Casa da Torre

Casa da Torre is a Renaissance manor house standing in the historic centre of Redondela, Galicia, now serving as a pilgrims' hostel along the Portuguese Way to Santiago. The building sits right on Praza de Ribadavia, a short walk from the waterfront, and combines a stone defensive core with additions made in a later Renaissance style.

Where does the building come from?

The origins of Casa da Torre go back to the Middle Ages, when it began as a defensive structure. In the 16th century the Prego de Montaos family enlarged and remodelled it, giving the house the Renaissance profile it still shows today. A family shield carved into the stone façade is a lasting mark of its noble origins.

Over the following centuries the building changed hands and purposes more than once. It served as Redondela's town hall until a new one was built on Alameda de Castelao, and later housed, somewhat unexpectedly, a car rental depot and even a tobacco shop. Today the property belongs to the Xunta de Galicia, the regional government.

What will you find inside?

Since 1999, Casa da Torre has operated as an albergue de peregrinos — one of the main pilgrim hostels along the Camino Portugués, the Portuguese branch of the Way of St. James. Many walkers stop here after a day's stage along the Vigo estuary before continuing north.

Beyond its role as accommodation, the building holds spaces with a distinctly cultural character: a library, a leisure room, and an exhibition dedicated to Sargadelos ceramics, one of Galicia's best-known pottery traditions. The display features original pieces and traces the craft's history in the region. The stone façade with its carved family shield and the overall Renaissance layout are worth a look on their own, even if you're not staying the night.

How do you get there?

Casa da Torre stands in the historic centre of Redondela, on Praza de Ribadavia, within walking distance of the train station and the town's main landmarks. The location works well on foot, whether you're a day-tripper exploring the old quarter or a pilgrim following the Camino Portugués, for whom the house is a natural stopping point between Vigo and Pontevedra.

When should you visit?

Redondela sits in Galicia, where the climate is mild but damp, and conditions for sightseeing are most pleasant from late spring through early autumn. During the pilgrimage season, especially in summer, the streets around Casa da Torre see noticeably more foot traffic from walkers carrying the scallop shell that marks the Camino de Santiago.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Casa da Torre without staying overnight? The building operates mainly as a hostel, but its façade and surroundings on Praza de Ribadavia are open to view for anyone passing through town.

Who is this place for? Mostly pilgrims walking the Camino Portugués, along with visitors interested in Galician architecture and regional history.

What's the main highlight inside? The Sargadelos ceramics exhibition and the carved family shield on the stone façade, both reflecting the building's noble past.

How far is it from central Redondela? Casa da Torre sits directly in the historic centre, so it's only a few minutes' walk from anywhere in the old town.