Palas del Rei

The history of Palas de Rei is intimately linked to the culture of the “castros” (pre-Roman fortified settlements), as it still retains many archaeological remains that bear witness to an ancient settlement.

According to tradition, the “concello” (local council) is named after the ‘pallatium regis’, i.e. the “palace of the king”, namely that of the Visigoth king Witiza, who reigned between 702 and 710.

The municipality of Palas de Rei has a rich artistic heritage that recalls the stately past of these lands, as it retains remains of fortresses, towers, castles, as well as several “pazos” and noble houses decorated with coats of arms.

• Church of Villar de Donas: Romanesque church from the 13th century, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, that was part of the old monastery of the Order of Saint James. It has a Latin cross plan, with a rectangular nave and transept, a semi-circular central apse and two side apses that open onto the transept. Inside elements include the 15th century Gothic baldachin, the only one standing fully detached in all the churches in Galicia, the main altarpiece made of granite, interesting Gothic wall paintings in the apse and several sepulchres bearing coats of arms of various lineages.
• Castle of Pambre: one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Galician history and geography. An example of noble and feudal architecture from Galicia that retains traditional architecture features. According to documents of the time, we know that Gonzalo Ozores de Ulloa built this fortress in 1378, although what we see today dates back to the 15th century. To access the temple, you have to cross a bridge over the small moat.