Visiting the Torres do Oeste in Catoira

Torres do Oeste is a defensive enclosure located at the head of the Rio de Arousa in the Caldas region of Galicia. Located on a rocky promontory on the banks of the river Ulla and surrounded by marshland, it used to serve as a strategic defense post against Viking attacks.

King Alfonso III of Leon ordered the built of the castle in the 9th century so the river Ulla could be protected from attacks. Where the river Ulla was an important natural entry into Galicia, the castle went through strengthening works.
The 2 remaining Pre-Roman style towers are from the 9th Century. In the 12th Century, bishops ordered the strengthening of the castle in order to protect the holy site of Santiago de Compostela.

Located near Torres do Oeste is the Torres do Oeste Cultural Centre, housed in a striking modern building designed by award‑winning architect César Portela.

The ground floor contains a tourist office and a spacious exhibition hall shaped like a Viking longship. Inside, the exhibition explores the history of the towers and the Viking incursions into Galicia, with an impressive collection of artefacts on display — from swords and armour to statues and everyday objects.

In the basement, an audiovisual room screens films about the annual Viking Festival of Catoira, bringing the region’s dramatic past and lively traditions to life.

The Viking Festival of Catoira is an annual festival which has been celebrated every first Sunday in August since 1961. It is held to commemorate Catoira's role in defending against the Vikings who were trying to plunder the treasure held in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During the festival, they re-enact the Viking invasions that took place using 3 replica longboats.
These longboats are moored nearby the Torres do Oeste and are fairly reliable reproductions based on longboats that are kept in museums in Denmark and Norway.  

​Where Catroina is off the beaten path and not frequently visited by tourists, it is worthwhile taking the detour .