Pazo de Cascaxide

Pazo de Cascaxide is a Galician manor house standing in the hamlet of Cascaxide, within the parish of Escuadro, in the municipality of Silleda (Pontevedra province, Galicia). The building dates back to the 17th century, with additional elements built in the following century, giving it the layered look typical of Galician baroque architecture. The pazo remains privately owned by the Espinosa family, but its striking silhouette and the surrounding forest make it a worthwhile stop in this corner of the Deza-Tabeirós region.

How do you get to Pazo de Cascaxide?

Cascaxide sits a few kilometres from the centre of Silleda. Driving along the N-640 toward Caldas de Reis, turn at Senra toward Escuadro and continue for about 3 km to reach the surroundings of the pazo. From the main road, a short 20-metre ramp leads up to the trail that runs through the neighbouring forest. Keep in mind that the manor house itself is private property and its interior is closed to visitors — you can, however, walk around the grounds and view the building from the outside. The site also lies along two historic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela: the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way) and the Vía de la Plata, making it an interesting waypoint for pilgrims crossing Galicia.

What will you see at Pazo de Cascaxide?

The building follows a rectangular plan — described by some sources as closer to an H-shape — with a basement level and a single upper floor. One of its façades features a row of arcades, and a four-storey tower adds real presence to the whole ensemble. The main façade is marked by balustraded balconies and a stone lintel doorway crowned with a large family coat of arms and carved gargoyles, both hallmarks of Galician manor architecture. The house once stood within a fortified enclosure and was set off by a French-style garden. Attached to the main building are two hórreos — traditional Galician granaries raised on stone pillars, one of them a five-bay structure dated to 1895 — along with a circular dovecote and a small chapel dedicated to Santo Tomé. The pazo has also had a moment in front of the camera: part of the Spanish film "Lobos de Arga" was shot on the grounds.

No visit is complete without the forest that wraps around the pazo, known locally as the Bosque de Cascaxide — roughly seven hectares of old growth sitting at just under 500 metres above sea level. Centuries-old oak and chestnut trees dominate the canopy, while the understory is filled with laurel, birch, hazel, willow and holly trees over 12 metres tall, all laced together with ivy and honeysuckle. That density supports a surprisingly rich range of wildlife: wolves, foxes, deer and wild boar leave their traces here, alongside sizeable bat colonies, birds of prey, doves, and reptiles and amphibians such as lizards and frogs. In 2008 the forest came under threat of logging, which pushed its owners to seek protective status; the Galician regional government responded with temporary protection, and the process of formally designating it a Local Area of Natural Interest is still ongoing.

When is the best time to visit Pazo de Cascaxide?

Given the old-growth canopy, spring and autumn are the most rewarding seasons for a walk here — fresh green growth in spring, and warm oak and chestnut colours in autumn. Summer visits benefit from the shade and cooler air under the trees, a welcome break on hot days, while winter brings the damp, misty conditions typical of inland Galicia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Pazo de Cascaxide? No. It is private property belonging to the Espinosa family and the interior is not open to the public, though the exterior and grounds can be viewed on a walk through the area.

How far is Pazo de Cascaxide from central Silleda? Just a few kilometres, reached via the N-640 toward Caldas de Reis, turning at Senra toward Escuadro.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Yes — the surrounding Cascaxide forest, about seven hectares of centuries-old oak and chestnut woodland under provisional environmental protection.

Does the pazo have a connection to the Camino de Santiago? Yes, it lies along both the Camino de Invierno and the Vía de la Plata, two historic pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela.