El Club · Castro Caldelas

Castro Caldelas Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Castro Caldelas, in the province of Ourense, Galicia, next to the historic district and on a strategic hilltop overlooking the town and its surroundings. It is considered the town’s most iconic monument and is associated with the Counts of Lemos as part of the Ribeira Sacra’s feudal defense system. The current structure dates to the 14th century and is attributed to Don Pedro Fernández de Castro, although sources indicate it may have been built on the site of an earlier structure. Given its chronology and function, it reflects medieval military architecture, though the sources consulted do not specify a more precise stylistic classification; in its current state, it features the characteristics of a stone fortress with a tower, walled enclosure, and defensive spaces. Inside the castle, there is evidence of a 16th-century palace, as well as later cultural uses. Since 1991, it has been granted to the city council for use and now houses the tourist office, municipal library, auditorium, and an ethnographic museum, becoming a cultural hub for the region. The complex was designated a Historic-Artistic Monument under the 1949 General Protection Regulations and the 1985 Spanish Historical Heritage Act. Its heritage value lies both in the medieval fortress and in the historical continuity of the site, which is linked to the town’s development and the stately heritage of Castro Caldelas.

The As Penas de Matacás Lookout is a structure situated more than 500 meters above sea level, perched on the Matacás cliffs in the parish of Paradela, Castro Caldelas (Ourense). It stands approximately 300 meters above the Sil River valley, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Sil Canyon, where the river serves as a natural border between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense. From this vantage point, visitors can see the terraced vineyards of the Amandi subzone in Lugo to the right (north side) and the banks of the Sil River in Abeleda, Ourense, to the left. At the foot of the viewpoint are the boat docks at Ponte do Sil (Monforte de Lemos) and Abeleda, from which river tours depart through the Sil Canyon wine region. The viewpoint is built like a balcony over the rocky area, with a transparent platform that allows visitors to safely look out over the abyss; it was renovated and upgraded in 2019 to improve safety. It is a stop on the PR-G 237 circular hiking trail, which connects to A Cova do Mario and the Abeleda pier. The name Matacás may derive from “mata cans” (dog killer), due to the local belief that the rocks served as natural traps for wolves, which would fall to their deaths on this rugged terrain. The best time to visit is on clear days, especially in spring and summer, when the light highlights the vineyards and the contrast between the forested slopes of Ourense and the terraces of Lugo.

The Ponte das Táboas river beach is a recreational swimming area located along the Edo River, near its confluence with the Ferreiros stream, in the municipality of Castro Caldelas, Ourense. It is not a natural sandy beach, but rather a developed area along the riverbed and its banks, featuring a river pool and recreational areas for enjoying the water in the summer. The name refers to an old footbridge or plank bridge associated with the site, likely a wooden bridge that spanned the Caldelas River. The site’s appeal lies in its combination of swimming, walking, and the setting of a small river valley, featuring mills and ethnographic elements along the trails that branch off from the grounds. The area also features family-friendly amenities that make it a well-rounded recreational spot, including an artificial pool, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, parking, and a snack bar. A trail runs through the area, winding through the valley and passing by several ethnographic landmarks, such as various water mills. The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall, when the water level and temperature make for a more comfortable swim. During high water or after rain, the riverbed may change, so caution is advised on slippery surfaces, and visitors should be mindful of the crowds of families during peak season.