Castro de Toiriz
Approximate duration: 30 minutes
1. The parapet
An important defensive element. Toiriz has never been archaeologically excavated, but its orography and defensive system define it perfectly. The elements best reflected by this castro in Silleda are its parapets and the large accumulations of earth or land cuttings that give rise to steep slopes with clear defensive intentions, usually complemented by the presence of one or more ditches. In some cases, they are crowned by stone walls, making the settlement a true stronghold.
2. The acropolis
A geophysical and geomagnetic prospection of the site pointed to the existence underground of a large number of constructions. The circular and oval-shaped floor plans show that they are north-western peninsula Iron Age II buildings, typical of a 4th century BCE–1st century castro. This would have been a densely occupied space, which has been recreated by installing contemporary structures on its surface.
3. River Toxa Valley
The Gallaecian community that lived in Toiriz most probably devoted their time exclusively to agriculture, hence its predominant position overlooking the farmlands that stretched out below. These are fertile lands in the open valley of the rivers Toxa and Escuadro, both tributaries of the Deza, which may well have been the borderlines between the territories of different castros located in the area like Toiriz, or the neighbouring Cascaxide castro.
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Carboeiro Monastery (Silleda)
A Benedictine monastery built in the 10th century and situated on the banks of the River Deza. Architecturally, it is an example of the transition from the Romanesque to the late Gothic, constituting one of the most characteristic monuments of medieval Galician art and influenced by Compostelan art forms; specifically, by the style created by Master Mateo in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
A Fervenza do Toxa (Toxa Waterfall) (Silleda)
The Deza Trail passes alongside Carboeiro Monastery and the free-falling waterfall, which, at 30 m, is the tallest in Galicia. The water itself comes from the River Toxa, a tributary of the Deza, lending its name to the waterfall. The trail crosses a leafy wood of oaks, chestnuts, birches and other autochthonous species, creating a unique landscape to captivate visitors.
Pazo de Liñares (Linares Country House) (Lalín)
A 17th-century pazo that houses the Centro de Xestión do Coñecemento Arqueolóxico (Archaeological Knowledge Management Centre) (Provincial Council of Pontevedra), the Museo Galego da Marioneta e do Xoguete (Galician Museum of Puppets and Toys) (Imaxina, Lalín Town Council) and Sala Loriga, a tribute to Spanish aviation.
Castro de Doade (Lalín)
Several archaeological campaigns, promoted by the Casa do Patrón – an ethnographical museum exhibiting items recovered from the excavations in the castro – have been carried out. Different dwelling structures, the wall and a double ditch cut into the rock were also uncovered.
CastroDeza (Lalín)
Housed on the ground floor of Lalín Town Hall, CastroDeza is a space devoted to the revitalisation of cultural tourism. It is conceived as a virtual museum of castro (hillfort) culture, bringing together myths, castros and gastronomy.