With a population of about 300, Pobra de Navia is a Galician town located next to the River Navia, in an environment characterized by deep valleys and lush mountains that is part of the Os Ancares region. Also known as Puebla de Navia, it is the principal city of the municipality of Navia de Suarna, in the province of Lugo, in Galicia. The city’s location, between highlands and waterways, has shaped the way it has developed over time.
The urban center retains the traditional layout of its streets, with stone-built houses and wooden balconies that reflect the typical architecture of the region. The villa maintains a compact structure, where daily life revolves around open spaces and paths that facilitate connection with the surroundings. The presence of country lanes and roads allows you to explore the area and connect with the landscape that surrounds the city, which combines forests, rivers and mountain slopes.
Among the elements that stand out in the landscape of A Pobra de Navia are a medieval castle and an old bridge over the river, structures that are still visible and recognizable in the surroundings of the city. These monuments represent reference points within the city and contribute to its identity within the territory of Os Ancares.
Heritage and surroundings Pobra de Navia
The main historical attraction of A Pobra de Navia is its medieval fortress, known as Castillo de Navia de Suarna or Castillo del Conde de Altamira. The building is located on a rock rising above the Navia River and is mentioned in documents dating back to 1037. Currently, much of the castle has disappeared or been renovated, although parts of the walls and circular towers that reflect its defensive function can still be discerned. The castle was destroyed during the Ermandeniya Revolt of 1467 and was later rebuilt. In 1994, the building was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, a recognition that reflects its historical and heritage importance in the region.
From the castle you can overlook a medieval bridge of Romanesque origin that still stands. This bridge, called A Ponte Vella, was built in the 15th century and is distinguished by its unique pointed central arch of great height. This structure made it possible to unify the two banks of the Navia River and control the transit of people and goods. Its preservation provides an example of the engineering used in the Middle Ages for this type of infrastructure.
The city’s urban center retains its traditional street layout with stone houses and wooden balconies, and its central square, Chao da Torre, still serves as a reference and meeting point for neighbours. The organization of the space allows you to visit historical buildings that show the continuity of rural life in the village.
The site of A Pobra de Navia, in the region of Os Ancares, offers an environment made up of valleys, rivers, forests and mountains, allowing for activities such as hiking and rural tourism, with trails that include areas showing human presence since ancient times. The combination of historical heritage and nature makes the villa a place where you can observe cultural elements and seasonal changes in the landscape, especially in autumn.
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