Boqueixón – Pico Sacro, Waterfalls and Cultural Heritage

Boqueixón’s main attractions range from the geologically distinctive Pico Sacro to waterfalls, churches, festivals and pilgrimage routes. The different access routes and a guided tour that requires advance registration are useful points to consider when planning your visit.

Pico Sacro: summit views and religious heritage

Pico Sacro is a quartz formation created by tectonic movements and is of particular geological significance. Its distinctive pyramid shape defines the landscape; from the summit, you can see across much of central Galicia, especially the Ulla Valley. You can reach Capela de San Sebastián, near the summit, by car or bus; the final stretch is on foot. The chapel’s heritage includes an 11th-century granite altar in the presbytery and Romanesque columns in the main altar area. The legends surrounding the mountain have also left their mark on its tangible cultural heritage: Ermida de Santo Estevo and the caves of Burato dos Mouros are associated with these stories.

Waterfalls and how to reach them

The waterfalls vary both in appearance and in how they can be reached. Fervenza de Donas drops in two stages for about ten metres along the Río Pontillón, a tributary of the Ulla. The route to it is signposted and considered easy, making it suitable for visits with children. As local conditions can change, check access information before your visit.

Fervenza de Vigo ou de Rubio lies on the Río Zaramo, a tributary of the Ulla, in the parish of Vigo. It drops approximately eight metres, and the route to it is signposted. Fervenza de Codeso forms two cascades with a total drop of about 20 metres. To get there, descend to the river and follow its course to the waterfall. Fervenza do Muíño da Serra ou do Pereiro is different: it is difficult to find because there are no signs. Drive to a tunnel beneath the railway tracks, park there and continue on foot down to the river.

Cultural attractions and regional traditions

The Campuzano family once lived at Pazo de Quián. Features that remain include a rustic stone cruceiro with an octagonal platform, base, cross and floral decorations at the ends; a building with a crenellated tower; and an adjoining chapel. The Pazo is also home to the Pura Raza Cabalo Galego centre. Free guided tours are offered there Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; advance registration by phone or in writing is required. If the tour is essential to your visit, make sure to register in advance.

Festa das Carrozas do San Cidre has a history spanning half a century. Its floats are handcrafted from recycled and agricultural materials. The food associated with these activities is also a central part of the celebration. The festival is recognised as a Festa de Interese Turístico de Galicia. In Sergude and Lestedo, the Xenerais do Ulla shape the traditional Ulla Entroido. This includes Xenerais e Correos, mounted processions and the Atranques, with their shouted exchanges. The Entroido has been declared an item of cultural interest as intangible cultural heritage.

The churches also reflect a variety of architectural and artistic history. Igrexa Parroquial de Santa María de Lestedo was built in the 20th century with a Latin cross floor plan and preserves a cross made by Domingo González in the first third of the 18th century. Igrexa Parroquial de Santa Eulalia de Codeso has a nave laid out in the shape of a Latin cross. Its two-storey bell gable holds two bells and has a triangular top within an arched frame, with pinnacles on either side. The church also preserves a processional cross from the first third of the 17th century, commissioned by Provisor Juan de Herrera from the Santiago silversmith Domingo González.

Recreation area and pilgrimage routes

Illas de Gres is a recreation area in Ledesma, located on the Camino de Invierno and Vía de la Plata pilgrimage routes. Pena do Corvo is also associated with both routes. These destinations offer another way to explore Boqueixón’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lestedo, Boiro, Santaia, Cabana De Bergantiños, Tambre, O Alto, A Coruña, O Milladoiro

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.