Pazo de Martelo

Pazo de Martelo stands right in the heart of Rianxo, a Galician town on the shores of the Ría de Arousa estuary. The building was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) back in 1973, making it one of the region of Barbanza's most significant pieces of secular architecture.

Where does the building come from?

The site's history goes back to the 15th century, when a three-storey tower stood here belonging to Paio Gómez de Soutomaior, a member of the local nobility. That original structure didn't survive unchanged, though — the building visitors admire today took shape during a reconstruction carried out between the 17th and 18th centuries. It was this rebuild that gave the pazo the baroque character it's known for now.

What's worth seeing?

The most recognisable feature of the façade is an impressive balcony with six windows, a detail that immediately catches the eye and sets the building apart from the surrounding streetscape. The pazo sits right next to the parish church of Santa Comba, so the two naturally form a short walk through Rianxo's historic centre.

It's worth knowing that the building's current appearance is the result of a thorough rehabilitation completed in 2024. Carried out over ten months by the Sergonsa company, the works restored the pazo's look from before a problematic 1983 renovation that had altered its original character for decades. The Rianxo town council has owned the building for fifty years, and the latest restoration reached down to its foundations and covered the entire structure.

What is Pazo de Martelo used for today?

The building isn't left empty — it now houses Rianxo's municipal library. It's a solution that combines heritage protection with genuine, everyday use by locals, so a visit to the pazo also lets you step inside and see how its historic rooms serve a modern public function.

How do you get there?

Pazo de Martelo is located in the centre of Rianxo, in the province of A Coruña, in the heart of Galicia. The town sits on the Ría de Arousa, making it a convenient base for exploring the Rías Baixas coastline. The easiest way to get there is by car — Rianxo has good road connections to Santiago de Compostela and Padrón, roughly half an hour and fifteen minutes away respectively. Thanks to its location next to the Santa Comba church, the pazo itself is easy to find while strolling through the town's historic centre.

When should you visit?

Rianxo is best visited in spring and summer, when the weather is ideal for walking through the historic centre and along the coast. Keep in mind, though, that since the pazo now houses the municipal library, its interior follows the library's opening hours, so it's best to plan an indoor visit on a weekday.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is a pazo? It's a traditional Galician type of manor house, blending the features of a country estate and a townhouse, characteristic of the region's architecture.

Can you visit the inside of Pazo de Martelo? Yes — since it houses the municipal library, the building is open to the public during the library's opening hours.

Since when has the building been protected? Pazo de Martelo was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1973.

Has the building been renovated recently? Yes, a ten-month, ground-up rehabilitation was completed in 2024, restoring its appearance from before a 1983 renovation.