Torres do Allo

Torres do Allo is a medieval manor-and-tower complex in the municipality of Zas, in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. It's considered one of the oldest surviving pazos — the fortified country houses typical of the Galician nobility — with origins dating back to the late 15th century.

How do you get there?

The complex sits in the parish of Baio, within the Zas municipality, on the Costa da Morte northwest of Santiago de Compostela. The easiest way to arrive is by car, following the provincial roads that connect Zas with the neighboring towns of Vimianzo and Baio. The nearest major airport is Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, from where you continue toward the coast by regional road. For anyone touring the Costa da Morte, Torres do Allo makes a natural stop between Vimianzo and Camariñas.

What will you see?

The complex consists of an elongated rectangular main building flanked by two square towers of differing heights, all built from cut granite — a hallmark of Galician defensive architecture of the period. The residential section has two floors, while the towers rise to three. The house was raised by the Gomes de Rioboo family, who relocated here from the nearby Torre da Penela in Silvarredonda following the marriage of Berenguela Sánchez de Altamira to Gomes de Rioboo Vilardefrancos.

After decades of abandonment and decline during the 20th century, the Provincial Council of A Coruña acquired the property in 1998 and carried out a thorough restoration completed in 2005. Today Torres do Allo houses a museum and a heritage information center dedicated to the history of Galician pazos and the daily life of the local nobility.

Behind the main building lies a generous garden with a working vegetable plot and an oak grove (carballeira) that turns almost fairy-tale-like in summer. The grounds also hide an old dovecote and a fountain tucked among chestnut trees — small details easy to miss on a quick walk-through but worth seeking out.

When should you visit?

Torres do Allo is open every day of the week: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 20:00, and weekends from 11:00 to 21:00. Admission is free. Guided tours run daily at 13:00 and 17:00, though visitors are also welcome to explore at their own pace. Spring and summer are the best seasons to enjoy the garden and grove in full bloom, while autumn and winter bring a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere that history lovers looking for solitude may prefer.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Torres do Allo free? Yes, both individual visits and guided tours are free of charge.

How long does a visit take? A standard guided tour lasts around an hour, but it's worth staying longer to wander through the garden and the oak grove at leisure.

Is Torres do Allo suitable for a family trip with kids? Yes — the garden, the old dovecote, and the hidden fountain make it a popular spot for families, and the grounds are spacious and safe for children to explore.

Do you need to book a visit in advance? No booking is needed for individual visits, but organized groups or educational tours should contact the site in advance.