Often the prevailing silence on the Galician trails and mountains is broken by the sound of the rivers and streams that flow through our lands. With greater or lesser flow, the rivers of Galicia are part of the identity of hundreds of towns and are responsible for great wonders of our natural heritage. Something like this occurs in the Deza region, an area that includes the municipalities of Agolada, Dozón, Lalín, Rodeiro, Silleda and Vila de Cruces and which takes its name from the river that runs through its soil, the Deza. One of the largest tributaries of the River Ulla and a co-star in a region of enormous natural and historical interest.
Right next to this river, and next to the Coto de Castoia, is the Carboeiro Monastery. A reference monument for the parish of Santa María de Carboeiro, in the Pontevedra municipality of Silleda, which stands among the overwhelming and wild nature that surrounds it. The beginning of the construction of the monastery dates back to the 11th century, when Master Mateo – who designed the plans for this basilica church and also author of the Portico de la Gloria of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – ordered his disciples to build it. Hence, the close relationship that unites the building with the Compostela Cathedral. And although it lived its time of maximum splendor between the 12th and 13th centuries under the direction of Abbot Fernando and was a prison for monks in 1794, it suffered total abandonment in 1836, coinciding with the confiscation of Mendizábal, passing at that time to belong to individuals.
Nowadays, the igrexa is a symbol for the Comarca do Deza that stands out -among other things- for its main nave made up of three sections separated by piars and capitals with vegetation decoration and for its majestic eastern façade with a large apse with three supported chapels on or pedestal of the crypt. From logo to an architectural wonder, an obligatory stop for those who come to visit the area. The visiting hours allow you to enjoy the facilities practically every day of the year and, in addition, there is the option of accessing the mosteiro with didactic visits to gain an in-depth understanding of the history of the place.
Once the visit to the Carboeiro Monastery is over, the area offers many more outdoor leisure options. If you still have the courage to walk, for about six kilometers you can follow the Nature trail that connects the monastery with the Fervenza do Toxa. Considered the highest free fall of water in Galicia -70 meters- and recognized within the Red Natura 2000 project as a Site of Community Importance. All in all, the trail not only serves as a link between two points of tourist interest, but also offers the possibility of approaching elements of the area’s heritage, which we would not otherwise be able to see, such as the Ponte do Demo bridge, the hermitage of San Paio or the river beach of A Carixa, among other places.
After all, if the objective of your getaway is to surround yourself with the Galician flora and fauna and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the most populated areas,… is there anything better than following the sound of the water to discover some of the most beautiful corners? from the interior of Galicia?
