Castro Candaz

About this heritage

Archaeological site in Chantada

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The Castro de Candaz, located on a promontory above the Miño River in the municipality of Chantada, is an important archaeological and historical site of the Ribeira Sacra.

Founded, according to tradition, by the Roman consul Lucio Cambero, it stands out for its strategic location and difficult access, which gave it a marked defensive character.

During the Middle Ages, a fortress was built over the remains of the castro, which was destroyed in the 15th-century Irmandiñas Revolts and later rebuilt by the Taboada family.

Today, remains of its foundations and walls are preserved, partially integrated into the vineyard terraces that cover the peninsula.

Candaz is a symbol of Galicia's “submerged memory,” as it remains underwater for much of the year due to the Belesar reservoir, emerging only when the water level drops. Its heritage, landscape, and archaeological richness make it a place of great cultural value in the Ribeira Sacra.