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Rural
? Charming Hotels ? Bed ? Breakfasts in Galicia - The
Paradores of Galicia
Photo
by Asier Sarasua Aranberri/CC BY-SA 2.0
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centuries, Catoira was one of Galicia’s most impregnable fortresses. Located
in northern Spain, the city is situated 37 kilometers from Santiago de
Compostela on the mouth of the Ulla River, where it meets the Arousa Estuary.
While
the city is in a very scenic and attractive location, its main claim to
fame is the emblematic “Torres
del Oeste” (Towers of the West) which stand guard over the area.
Construction
began on this fortified structure back in the ninth century, as part of
Santiago de Compostela’s defensive system. This was necessary to resist
attacks from the Norman armies and Saracen pirates, which apparently went
on for centuries. |
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Photo
by Miguel/CC BY-2.0
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Among
these attackers were the Vikings, and this is what makes the town so interesting.
Every year on the first Sunday of August, Catoira reenacts the attack of
the Vikings with people from all over Europe participating, and it is loads
of fun.
The
latest festival was held recently. Dressed in animal skins, scary helmets
and brandishing plastic swords, these fearsome warriors arrive on a replica
Viking ship, with the aim of capturing the “Torres Del Oeste” all over
again, just as they did back in the days of Norway’s King Olaf.
There
is plenty of blood spilled during the festival, but this gruesome spectacle
is not quite what it seems. As “blood” is poured over one of the participants,
his tongue may come out and lick, to enjoy the taste of good red wine.
It does look pretty realistic however. |
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Photo
by Alfonso Legido/CC BY-2.0
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annual event, which was declared a Festival of International Interest,
has been held every year since 1960. Not only does it feature the “bloody”
and fearsome attack of the Vikings, it also includes musical entertainment
by folk groups, traditional dancing and a medieval market is held up in
the towers themselves.
Of
further interest is the fact that King Olaf II Haraldsson, to give his
full title, while initially a Viking, was eventually made a saint after
converting to Christianity.
Of
the famous towers, there is a shrine located between them, dedicated to
the apostle Santiago, as legend tells that his body was taken through the
towers on its way to Santiago de Compostela back in the day. |
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Photo
by Maximo Coejo/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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The town
itself is surrounded by thick forests and marshlands, and boasts river
beaches. Several windmills, of the three traditional types in the area,
can be seen dotted around in the green and lush surroundings.
The
privileged location of Catoira in Spain’s green Galicia ensures mild temperatures
virtually all year around, making it a worthwhile visit any time of the
year, but visiting in early August is probably a great idea because of
the festival fun.
Photo
by luscofusco/CC BY-NC 2.0
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? Charming Hotels ? Bed ? Breakfasts in Galicia - The
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