I don't just mean it's cool. (It is.) The Costa da Morte also has many stones to consider. While some people prefer spending vacation at the beach, I can't travel without checking out some culture/architecture: churches, old buildings, museums, etc. This has been termed by some people as sightseeing ¨the rocks.¨ So before we part once again for the Costa da Morte next week (this time to the southernmost section), it's time to finish what I started. It has come to my attention while scrapbooking that I definitely only covered half of our long weekend to Galicia's 'deadly' coast last year. And I left out my favorite kinds of sights! Rocks! So here goes another highlight reel...
Religious Rocks
Shortly before entering Muxía, the road passes below the Romanesque church San Xiao de Moraime. From the outside, it looks like just another Romanesque church. Don't get me wrong, that might be my favorite style as far as churches go! Semicircular arches, a pair of round windows, portals detailed with little figurines. What's inside the church is what's really curious. There are several murals-- at least a few centuries old-- in pretty bad shape. As we looked at them, we wondered what the heck they were portraying. People drinking, sleeping, stabbing themselves in the midst of devils or angels. What kind of artwork would a Medieval church have besides paintings of Jesus? Why, the seven deadly sins! A graphic manual of what not to do.
This is what wrath looks like, apparently |
Swimming Rocks
Although not among my typical travel rocks, this river swimming hole was the perfect place to cool off without all that pesky sand. Just like the waterfall next to it, a steep, wooden staircase leads down to the river and its boulders. Cooler in hand, we were the first to climb down for a morning/afternoon swim. The spot we staked out was secluded in that you had to step in and cross the river to get to it. Throughout the morning, groups would come down the stairs to photograph the waterfall and river and leave. Other families, couples, and friend groups came prepared to swim. Because of the different boulders, there were pools of varying sizes and depths. One that caught my eye had a rapid stream flowing down into it. The perfect height for an upper back massage. At the base of the main waterfall, the water was clear and a few yards deep. The scuba fan was delighted to spy some trout there.
Noble Rocks
Our final stop on the way home was the Castle of Vimianzo. I had already been interested in participating in their annual Storming the Castle Festival with torches and people decked out in Medieval garb. Evidently, with COVID-19, who knows when I'll ever get the chance. But at least I can cross the castle itself off my list. Serendipitously, around the time we arrived they were holding a reenactment by a dramatic duo. Sign us up! They did a recap of the castle's history--betrayals and dramas. After the mini-play we were free to walk around. They had tons of information, a miniature castle, and shop. Hopefully next time I see this castle, it'll be full of torches and peasants.