Pazo da Peregrina

Pazo da Peregrina is an 18th-century manor house standing right in the heart of Bertamiráns, the main town of the Ames municipality in Galicia. Today the complex works as a public park and cultural office building, yet it still keeps the layout typical of a Galician pazo — a country estate that historically combined residential and agricultural life under one roof.

What will you see on site?

The complex is made up of a main two-storey building, two smaller auxiliary buildings, and a chapel dedicated to the Virgen Peregrina (the Pilgrim Virgin), a dedication that echoes the region's Way of St James tradition. A long perimeter wall with several gated entrances encloses the whole property, and inside lies a well-tended garden that once served as an orchard and farmland supplying the estate. That greenery is now a public park where residents of Bertamiráns come to walk and relax.

What is the history behind it?

The origins of the pazo are poorly documented. The most likely theory holds that the building began as a rent-collection center, either for the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Chapter or for a wealthy merchant. Some researchers have tried to link the estate to the House of Altamira, but that theory looks unlikely: Bertamiráns fell under the jurisdiction of A Maía, controlled by the Archbishopric of Compostela, which was locked in disputes with the Altamira family over control of land in the area. By the late 19th century, parish records already describe the pazo as a "casa de quinta" — a country house belonging to a well-off family.

The last heiress of the estate was Elena Togores Paramés, wife of General José Luis Azcárraga. In 1992, through an agreement with a construction company, the property passed into municipal ownership. The buildings, which had fallen into ruin by then, were restored in two phases — 1998–1999 and 2000–2001.

How is the pazo used today?

After restoration, the complex found a new life as public space. It now houses the offices of the Ames Department of Culture, Sports and Historical Heritage, while its rooms and gardens regularly host exhibitions, civil weddings, and cultural or social events, from concerts to charity dinners. This mix of administrative, cultural, and recreational use keeps Pazo da Peregrina genuinely active, rather than a monument only meant to be admired from outside.

How do you get there?

Pazo da Peregrina sits on Avenida Peregrina in Bertamiráns, practically in the town center, making it easy to reach on foot for anyone visiting Ames. The municipality lies only a short distance from Santiago de Compostela, so a stop at the pazo pairs naturally with a longer stay in Galicia's capital or with a pass through the region while walking the Camino de Santiago.

When is the best time to visit?

The gardens look their best in spring and summer, when the greenery is at its fullest and the weather favors a stroll. It's worth checking the local events calendar before visiting, though — the pazo is sometimes closed to casual visitors due to weddings, exhibitions, or other municipal events.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Pazo da Peregrina free? The park and outdoor grounds are open to the public; access to the interior depends on the municipality's current schedule of events.

Can you get married at the pazo? Yes, the estate regularly hosts civil wedding ceremonies and other events organized by the Concello de Ames.

How far is it from Santiago de Compostela? Bertamiráns is only a short drive from Santiago, making the pazo an easy addition to a day trip.

What is inside the pazo's chapel? The chapel is dedicated to the Virgen Peregrina, a devotion tied to the region's pilgrimage tradition and its proximity to the Way of St James.