History and heritage

A trip through the history and heritage of the Eume

The Eume region is a place where history and nature are intertwined, offering a unique scenario for heritage lovers. Here, medieval monasteries, castles in ruins and ancient villages live with the lush landscape of the Eume Fragas. Walking on these trails is to discover a legacy that remains alive in each stone, in each river and in each tradition transmitted from generation to generation.

Travelers can travel Romanesque temples that challenge the passage of time, admire traditional Galician architecture or miss in strengths that in their day protected these lands. The authenticity of the Eume is reflected in its culture, in its people and in every corner of its territory.

The roots of a territory with its own identity

The Eume region has witnessed great events over the centuries. From the first Celtic settlements to medieval splendor with the construction of monasteries and strengths, these lands have evolved to the rhythm of the history of Galicia.

The dominance of the Andrade family left a deep mark in the region, with castles and roads that still remember their influence. In addition, the Eume has been a strategic point in commerce and pilgrimage routes, maintaining until today its authentic essence.

Torreón de los Andrade

Old defensive tower of the Andrade family, located in Pontedeume.

The legend of the wandering monk

Legend has it that, centuries ago, in the old monastery of Caaveiro, a monk of restless spirit lived, whose name has been lost in the memory of time. Although he had consecrated his life to prayer and contemplation, his heart was divided between faith and worldly desires. Over time, temptation became stronger, and one night, under the pale moonlight, the monk broke his sacred votes.

Some stories assure that the sin he committed was to abandon monastic life to follow a forbidden love, while others claim that he betrayed his brothers' confidence in search of hidden wealth in the thickness of the forest. In any case, the punishment to which he was subjected was unappealable: the eternal condemnation to wander tirelessly for the fragras.

Since that day, the locals say that, on the nights of fog, a wandering shadow slides between the trees. It is a hooded figure, wrapped in a dark mantle, whose steps do not make noise and whose presence is perceived more as a chill in the skin than as a clear image. Some claim to have seen him wandering near the ruins of the monastery, with the head of the gacha, as if he had the weight of his penance for all eternity. They say that the one who crosses his gaze with that of the wandering monk could be trapped in his cursed destiny, condemned to wander with him for ever and ever.

The legend of the captive lady of Andrade Castle

On a rocky hill, dominating the green valleys of Galicia, the imposing Andrade Castle stands, a strength full of history and mystery. Legend has it that, many years ago, in this castle a young nobleman lived, daughter of a powerful feudal lord of Andrade's house. His father, more concerned with political alliances and wealth than his daughter's feelings, decided to impose a marriage with a man of high alcurnia, but cruel and ruthless. The young woman flatly refused to accept that destiny, because her heart already belonged to a humble gentleman of modest origin. Furious for the disobedience of his daughter and blinded by pride, he decided to punish her as cruel possible: he ordered that he be locked in one of the castle towers, isolated from the world and without the possibility of escaping. The young woman spent days, months and even years between those cold walls, with the only company of her regrets and the sound of the wind hitting the thick stone walls. preferring death before a life without freedom. Since then, the inhabitants of the region and the visitors of the castle affirm that, when the night falls and the fog covers the fortress, you can hear pitiful whispers and the sound of light steps traveling the empty runners.

some say they have seen a silhouette dressed in white walking through the walls, with the face hidden under a veil, as if he still wanted the love that he raised him reach. Those who venture to travel the ruins of the castle at dusk feel a cold and melancholic presence, and there are those who swore that if the wind blows strongly, you can hear the sobs of the unfortunate lady, eternal prisoner of her own tragedy.

Parties that celebrate the identity of the Eume

The Eume region keeps its roots alive through festivities that reflect the essence of its history, culture and traditions. From ancient pilgrims in honor of Santos Patrons, where traditional devotion and music are intertwined, to recreations from past times in the emblematic medieval parties, each celebration allows premises and visitors to make a real trip in time.

Romería de San Miguel de Breamo

One of the oldest festivities, which fuses tradition, music and gastronomy in a unique natural environment.

Crafts and gastronomy: the soul of the territory

The Eume region is distinguished by its deep respect for traditions, something that is reflected both in its rich crafts and its exceptional gastronomy. The trades transmitted from generation to generation have allowed to preserve ancestral techniques in the size of wood, traditional ceramics and basketry, creating unique pieces that evoke Galician identity. In local markets and fairs it is possible to find from delicate wood sculpted figures to beautiful pieces of cooked mud, all made with a love and precision that show the skill of artisans in the area. With a strong influence of the sea and the countryside, their dishes stand out for the quality of local products and the simplicity of their recipes, which respect the authentic flavors. Among its most representative delights is the octopus to Feira , cooked at its exact point and seasoned with paprika and olive oil, as well as the traditional Galician empanada , made with a crunchy mass and filled with products such as beautiful, fox or seafood. In each bite, the gastronomy of the Eume tells the story of a people who have managed to maintain its essence over the centuries, turning their flavors into an invaluable legacy.