ENGLISH

SAN PAIO FORTRESS MUSEUM MUSEO FORTALEZA DE SAN

PAIO DE NARLA

HISTORY OF BUILDING Castronela is a small village placed in Xiá and has been human settlement since Prehistoric times, specifically during the Iron Age period according to scientists. The ancient construction of Xiá tower is certainly placed in the 12th or 13th century, however its name appears first in the 14th century. After one cen-tury, the Irmandiños War caused a lot of damage, for this reason docu-ments from 16th century speak about Vasco das Seixas who ordered recon-struction work on the Tower. At the end of 19th century, Campomanes sold it to the Novo family who decided to sell it to a new owner who wanted to destroy it and use the stones for other activities. Fortunately, the County council, thanks to ac-tion and gestion of Mr. Manuel Vázquez Seixas, avoided this demolition and acquired the fortress, which now belongs to County Council since September of 1939. This building is formed with three structures and exterior chapel, we can see constructive elements belonging several periods between 16th century and 19th century, although reusing medieval materials. .

GROUND FLOOR

1. COURTYARD Around it, there are different collections linked with traditional trades

like agriculture, basketry or “zoqueiros” (craftpeople who work with a

specific kind of local shoe “zocos”), some of these typologies of

handicraft appear alongside

re-creations of each trade.

2. STABLE This space could be named “ The transport room” because it is here

where several pieces relating to this activity are, such as two chairs

(one of them donated by Mr. Juan López Suárez, originating in Pazo

de Rivas of Sober) and Spanish and South American saddles.

3. WINE CELLAR

In this room there are many curious pieces made from skin called

“pelellos” . They are leather bags used to transport wine. This

room is connected to the sitting room through another room.

4. KITCHEN In this room we can see elements of ancient construction: the

“lareira” (traditional Galician Kitchen), oven and bathroom. More-

over, several typical pieces of Galician kitchen furniture like a bench

with “capoeira”(a bench with housing for chickens underneath),

“alzadeiro” (for saucepans, pots...) and “cunqueiro” (used for putting

cups in or “cuncas” in Galician culture). In small vitrins there are col-

lections of “chocolateiras” (for making hot chocolate with or without

milk), irons and others pieces of Galician pottery.

5. SITTING ROOM

The architectural element that dominates the room is a big angular

window with seats. Also it´s important to emphasize the chimney with

renaissance decoration, and a beautiful sacristy wardrobe, probably of

18th century

In this central space there are several vitrins that have dignified pieces,

such as an “ostentorio” from the 18th century and two religious im-

ages, one of them Inmaculada and the other two Purgatorio “ánimas”

or “santero” (saint) box of 18th century with representation of Ermi-

das Virgin. Also there are samples of popular Galician gold work or

work with jet ( a protector stone linked intimately to our culture).

6. LOOM ROOM

We don´t know the meaning or use of this room, but it´s a transitory

space between the wine cellar and sitting room. It was probably a

space occupied by service personal and by this reason we have put

tools linked to working with wool and linen, such as “cardas”,

“restrelos”, “devanadoiras”, distaff or spindle.

7. CORRIDOR

Leaving the sitting room we can see different collections of several

pieces belonging to the industrial arts like illumination objects and

pestle and mortars.

8. DESK

In this room there are several tools linked to clerkship: ink pots made

of horn or “salvaderas”, and a baroque wardrobe

9. BEDROOM

The recreation of the bedroom is the same style it would have been in

the Medieval Age, that´s why, the bed has a large chest for keeping

clothes, a washbasin, an armchair Don Pedro (toilet) and blankets to

put over the bed.

10. FIRST TOWER FLOOR

This space is dedicated to blades preside over which on amazing ex-

ample of samurai warrior armour, probably of 17th century. Also im-

portant to be mentioned are the Krises (daggers with winding blades),

a machete, and large number of swords and “espadines”. Through a

trapdoor we can see a primitive dark/windowless dungeon of the for-

tress in which is preserved a big chain with shackles.

TOWER AND CHAPEL

11. SECOND TOWER FLOOR At the beginning of this room we can see the power of presence from

a piece of armour. In this way it´s formed from a coat of mail and horn

plates.

There are, likewise, an interesting group of weapons like guns of per-

cussion,drums or sparks, shotguns, rifles, canons, etc.

12. THIRD TOWER FLOOR

The most important element in this room is the Renaissance chimney

which Vasco das Seixas ordered to be build in the 16th century, deco-

rated with zoomorphic and fitomorfic motives. Also on this last floor

we can see a baroque piece of exquisite shape: a bed decorated with

an army scene by “taraceas” (a tipe of inlay which employs cut pieces

of several materials that are inserted into a support until making a

decorative design).

13. CHAPEL

Outside the building, by the access ramp, is situated a small building

of square form built in 18th century with several popular images,

amongst these a particular Saint Pelayo sculpture, an ancient confes-

sional and several religious works of art called “arte sacra”.

VISITING TIMES/ OPENING HOURS

♦ From 1st April to 30th September:

- From Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00

- Saturday, Sunday and Holy days: 12:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.

- Monday: Closed

♦ From 1st October to 31st March:

- From Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00

- Saturday, Sunday and Holy days: 12:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.

- Monday: Closed

WE ARE IN THE NET

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