Castro de San Isidro

The San Isidro hillfort is located on the line of peaks that marks the administrative boundary between the municipalities of Pesoz and San Martín de Oscos, at an altitude of 600 m. It is not the only unique feature, as it has an exceptional type of fortification in our region: the driven stones, also known as Caballos de Frisia.

This is not its only singularity, as it has an exceptional type of fortification in our region: the driven stones, also known as Caballos de Frisia (Frisian Horses). Some works from the end of the 18th century mention the existence of "an ancient fort defended by pointed stones".

However, despite its early knowledge, the castro was only excavated in recent years and only in very limited areas (1986 and 1987). The ruins extend over an area of slightly less than 1 ha, a large part of which is occupied by the fortifications.

On approaching the hill, the visitor can see the succession of moats surrounding the entrance to the enclosure. Above the intermediate parapets are the "piedras hincadas", successive lines of interposed vertical slate slabs, which are very effective in making it difficult for the enemy to get through.

Behind them rises a monumental wall, 3 m wide, the route of which allows a complete tour of the enclosure. In the excavated areas, the original depth of the moats and the origin of the parapets, the wall's inner walkway and some of the constructions discovered inside the enclosure can be seen.

The foundation of the castro seems to be related to the establishment of military units and the control of the gold mines that Rome exploited during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. A short distance away, in the neighbouring village of Arruñada (San Martín de Oscos), you can visit a magnificent mining complex in which, in addition to the monumental open pit in the mountain, the reservoir and supply channel to the mine are preserved.

How to get there: AS-12 road (P.K. 52.700). Unconditioned track (7 km). Optional: access on foot from the villages of Lixóu (Pesoz) or Bousoño (San Martín de Oscos).