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Pazo de Lusío

pazo-de-lusio
Tucked away in the municipality of Samos, Pazo de Lusío is a striking example of Galician manor house architecture with roots dating back to 1551. Built by López Vázquez de Vilamexe and his wife Leonor Alfonso de Balboa, the building still bears their legacy in a stone inscription beside the family coat of arms — a blend of symbols from Castile and León, the House of Braganza, and the noble families of Vázquez, Balboa, and Lusío.

Though originally a 16th-century estate, the pazo was later expanded and now features 18th-century touches. Its thick stone walls, wooden balconies, semicircular arches, and large colonial-style windows reflect both local tradition and overseas influences — especially from Cuba, where parts of the family had strong ties.

For centuries, it played a central role in the area’s rural and aristocratic life. Today, after a careful restoration, the manor house serves as a public pilgrim hostel. Its historic halls have been converted into dormitories, offering a rare opportunity to sleep in a centuries-old building — though, as a public albergue, guests can only stay one night.

While it’s not directly on the Camino de Santiago, the pazo is just one kilometer off the route, near the historic village of San Cristovo do Real, between the stages of Triacastela and Samos. Its location, charm, and history make it a worthwhile detour for pilgrims and history lovers alike.

Among its preserved features are the remains of an old forge — once producing ironwork for places as far as the Cathedral of Lugo — as well as original architectural elements that speak to its noble past. Quiet, authentic, and rich in heritage, Pazo de Lusío remains one of the Camino’s best-kept secrets.
 

42.73943, -7.2801

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Monumento

Lusío
27633 Lugo
Spain