Ría de Muros e Noia Estuary

Photographs

Description

Like the rest of the Rías Baixas, the Ría de Muros e Noia spreads south-west to north-east in the form of an open breach amidst granite rocks. On analysing the whole of the area, we clearly see a sharp contrast in the northern sector, rougher, with numerous inlets and outlets, and the southern sector, straighter and more open with gentler forms. The granite rocks condition the large part of the countryside. This can be seen perfectly in the Baroña sector on the southern shores of the estuary, and the mount Louro to the northern side. In Baroña, very close to Porto do Son, the stone walls of the fortress that has been there for centuries blend with the slabs opened by time. On mount Louro, close to Muros, an extensive range of geometric shapes stand out on the sides as if some sculptor had ordered them rationally for walkers to contemplate. At their feet, associated with a large sandbank covered with dunes, visitors can admire one of the most beautiful coastal lagoons of Galicia. On the northern shores of the estuary there is Muros; in the depths, Noia. These are two stately towns built of the granite, or a similar granite, used by the waves and winds to works the forms of Baroña and Louro and the cliff sections that give on to the sea. Muros has been open to the sea since medieval times. It preserves the typical style in its squares and streets; a magnificent parish church, the former collegiate of Santa María. Anyone recently arrived will find narrow, winding rúas coming together in small squares with welcoming arcades. While strolling, it is possible to feel the warmth of past history written by anonymous persons, artists, writers and pilots. Noia is at the depths of the estuary. The medieval roots are also seen in the structure of the town: narrow streets, arcades, mansions. Its history began when Fernando II decreed that the town had to be transferred from la Barquiña to its present site. Legend says, however, that Noah founded the town and this is materialised in its shield. Inside we have the 15th century church of San Martiño, and the convent of San Francisco, alongside the modern Alameda. The shores of the estuary also house other centres of interest. On the southern shores is Porto do Son, a beautiful town that conserves a large part of the seafaring knowledge of its peoples and Portosín with its large sports port.