Igrexa de San Pedro de Boa

Igrexa de San Pedro de Boa is a small parish church in Boa, a rural parish within the municipality of Noia, in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. It stands in a quiet setting on the shore of the Ría de Muros e Noia estuary, away from the busier center of Noia, making it a rewarding stop for travelers interested in lesser-known corners of the region.

What will you see?

The building follows a Greek cross floor plan — four arms of equal length radiating from a central point — a layout rarely found among Galicia's typically single-nave rural churches. This gives the structure a more compact, symmetrical silhouette than most parish churches in the area. Adjoining the church is a parish cemetery, an integral part of the site that draws not only local worshippers but also visitors interested in Galician literary history.

Why does this place matter to Galicia?

The cemetery next to the church holds the grave of Antón Avilés de Taramancos (1935–1992), one of the most significant 20th-century poets writing in the Galician language. Born in Noia to a fisherman's family, he published his first poem at age 15 and later adopted his literary pen name on the advice of writers Manuel María and Uxío Novoneyra. In 1960 he emigrated to Santiago de Cali, Colombia, developing his poetry apart from the mainstream of his generation back home. He returned to his native town in 1980, ran a tavern where he hosted poetry readings, founded the Catavento cultural society, and served as Noia's cultural councilor between 1987 and 1991. His grave at Igrexa de San Pedro de Boa is now a point of reference for anyone tracing the literary landmarks of Galician culture.

How do you get there?

Boa lies a few kilometers from the center of Noia, along the shore of the Ría de Muros e Noia estuary. The easiest way to reach it is by car along the local roads connecting Noia with the surrounding parishes; the drive from the town center usually takes about fifteen minutes. Noia's tourist office can provide directions and current visiting hours by phone at +34 981 821 598 or by email at turismoconcellodenoia@gmail.com.

When should you visit?

The church and its adjoining cemetery are open daily from 10:00 to 15:00. A visit works well as part of a longer walk around the Ría de Muros e Noia, combining estuary views with a stop at one of the region's quieter but culturally significant sites. Morning hours are the best time to visit without the crowds that gather in central Noia during the summer season.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the architecture of Igrexa de San Pedro de Boa distinctive? The church follows a Greek cross plan, with four equal arms — a layout less common than the single-nave design typical of rural churches in Galicia.

Who is buried in the church cemetery? Antón Avilés de Taramancos, a Galician-language poet born in Noia, author of several poetry collections and a cultural figure in the town, who died in 1992.

How far is it from central Noia? Boa is a few kilometers from Noia's town center, with the drive by car usually taking about fifteen minutes.

What are the visiting hours for the church and cemetery? The site is open daily from 10:00 to 15:00; for further details, contact Noia's local tourist office.