Carballa da Rocha

Carballa da Rocha is a centuries-old oak tree protected as a natural monument in the municipality of Rairiz de Veiga, in the province of Ourense, Galicia, Spain. The tree stands between the villages of A Saínza de Abaixo and A Saínza de Arriba, roughly 1.3 km from the centre of Rairiz de Veiga, within the area covered by the Allariz biosphere reserve.

What kind of tree is it?

"Carballa" is the Galician word for oak, typically Quercus robur, and this particular specimen stands out for its exceptional size and age. Its trunk measures 6.90 metres in perimeter, and its crown splits into two massive branches that rise more than thirty metres into the air. The protected area surrounding the tree covers 0.64 hectares.

Why is it protected?

Carballa da Rocha was declared a natural monument by decree of the Galician regional government (Xunta de Galicia) on 1 March 2007 (Decreto 45/2007). The protection covers not only the tree itself but also the surrounding land, in recognition of its outstanding natural value, age and dimensions. In November 2024, Galician authorities approved a dedicated management plan for the tree (Decreto 193/2024), intended to guarantee its conservation over the following decade. With this plan, Carballa da Rocha became the fifth natural monument in Galicia to have such a plan in place, and the second in the province of Ourense after Pena Corneira.

Why does it matter to the local community?

The oak grows right next to a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy (Virgen de las Mercedes), and the two are closely tied in local tradition. Every year on 24 September, the site hosts a significant religious pilgrimage. The celebration includes a reenactment of the historical battle between Moors and Christians — one of the few such performances still kept alive in Galicia, and a living echo of medieval history in this part of Ourense.

How to get there

Carballa da Rocha lies off the beaten path, amid the agricultural landscape of the A Limia region, close to the centre of Rairiz de Veiga. The most convenient way to reach it is by car, following local roads between the settlements of A Saínza de Abaixo and A Saínza de Arriba. The site is mainly visited by people interested in nature and local heritage rather than mass tourism, and there is no extensive visitor infrastructure — expect a quiet, low-key walk through fields and rural buildings.

Frequently asked questions

What is Carballa da Rocha? It is a centuries-old oak tree in the municipality of Rairiz de Veiga, recognised as a natural monument for its size and longevity.

How big is the tree? Its trunk has a perimeter of 6.90 metres, and its two main branches reach over 30 metres in height.

Since when has it been protected? Since 2007, by decree of the Xunta de Galicia; in 2024 it also received a ten-year management plan.

Are there any events held nearby? Yes — every year on 24 September, a pilgrimage takes place near the tree and the adjoining chapel of Virgen de las Mercedes, featuring a reenactment of the battle between Moors and Christians.

Is it worth combining a visit with other sights in the region? Yes, the area lies within the Allariz biosphere reserve, known for its preserved nature and the traditional rural architecture of the A Limia region.