2. HISTORY OF BUILDING
Castronela is a small village placed in Xiá and has been human settlement
since Prehistoric times, specifically during the Iron Age period according
to scientists.
The ancient construction of Xiá tower is certainly placed in the 12th or 13th
century, however its name appears first in the 14th century. After one cen-
tury, the Irmandiños War caused a lot of damage, for this reason docu-
ments from 16th century speak about Vasco das Seixas who ordered recon-
struction work on the Tower.
At the end of 19th century, Campomanes sold it to the Novo family who
decided to sell it to a new owner who wanted to destroy it and use the
stones for other activities. Fortunately, the County council, thanks to ac-
tion and gestion of Mr. Manuel Vázquez Seixas, avoided this demolition
and acquired the fortress, which now belongs to County Council since
September of 1939.
This building is formed with three structures and exterior chapel, we can
see constructive elements belonging several periods between 16th century
and 19th century, although reusing medieval materials.
.
3. GROUND FLOOR
1. COURTYARD
Around it, there are different collections linked with traditional trades
like agriculture, basketry or “zoqueiros” (craftpeople who work with a
specific kind of local shoe “zocos”), some of these typologies of
handicraft appear alongside
re-creations of each trade.
2. STABLE
This space could be named “ The transport room” because it is here
where several pieces relating to this activity are, such as two chairs
(one of them donated by Mr. Juan López Suárez, originating in Pazo
de Rivas of Sober) and Spanish and South American saddles.
4. 3. WINE CELLAR
In this room there are many curious pieces made from skin called
“pelellos”. They are leather bags used to transport wine. This
room is connected to the sitting room through another room.
4. KITCHEN
In this room we can see elements of ancient construction: the
“lareira” (traditional Galician Kitchen), oven and bathroom. More-
over, several typical pieces of Galician kitchen furniture like a bench
with “capoeira”(a bench with housing for chickens underneath),
“alzadeiro”(for saucepans, pots...) and “cunqueiro” (used for putting
5. cups in or “cuncas” in Galician culture). In small vitrins there are col-
lections of “chocolateiras” (for making hot chocolate with or without
milk), irons and others pieces of Galician pottery.
5. SITTING ROOM
The architectural element that dominates the room is a big angular
window with seats. Also it´s important to emphasize the chimney with
renaissance decoration, and a beautiful sacristy wardrobe, probably of
18th century
In this central space there are several vitrins that have dignified pieces,
such as an “ostentorio” from the 18th century and two religious im-
ages, one of them Inmaculada and the other two Purgatorio “ánimas”
or “santero” (saint) box of 18th century with representation of Ermi-
das Virgin. Also there are samples of popular Galician gold work or
work with jet ( a protector stone linked intimately to our culture).
6. 6. LOOM ROOM
We don´t know the meaning or use of this room, but it´s a transitory
space between the wine cellar and sitting room. It was probably a
space occupied by service personal and by this reason we have put
tools linked to working with wool and linen, such as “cardas”,
“restrelos”, “devanadoiras”, distaff or spindle.
7. 7. CORRIDOR
Leaving the sitting room we can see different collections of several
pieces belonging to the industrial arts like illumination objects and
pestle and mortars.
8. DESK
In this room there are several tools linked to clerkship: ink pots made
of horn or “salvaderas”, and a baroque wardrobe
9. BEDROOM
The recreation of the bedroom is the same style it would have been in
the Medieval Age, that´s why, the bed has a large chest for keeping
clothes, a washbasin, an armchair Don Pedro (toilet) and blankets to
put over the bed.
8. 10. FIRST TOWER FLOOR
This space is dedicated to blades preside over which on amazing ex-
ample of samurai warrior armour, probably of 17th century. Also im-
portant to be mentioned are the Krises (daggers with winding blades),
a machete, and large number of swords and “espadines”. Through a
trapdoor we can see a primitive dark/windowless dungeon of the for-
tress in which is preserved a big chain with shackles.
TOWER AND CHAPEL
11. SECOND TOWER FLOOR
At the beginning of this room we can see the power of presence from
a piece of armour. In this way it´s formed from a coat of mail and horn
plates.
There are, likewise, an interesting group of weapons like guns of per-
cussion,drums or sparks, shotguns, rifles, canons, etc.
9. 12. THIRD TOWER FLOOR
The most important element in this room is the Renaissance chimney
which Vasco das Seixas ordered to be build in the 16th century, deco-
rated with zoomorphic and fitomorfic motives. Also on this last floor
we can see a baroque piece of exquisite shape: a bed decorated with
an army scene by “taraceas” (a tipe of inlay which employs cut pieces
of several materials that are inserted into a support until making a
decorative design).
10. 13. CHAPEL
Outside the building, by the access ramp, is situated a small building
of square form built in 18th century with several popular images,
amongst these a particular Saint Pelayo sculpture, an ancient confes-
sional and several religious works of art called “arte sacra”.
11. VISITING TIMES/ OPENING HOURS
♦ From 1st April to 30th September:
- From Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00
- Saturday, Sunday and Holy days: 12:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
- Monday: Closed
♦ From 1st October to 31st March:
- From Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00
- Saturday, Sunday and Holy days: 12:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.
- Monday: Closed
WE ARE IN THE NET
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