The program will take place between September 14th and 18th with guided visits to a dozen spaces and buildings in Santiago and its surroundings: the Gothic House, the Pazo de Amarante, the San Roque Hospital, the Colexio dos Irlandeses-Pazo de Ramirás, the Colexio de Fonseca, the SGAE headquarters, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Construction Labor Foundation, the old Fonte Branca and Ponte Mantible springs and the Capela das Ánimas. Thus, in this offer there are buildings with several centuries of history that recreate the ecclesiastical, university and stately past of the city, with buildings that evoke industries that have disappeared and others that immerse us in modernity.

The visits to each of these spaces will be guided by specialized and accredited personnel and the participating groups will be small in size to guarantee security measures, facilitate access to explanations and ensure the protection of the cultural asset. Participation in the visits is free, but it is necessary to register in advance (as of Wednesday, September 9th) and each interested person can only book a maximum of three visits for two people. It is thus intended to help the activity reach the largest number of visitors possible.

Visits to the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Gothic House and the Compostela springs are scheduled for Monday 14th. On Tuesday 14th the Labor Foundation, the Capela das Ánimas, the SGAE headquarters, the Pazo de Amarante, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos and the Hospital de San Roque will open their doors. On Wednesday 16th it will be the time of the Colexio de Fonseca, the Gothic House, the Labor Foundation and the Pazo de Amarante. On Thursday 17th, you will be able to access the Colexio dos Irlandeses, the Capela das Ánimas, the SGAE headquarters, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos and the Hospital de San Roque. And on Friday 18th the Invisible Heritage Week will come to an end with visits to the Labor Foundation, the Gothic House, the Colexio de Fonseca, the Pazo de Amarante and the San Roque Hospital.

You can consult all the information about visits and schedules, and request a place through the web https://patrimonioinvisible.gal/

The first study and cataloging of Castro de Vilar dates back to the late 70s of the last century in the framework of a larger study on the settlements in the O Courel area. The specialists then concluded that, like the other castros in the area, the Castro de Vilar was linked to the mining operations of the Roman era. But we will have to wait for future excavations to know the specific role that the place played in that process.

Currently, it is possible to enter the site and enjoy the remains of the buildings in which their original inhabitants lived two millennia ago. The weed cleaning works undertaken a couple of years ago have opened the way for visitors and brought to light a significant part of those buildings. A walk through the place not only allows us to imagine what life was like at that time, but also invites us to reflect on how it was possible to build an enclosure of these characteristics, with walls up to 6 meters high, in such a steep place. The walls of some of the constructions extend over the almost vertical walls of the promontory, composing an impressive picture. From there you can enjoy beautiful views of the Courel Mountains and the Lor River course.

Due to the rugged conditions of the place it is advisable to move with caution in the castro to avoid accidents. To get there you have to go to the village of Vilar and there take the path that starts from its magnificent chestnut forest. In addition, in the village itself it is possible to visit the small ethnographic museum created by a neighbor with the farming tools and musical instruments that he has been recovering and gathering over the years.

Galicia has a lot of cultural heritage, from the Portuguese border in the south to the coasts of Lugo and La Coruña in the north. Some of these sites as more known than others, and Turgalicia has pointed out a few of the hidden gems in their page that talk about the Hidden Heritage.

There are the well known heritage sites like, the Cathedral of Santiago, the Tower of Hercules and the Wall of Lugo.

But the tips that are given to help you find the hidden heritage sites are interesting. What about the two day route “From Stone to Stone across Southern Galicia” that takes you on a trip along the west coast. Or the “Windmills, Water and Tides” route that shows you the trasures of Arousa.

10 hidden heritage routes are offered. Enjoy!