Zas, the green heart of the Costa da Morte
The Municipality of Zas is a rural territory in the interior of the Costa da Morte, a space of privileged nature marked by rivers, waterfalls, meadows and mountains that invite calm and discovery. A place of living traditions and welcoming people, it combines the value of its landscape with the richness of its cultural and historical heritage, being a perfect destination for those looking for tranquility, authenticity and direct contact with nature.
The 16 parishes of the City Council of Zas
The City Council of Zas is made up of a set of parishes that preserve the essence of the Galician rural world. Each of them has its own history, heritage and traditions, offering the visitor a unique way to get to know the life, culture and identity of this territory. Through this list you will be able to access the information of each parish and discover everything that makes them special.
History of the Municipality
The Municipality of Zas has a rich past that dates back to Roman times, when the XX Via Per Loca Marítima crossed the Xallas River through the historic Brandomil Bridge. The presence of gold in the river has given rise to mining, and on its banks there are also remains of Celtic forts. For centuries, this area has been a meeting place for cultures and paths.
Throughout the Middle and Modern Ages, the stately imprint was present with the pazos that are still preserved today, such as those of Romelle, As Edreiras, Daneiro or Follente. Also noteworthy are its Baroque churches, such as San Andrés de Zas or Santa María de Lamas, and unique elements such as the stone Christ of San Martiño de Meanos or the chapel of Santa Margarida with its healing fountain. The historical memory is complemented by a remarkable megalithic richness, with the Ark of the Piosa as a legendary symbol associated with the Celtic warrior Brandomil.
Nature and Landscape
Zas is located in the green heart of the Costa da Morte, a territory of meadows, rivers and oak groves that invite you to rest. The Xallas River and its tributaries shape a landscape full of waterfalls, mills and recreational areas that preserve the spirit of the Galician countryside. Places such as the natural area of A Pedra Vixía or the river walks of Baio and Zas offer ideal spaces for walking in contact with nature.
At the highest point, the viewpoint of Pico de Meda rises to 556 meters, allowing a privileged panorama over the Soneira Valley and its fauna in freedom. Along with this, the Carballeira da Devesa, with its centennial oaks, has become a natural and cultural symbol. It is a municipality that combines wild and calm nature, ideal for those looking for hiking, bird watching or simply enjoying the tranquility.
Heritage
Zas’s heritage is diverse and bears witness to its historical and cultural past. The Brandomil Bridge, built in quarrying over the Xallas River, connects the present with a Roman road that has made this place a strategic point. The numerous mounds and dolmens, such as the Arca da Piosa or the Pedra Vixía, remind us of the megalithic importance of the area.
In the stately sphere, pazos such as the Torres do Allo – now converted into an interpretation centre of the heritage of the Costa da Morte – or the noble houses that dot the territory stand out. In the religious sphere, Baroque and Neoclassical churches stand out, along with chapels with popular traditions. Cruceiros, granaries and mills complete a mosaic of heritage elements that speak of the Galician rural identity.
Traditions and Festivals
Life in the municipality of Zas is marked by its festivals, pilgrimages and popular celebrations. The Festa da Carballeira, which is held on the last Sunday of June under the centennial oaks of A Devesa, is one of the most unique encounters. The Folk Festival of A Carballeira, organized by the youth, has already become a musical event of reference in Galicia.
Also noteworthy are the rapa das bestas, the pilgrimages such as that of Santa Margarida, and the patron saint’s festivals that fill the parishes with music and devotion throughout the year: San Cristovo in Baio, Virxe do Carme in Zas, Santa María in Baio or San Andrés in Zas. Monthly fairs and events such as the Feirauto complete a calendar full of tradition and community life.
Paths and Routes
The municipality of Zas is crossed by historic roads that connect parishes, mountains and valleys. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the Roman past in the surroundings of Brandomil, explore the river paths that accompany the rivers of Baio and Zas, or venture towards the mounds and dolmens that speak of prehistoric times.
These routes allow you to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage on the same route. The variety of paths offers options for both quiet walkers and lovers of longer hiking, always with the encouragement of finding surprising landscapes and corners full of history.
Life in the countryside
Zas is an eminently agricultural and livestock municipality, where daily life still retains the rhythm of the Galician countryside. Agricultural activity coexists with small commerce, hospitality and the new cultural and social initiatives that keep the parishes alive.
Neighborhood associations have a fundamental role in the conservation of traditions such as that of linen, recovered by the O Santiaguiño Association, or in the enhancement of spaces such as the recreational area of A Fonte. The hospitality of its people, together with a gastronomy of local products, make those who visit Zas feel part of the community.
Discover Zas at Your Own Pace
Whether you have a single day, a weekend or several days to enjoy the town hall, in Zas you will always find unforgettable experiences. Walks through hundred-year-old oak trees, visits to pazos full of history, panoramic views from the Pico de Meda or pilgrimages that keep our traditions alive. Choose the plan that best suits your time and get ready to surprise yourself with an authentic territory, where nature, culture and hospitality go hand in hand.
Don't Miss Our Agenda
There’s always something to celebrate. Consult our agenda to keep up to date with popular festivals, fairs, cultural events and religious acts that fill each parish of the municipality with life. A perfect place to discover when and where to enjoy the local traditions and culture.