Castelo de Santa Cruz

Galicia


This fort with four arrowhead-shaped corner bastions makes an interesting short visit. It was built to defend A Guarda against the Portuguese in the 17th century.

Ironically, the Portuguese captured the fort in 1665, only a year after it had been completed, and occupied it for three years. In the 19th century it served as a sausage factory. Today the interior contains some handsome Monterey pine, camellia, eucalyptus and araucaria trees.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Galicia attractions

1. Museo Arqueológico

1.1 MILES

The small museum at the top of the Monte de Santa Trega has interesting exhibits on the Iron Age castro culture of northwest Spain and northern Portugal.

2. Monte de Santa Trega

1.12 MILES

The 341m summit of Monte de Santa Trega is a 4km drive or 2km walk (via the PRG122) from town. On the way up, stop to poke around the partly restored Iron…

3. Citânia de Santa Luzia

13.92 MILES

Behind the Pousada do Monte de Santa Luzia are these ruins of a Celtiberian citânia (fortified village) from around the 4th century BC. You’ll see the…

4. Monte de Santa Luzia

14.11 MILES

There are two good reasons to visit Viana’s 228m eucalyptus-clad hill. One is the wondrous view down the coast and up the Lima valley. The other is the…

5. Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus

14.15 MILES

This fabulously over-the-top, 20th-century, neo-Byzantine church is one of two reasons to visit Viana’s 228m eucalyptus-clad hill. You can get a little…

6. Casa da Eira

14.64 MILES

Opposite the post office, the Casa da Eira has a handsome Manueline window somewhat marred by a horrendous corrugated tin room that peeks above the…

7. Fábrica do Chocolate

14.64 MILES

This small five-room museum devoted to chocolate is fun and interactive, treating you to tidbits of facts and curiosities, but it's also often packed with…

8. Roman Milestone

14.66 MILES

This 1st-century Roman milestone inside the fortaleza is a remnant from the old Braga–Astorga road.