
Arzúa
30 de May de 2025
DOP Torta del Casar
11 de June de 2025
Vilalba
Galicia
Vilalba is the largest and most populated municipality in the Terra Chá region and holds the title of Capital of the Tierra Llana (Land of the Plains). It is the largest region in Galicia. Its geographical characteristics have made it an important communication channel, as several roads connect it to the rest of the peninsula. It has direct access to the La-8 (known as the coastal highway) and is located very close to the La-6, one of Madrid's radial roads. It currently has a population of approximately 14,226 inhabitants and is divided into 30 parishes.
The municipality
Vilalba is an ancient and stately town presided over by a keep that is part of the network of paradors. The town offers all kinds of corners of great beauty and cultural tradition, combined with large green spaces marked by the passage of the Magdalena and Trimaz rivers. The land is predominantly flat, but has an interesting area in the north, as far as the A Carba and Xistral mountain ranges, and where Monseiván is located, the highest point in the municipality, where travelers can understand why this area is known as Tierra LLana (Land of the Plains).
As an architectural heritage site, the Andrade tower stands out, its octagonal tower. Next to it is the Puerta de Cima, one of the oldest entrances to the wall, and one of the town's most beautiful squares, Plaza de Santa María. Nearby is Fonte de la Carretera, next to another unique building, the current Casa de la Cultura (Cultural House) and Tourist Office.
The town center is dominated by the Plaza de la Constitución, where the current Town Hall is located. Also worthy of special mention is Calle del Sol, with its oldest houses and which runs over the remains of the city wall.
Visitors should definitely visit the area surrounding the Auditorium and the Chapel of San Roque. Many religious performances are also held in our parishes. Belesar, with a church dating from 1608; Noche, which preserves a large silver cross from the late 18th century; Oleiros, from the 18th century, with Neoclassical remains; Ladra, with Solomonic and non-Classical altarpieces; Nete, with a double bell tower accessed via a spiral staircase; Torre, with a small chapel perched on a rock about four meters high; Goiriz, in the Baroque style; San Simón de la Costa, known as the Cathedral of Terra Chá; and Boizán, from the 16th century. Within this religious section, four cemeteries of great architectural beauty with neo-Gothic pantheons also stand out. These include Árbol, Alba, Goiríz, and Román cemeteries.
There are also other sites of great heritage interest, such as the Paleolithic shelter of Pena Grande and the Piedra Chantada menhir in the parish of Santaballa, or the Neolithic necropolis of Desbroce de las Modias in the parish of Alba. The Northern Way of St. James passes through Vilalba, marking both the end and the beginning of the stage. Pilgrims cross beautiful bridges such as the Pontevella de Martiñán, after entering through the parish of Oleiros, or the Saa bridge, which crosses the Labrada River. They also pass by the Puente de los Pasos and the Puente Rodríguez.
Regarding fairs, Vilalba holds its monthly fair on the first Sunday of the month, provided it falls on the 1st, in which case the fair will be moved to the 8th. The fair also takes place every third Tuesday of the month, which normally falls between the 17th and 23rd.
As for its Natural Heritage, Vilalba is unique in that it has a tree named A Pravia, located very close to the Parador. The Magdalena recreational area is a place for sports, cultural, and leisure activities. It has a river beach, outdoor and heated pools, tennis courts, a soccer field, and plenty of space to enjoy nature, eating, and spending time with family and friends. It also has a space for campervan travelers to have a quiet, nature-filled place to stay overnight or spend a few days. The Magdalena recreational area also features the Paseo de los Sueños, a unique trail where nature and art intertwine, combining the beauty of the landscape in a single space with a series of literary hectometers dedicated to illustrious writers and artists of the area. Another place of great interest is the Charca del Alligal, famous for its hot springs, waters believed to have healing properties. It is located in the parish of Codesido.
As for the gastronomic heritage, the San Simón de la Costa Cheese stands out, which has its own designation of origin. Made with cow's milk, it has a smoky flavor from birch wood.
The cheese
The production of San Simón da Costa cheese combines a traditional recipe with the finest raw materials and the highest hygiene and sanitary standards. Two special characteristics stand out in the production process, giving it its distinctive flavor and aroma. First, its primary raw material: cow's milk, from the Rubia Gallega, Pardo-Alpina, and Friesian breeds, always produced in the area in accordance with health regulations. Second, to give it its most significant characteristic, the smoking phase, in which the wood of a typical tree of the area is used: the birch.
It comes in two sizes, a large one and a smaller one called Bufón, with a minimum maturation of 45 and 30 days respectively. Sensorially, it stands out for its intense smoky aroma and buttery notes, accompanied by nuances of nuts and vanilla. The palate is predominantly salty and acidic, with slight bitter and sweet notes. Its texture is elastic and firm, with a certain deformability, while friability, adherence and granular character are less relevant.



