighed and labelled and then prepared for the auction that takes place in the afternoon.
Salgadeira de Moreiras Museum (O Grove)
Situated in the old salting factory, this museum displays the life and work of Galicia’s fishing communities, including the salting process, fishing gear and shellfishing, canned products, rope-making and knotting, traditional wooden boat-building and navigational instruments.