Igrexa de San Xoán de Chenlo

Igrexa de San Xoán de Chenlo is a modest parish church in Chenlo, the highest and most remote parish of the O Porriño municipality in Galicia. It stands on a hilltop in the hamlet of As Abas, on the slopes of Monte Castro within the Serra do Galiñeiro range — a spot that once held a pre-Roman hillfort.

How do you get there?

Chenlo sits in the hilly, outlying part of O Porriño, so a car is the easiest way in, following local roads that climb toward the Serra do Galiñeiro. The approach winds through forest and farmland spread across steep slopes, in what is considered one of the most unspoiled, natural corners of the whole municipality. It's worth setting aside time for a short walk beyond the church itself, since the views over the valley and mountain range are an attraction in their own right.

What will you see?

The facade is divided by pilasters and topped with a double bell gable — an open screen wall pierced by two bell openings, finished with a balustrade and scrollwork at the corners. The main entrance is a round-arched doorway flanked by pilasters, crowned by decorative scrolls and a niche holding an image of Saint John, the church's patron. Three buttresses reinforce the side walls, a sacristy is attached to the south wall, and the raised apse is covered by a pyramidal roof. The building owes its current form to a 1942 reconstruction, carried out after a severe storm heavily damaged the original 18th-century church, which had been built in 1775.

What's the history behind it?

The parish traces its origins to the medieval Chein castle, raised in the 14th century, of which no trace survives today. In earlier centuries Chenlo served as the seat of the Archpriesthood of Louriña, overseeing the surrounding parishes. Between 1812 and 1821 the settlement belonged administratively to the municipality of Mosende, before joining O Porriño in 1836. In 1920 Chenlo was granted the status of an independent local entity (entidade local menor), a distinction that still sets it apart administratively from the municipality's other parishes.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the mountainous setting, spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures for walking the slopes of Monte Castro and the greenery at its best. In summer, Chenlo traditionally holds festivities honoring Saint John, the parish's patron, giving visitors a chance to see the church amid local celebrations. In winter, the access roads can be more demanding due to the area's elevation and exposure, so it's worth checking conditions before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the church in Chenlo dedicated to? The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (Galician: San Xoán), whose image sits in the niche above the main doorway.

When was the current building constructed? The original church was built in 1775 and rebuilt in 1942 after a severe storm damaged it, preserving the earlier architectural layout.

Can you walk around the area near the church? Yes — the surroundings on the slopes of Monte Castro and within the Serra do Galiñeiro range consist of forests and fields well suited to hiking beyond the visit to the monument itself.

Is Chenlo close to central O Porriño? No, it's the municipality's highest and most remote parish, so reaching it takes longer than visiting the monuments in O Porriño's town centre.