Tour
A Subidá
1. Halfway down the hillside, control of the agricultural land
The site allowed an important visual command of the rich agricultural land that extended downwards towards the foot of the hillfort, much of which is still farmed today. A stretch of the ria of Pontevedra, a vital route in Ancient times, can also be seen from here. As such, the settlement’s location on this hill was no accident, rather it reinforces the desire to control and access fertile agricultural land, as well as to have a command of the territory visually for strategic reasons.
2. Huts
Despite not being visible, this spot is situated within the walled sites of the hillfort. Three stone structures dating back to the 1st century BCE and the 1st century were found here during the archaeological campaigns carried out. Two of them had the typical circular floor plans characteristic of Iron Age Gallaecian structures and the other was more quadrangular in shape, although its corners were rounded. Together they make up a dwelling unit, that is, a house, a storage hut and possibly a workshop. Numerous archaeological items have been uncovered here, telling us about everyday life, metallurgy and trade at the time.
3. A storage hut or a granary?
The hillfort of A Subidá is a prime example of the ways in which its Iron Age inhabitants made use of the environment, especially with regard to agriculture. This is borne out by the appearance of a large number of stone mills, not to mention this circular construction, discovered in the last excavations carried out and thought to be a granary, as it has no point of ground-level access.
4. Petroglyph
Bronze Age rock engravings can be found throughout the Monte das Sete Espadas (Hill of the Seven Swords), or Mount Subidá, one even on the excavated structures, comprising geometrical motifs, concentric circles and small cup marks that are not easily interpreted. Such motifs are commonly found in the formal repertoire of Galician petroglyphs.
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Manuel Torres Municipal Museum (Marín)
A museum established with the works donated by the artist Manuel Torres, who was born in Marín. His extensive career encompasses almost all disciplines and trends: landscapes, still lifes, portraits and engravings, as well as numerous drawings and sculptures. The museum space also holds temporary exhibitions and is a centre for cultural activities.
Mogor Petroglyphs (Marín)
Popularly known as the “Mogor labyrinths”. Although they are the most reproduced and analysed petroglyphs in Galicia, their motif is atypical within Galician rock art as a whole, as only five other examples with the labyrinth motif have been identified, all of which are to be found in the province of Pontevedra. The petroglyphs are in an area that has been landscaped in an effort to recreate an archaeological environment. Footbridges have been installed to provide a view of the petroglyphs from above and prevent them from being trodden on. These structures form a part of the Mogor Petroglyph Interpretation Centre. Mogor beach is nearby.
Lake Castiñeiras ()
Situated between the boroughs of Vilaboa and Marín. Of artificial origin (it was created in 1950), it constitutes a true natural paradise, notable for the richness of its flora and fauna. The lake forms a part of Cotorredondo Nature Park. From the vantage point at Cotorredondo (Vilaboa) we can see San Simón cove in the Vigo ria and, at the opposite end, the rias of Pontevedra and Arousa. As a recreation area, the park boasts hiking trails, fountains, children’s play areas and picnic facilities. The Chan de Castiñeiras megalithic ensemble, featuring the “Mámoa do Rei” (Tomb of the King) (Vilaboa) is to be found just a few metres from the lake.
Granxa de Briz (Park of the Senses) (Marín)
This country estate was the old coastal farm belonging to the monks from Oseira Monastery (Ourense). After different historical vicissitudes, it was acquired by the town council and renamed Finca de Briz. Today, it is home to recreational and leisure activities, with an adventure park, lakes, slides and play areas integrated in the natural environment, a natural lagoon and another artificial one, an area devoted to the senses and an open-air auditorium for concerts and shows.
Pontevedra (Pontevedra)
The provincial capital, with the second most important historical town centre in Galicia, after Santiago de Compostela. It is internationally renowned as being one of Europe’s most comfortable cities to live in.