Picoña Castle

Picoña Castle is a medieval fortress ruin in Ourense province featuring stone walls and pillars that still stand on elevated ground. The site includes a rock-carved cistern that served water storage needs on this hilltop location.

The fortress was built in the 12th century on the remains of an ancient Callaeci settlement and became an important regional stronghold. In 1650, Castilian forces destroyed it during the Portuguese War of Restoration.

The castle grounds held significance as a regional administrative point that shaped how people organized their territory and daily affairs. Visitors walking through the site can sense how this role influenced the layout and construction of the fortification.

The site is accessible by regional roads from larger Galician cities such as Vigo and Santiago de Compostela. Visit during dry weather since the elevated terrain can become slippery and paths may be uneven.

The fortress had an unusual border situation where it was physically located in Spain but remained administratively Portuguese until 1866. This rare arrangement made it a singular location in Iberian frontier history.

GPS coordinates: 41.89216,-7.86634

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23