Torres de Oeste

The Towers of Oeste are a fortress of Roman origin that served as an enclave for defending against Norman attacks by the Vikings. It was Archbishop Gelmírez, born in Catoira, who ordered their fortification to defend Santiago de Compostela from attacks coming from Northern Europe via the River Ulla during the Middle Ages. From this era comes the proverb “Catoira, key and seal of Galicia” (learn more)

These ruins are considered a National Monument and form one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Galicia.

The first week of August each year, the Viking Festival is celebrated, recreating an invasion with longships arriving via the Ulla and landing in the walled enclosure. This festival is declared of International Tourist Interest.