Galicia is a land of pazos, a type of Palace traditionally linked to the nobility. Magical places which, in many cases, open their doors today to be referred to by all; and whose gardens hide some of the finest examples of camellias. If you like history, charming houses and nature you can not miss the guide of Galician Pazos which we have prepared for you, located within the route of the Camellia. Here we go!
PAZO DE FARAMELLO
One of our favorite pazos and for two reasons; Pazo de Faramello is a thing of the most beautiful in all of Galicia but also our new point of sale of Camellia oil, Acemelia.
Located between Padrón and Santiago de Compostela is a building from the 18th century in Baroque style with marked Italian influence, which reveals the Genovese style of its founder, the Marquis of Piombino. One essential piece within the route of the Camellia. Of industrial origin, was founded from the the Royal factory of paper of the Faramello, pioneer of the Galician industry and which is still possible to visit its mills and farm equipment.
A set of ponds, fountains, canals and natural pools with a stunning French garden of the 19th century in perfect state of conversation. A true fusion of stone and water transmitting a unique spirituality and as said the Galician writer Emilia Pardo Bazán, “Pazos there are many, the Faramello is unique”. Not to Miss!
ROSALIA DE CASTRO HOUSE MUSEUM
For literatura lovers, this route of the Camellia it is also interesting. Matanza (Padrón, A Coruña) is the name of the House where lived the writer Rosalía de Castro and the place where she wrote part of his famous works. While retaining virtually unchanged its original structure, it allows the visitor to get an idea of how the nobility lived in the 19th century in Galicia and the events that marked their life and work. You can also visit the garden. A fantastic excursion just 30 Km from Santiago de Compostela.
PAZO DE OCA
The next pazo in the route of the camellia is nicknamed the “Galician Versailles“, one of the most spectacular ones. Currently linked to the family of the Dukes of Medinaceli it is located in A Estrada (Pontevedra) and has its origins in an ancient fortress of the 12th century. The first material remains which still exist date from the mid-15th century and are contemporaries of the first Lords of Oca: Álvaro de Oca and his son Suero, related to the struggle for the succession of Castile. It is in the 18th century and, especially in its first half when intensifies the remodeling and expansion of the set, thanks to its main promoters Andrés Gayoso, Lord of Oca and his son Fernando who gave the Palace and its gardens its current appearance. The old medieval tower was rebuilt and the centreline of the façade facing the square was remodeled although the contribution of this 6th Lord of Oca, was the design and construction of ponds, “worthy”, according to Otero Pedrayo, “of a cardinal villa” that even today, and despite numerous transformations, remains the central axis around which is ordered space of the gardens of the Palacio de Oca. If you want to see Camellia reticulata highest and most ancient of Europe you should come to Oca. It will leave you speechless.
PAZO DE MARIÑÁN
Located in the place of Mariñán en Bergondo City Council (25 km from A Coruña), this imposing Pazo has its origins in the 15th century when Gómez Pérez das Mariñas, nobleman of the Court of Juan II of Castile ordered the construction of a defense. Inherited by centuries of parents to children, currently belongs to the provincial Council of A Coruña since its last owner died without offspring, who introduced him into the path of Camellia. Today, is engaged in a social and cultural purposes and who visit it will find not only a Pazo of story but shaped with notched mirtos, gardens of the French school by drawing complicated lace precise geometries. Noteworthy trees of rare and exotic species, among which is a grove of eucalyptus trees which were among the first to arrive in Galicia, in the hands of the Bishop of new Norcia (Australia), Fray Rosendo Salvado.
PAZO DE SANTA CRUZ DE RIVADULLA
Large proportions and austere trace, the Pazo de Rivadulla (Vedra, A Coruña), is known for its connection to the family of the Marquis de Rivadulla, who still enjoy it, and its spectacular gardens of camellias where you can see up to one hundred thousand copies of two hundred varieties of camellias that draw a route between ponds, fountains and waterfalls. One of the most fascinating botanical spaces of Galicia by their diversity and floral richness as well as its botanical and landscape value, one must-see in the route of the Camellia.
PAZO DE A SALETA
Situated between the places of A Sobreira and Zancande (Meis, Pontevedra), the farm takes its name from the Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin of La Saleta, that was built, between 1863 and 1870, by Colonel Severo Pérez Cardecid, native from Cambados. In 1968 came to Galicia the British Robert Gimson, looking for a place where you can go your passion: gardening. With the help of his spouse Margaret, it was transformed the farm into an exceptional botanical garden. Five acres of garden in English style designed with the help of landscape architect Brenda Colvin and where the camellias are the true protagonists along with varieties brought from all over the world.
In 1996 a portion of the estate was acquired by the family washes Rodriguez who restored the Pazo and the Chapel and continued with the conservation.
PAZO QUIÑONES DE LEÓN
With origins dating back to the 17TH century, known as the best Manor of Vigo is currently a Museum, which along with its gardens make up a spectacular series of must-see within this route of the Camellia.
At the end of the 19th century the farm and the Manor House are inherited by Doña María de los Milagros Elduayen, 8th Marquesa de Valladares, and his spouse Fernando Quiñones de León, Marquis of Alcedo, who undertook a very important reform of the building, giving it its current appearance. The garden is divided into six distinct parts: Garden access, the rose garden, French garden, English garden (or “meadow of tea”), the solana at the bottom and the forest where we can find a path of hedge of myrtle almost reaching the labyrinthine and hundreds of species among the magnolias, the exotic firs , the rosaleda profiling is shields ride and how could it be otherwise, numerous specimens of camelias. Irresistible.
PAZO DE RUBIANES
Known as the “Château” Galician has its origin in a 12th-century fortress Tower. In the 18th century the Lord of the House of Rubianes D. Jacobo Ozores was banished to France by King Carlos IV and his return is the property very impaired, choosing to rebuild it and hiring a French architect who will give you the current aspect with the Pazo that we know today, that more reminiscent of a French Chateau that to a Galician pazo French. The garden has a collection of camellias unique in the world with more than 3,000 specimens of 800 different varieties, among which are calls “of the Duke of Camiña”, which were planted more than 200 years ago. It also has various types of garden among the French and English
QUINTEIRO PAZO DA CRUZ
Following this route of Camellia, five thousand copies of more than eighteen hundred varieties of camellias are welcomed to this fabulous pazo, example of Galician stately neoclassical architecture. Located in Ribadumia, Pontevedra, is one of the best gardens in Galicia. The Manor House, dating from the 18th century has an interesting architectural ensemble formed by granaries, stone crosses, Chapel, laundry and palomar.
PAZO DE LOURIZÁN
Belonging to the Diputación de Pontevedra is one of the best examples of romantic Palace (19th century), although its origins date back to the 15th century. Work of Genaro’s source Dominguez was conceived as a summer residential house and today is integrated in the structure of the center of development sustainable of the Ministry of environment. Lourizán forestry and environmental research center has as main objective the protection, conservation and improvement of the Galician forest heritage. With 54 hectares of garden, fields and groves, it has numerous specimens of camelias which make the visit a unique experience. If you go to Pontevedra, it is a must-see. In addition, in the garden of the Rias, Camellia japonica is the highest camelio of the world, of the species.
CURIOSITY: All the Pazos of the Route of the Camellia have this in common, the Camellia trees. Their flowers generate fruits that produce one of the best oils for the care of the skin, helps to rejuvenate the skin in a natural way and manages to penetrate into the deeper layers, so leave the skin hydrated for many more hours than any other cosmetic oil. Discover the properties and uses of Camellia oil.