An abrupt and intensely green mountainous landscape will welcome you in A Fonsagrada, a place where nature and rural tourism form perfect synergy.
A Fonsagrada is nestled in the interior of Lugo, the largest and highest province in Galicia, situated approximately 3100 feet above sea level. Bordering to the east you will find Asturias which is famed for its lush valleys and verdant mountains.
Amongst the scenery you can find areas of great beauty such as the Carabllino Natural Park, a recognised conservation site, the waterfall of Seimeira de Vilagocende and the river beach Pena do Inferno. Popular local hiking routes to enjoy include routes such as Forno do Bolo ‘The Cake Oven’, Os Pintores ‘The Painters Route’and De Castañoso ‘The Chestnut Route’.
Would you like to know about history of the area? Close by you can find megalithic castros and mámoas like The Dolmen de Casía de Arquela and The Dolmen de Montouto dating back to about 4000 BC evidencing the ancient life and settlements. El Camino Primitivo de Santiago, an old Jacobean pilgrimage that crosses through Galicia to Ovieda became so popular in the fourteenth century; Pedro I de Castilla, nicknamed The Cruel King, erected the Old Royal Pilgrim Hospital of Santiago de Montouto.
It is around that time in the middle of the century when A Fonsagrada falls into the hands of Count Trastamara and a short time later Count of Altamira. More recently in the 19th Century A Fonsagrada had a fundamental place in the War of Independence and the Carlist wars.
A Fonsagrada has many points of interest for you to visit; firstly we must highlight the traditional architecture and classical architecture of the region’s pallozas. Also an emblematic monument and the town’s namesake is the Fons Sacra, a fountain set in the town’s square.
From the fountain you are also in clear view of the Church of Santa Maria, constructed in the baroque style of the 16th to 17th centuries. If we go to the outskirts, we can still see the remains of the Pobra de Burón Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. This castle was of great importance in the region until the Irmandiños attacks during the revolts.
Another visit you can’t afford to miss is the Ethnographic Museum, where a photographic archive and art exhibition shares the customs and traditions of daily life in A Fonsagrada.
Fancy a little party? The most famous celebration in the town is the Carnival, or as it’s known in the Galician territory, The Entroido. The carnival sees the local people adorned in colourful stylized costumes making parades and pilgrimages through the town.
It is also worth noting the region’s September Fair, the most important livestock fair in Lugo and their Patron Saint Festivities, Santiago Apóstol on the 25th July.
Due to the towns rugged geography it is difficult to plant crops, so the main activity is dedicated to livestock and this can be reflected in the lifestyle of its people. A large part of the town´s income does come from its rural tourism as it is an attractive destination in the middle of Lugo’s nature with plenty of historical curiosities.
