Pazo de San Damián

Pazo de San Damián is a 17th-century Galician manor house in Abruciños, in the municipality of Amoeiro, Ourense province. Set in the Ourense basin and surrounded by the vineyards of the Ribeiro wine region, the restored estate now welcomes visitors as a rural accommodation with deep historical roots.

How do you get there?

The pazo stands at Abruciños 48, a short drive from the city of Ourense, right in the heart of the Ribeiro wine country. It sits directly on the Vía de la Plata, one of the historic pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, making it a natural stopping point for walkers and cyclists on the Camino. The easiest way to reach it is by car: local roads connect Ourense with Amoeiro, and Abruciños itself is a small rural parish surrounded by fields and vineyards, with little traffic and a distinctly countryside feel.

What will you see?

The estate's story begins in the 16th century, when Fernando de Boán, the parish priest of Abruciños, obtained local jurisdiction and built the first house on the site, known as Pousa de Cacabellos. The oldest surviving section of the pazo dates from the 17th century and was built by Pedro Fernández Boán, as confirmed by an inscription still visible on the building's façade. An additional, more modern wing was added in the 18th century, but the property's fortunes soon turned: a fire in 1786 badly damaged it, and it fell into disrepair for a long stretch afterward.

Today the pazo is made up of two clearly distinct sections corresponding to these different building periods. The older part follows an L-shaped floor plan, enclosed by a stone wall, with a doorway built in carefully fitted rubblework — a construction technique typical of Galician noble houses of the era. The grounds also include a chapel (Capela do Pazo de San Damián), extensive gardens, and the estate's own vineyard and winery, a nod to Ribeiro's centuries-old winemaking tradition.

Following a thorough restoration, the building now operates as a rural inn, with eleven rooms — including a suite with a jacuzzi — and a swimming pool set among the gardens. Walking the grounds, visitors can take in both the stonework of the historic pazo and the vineyard rows stretching across the surrounding hillsides.

When is the best time to visit?

The Ribeiro region is at its best in spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the valley's terraced vineyards and green fields look their most striking. Autumn brings the grape harvest, adding an extra layer of local color for anyone staying at the pazo. Summer suits visitors who want to make the most of the pool and gardens, although the Ourense basin can get quite hot. Winter is quieter across the region, and the pazo's stone architecture and fireside atmosphere give it a more intimate character during the colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a pazo? A pazo is a traditional Galician country manor, typically built in stone, often with outbuildings, a chapel, and gardens. Pazo de San Damián is one of the surviving examples of this architectural style in Ourense province.

Can you stay overnight? Yes. After its restoration, the estate operates as a rural inn with eleven rooms, including a suite with a jacuzzi, plus a swimming pool and gardens available to guests.

Is the pazo on the Camino de Santiago? Yes, it lies directly on the Vía de la Plata, one of the historic pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, and is a popular rest stop for pilgrims walking the Camino.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Ribeiro region is known for its vineyards and wineries — pairing a visit to the pazo with a local wine tasting and a walk through the terraced valley landscape is a natural complement to the stay.