Baralla facts for kids
Baralla is a small and interesting municipality located in the province of Lugo in Spain. It is part of a special region called the comarca of Los Ancares Lucenses. A municipality is like a local government area, similar to a county or a district. Baralla is home to 52 different villages and hamlets. For a long time, until the late 1970s, this area was known by a different name: Neira of Jusá.
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Where is Baralla Located?
Baralla is nestled in a beautiful valley, right beside the Neira River. To the east, it shares a border with a place called Becerreá. To the west, it borders O Corgo. Being in a river valley means the land is often fertile and green. The river is an important part of the local landscape and history.
A Glimpse into Baralla's History
Baralla has a long and fascinating history. It started as a settlement built by the Celts, an ancient group of people who lived across Europe. Later, the area became part of the powerful Roman Empire. After the Romans founded the city of Lugo nearby, Baralla became fully "romanized." This means the people adopted Roman ways of life, language, and culture.
During the Middle Ages, which was a time of knights and castles, Baralla faced challenges. Local leaders and important families, like the lords of Espiña and Gallego, played a key role. They worked hard to protect their valleys from invaders, including a famous military leader named Almanzor. Their efforts helped keep the region safe.
Exploring Rural Tourism in Baralla
Baralla is known for its peaceful, rural setting. This means it's mostly countryside, with farms, forests, and small villages. Because of its natural beauty, rural tourism is popular here. Rural tourism is when people visit the countryside to enjoy nature, learn about local traditions, and experience a quieter way of life. It's a great way to relax and explore outside of busy cities. The municipality includes 52 charming villages, each with its own unique character.
Important Places and Celebrations
Baralla has some interesting historical sites and fun events:
- Pazo de Espiña: A "pazo" is a traditional Galician manor house, often a large, old country home. The Pazo de Espiña is an example of the area's rich history and architecture.
- Obelisk Monument to Magín Espiña: An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top. This monument honors Magín Espiña, likely an important person in Baralla's past.
- San Vitorio Celebration: One of the main local festivals is San Vitorio, which takes place at the end of August. These celebrations are a chance for the community to come together, enjoy music, food, and traditional activities.
Villages and Hamlets of Baralla
The municipality of Baralla is made up of many small villages and hamlets. Each one often has a patron saint, which is a saint believed to protect the village. Here are some of them, along with their patron saints:
- Aranza (Santiago)
- Arroxo (San Juan)
- Baralla (Santa Mª Magdalena)
- Berselos (San Martín)
- Costantín (Santa María)
- Covas (Santiago)
- Ferreiros (San Pedro)
- Francos (San Salvador)
- Guimarei (San Tomé)
- Laxes (San Pedro)
- Lebruxo (San Tomé)
- Lexo (San Juan)
- Pacios (Santa María)
- Pedrafita de Camporredondo (San Juan)
- Penarrubia (Santa María)
- Piñeira (San Salvador)
- Pol (Santa María)
- Pousada (Santiago)
- Recesende (San Cirilo)
- Riba de Neira (Santalla)
- San Martín de Neira de Rei (San Pedro)
- San Miguel de Neira de Rei (San Miguel)
- San Esteban (San Esteban)
- Sixirei (San Pedro)
- Sobrado do Picato (Santa Cruz)
- Teixeira (San Pedro)
- Vale (San Jorge)
- Vilachambre (Santa Marina)
- Villarpunteiro (Santa María)
- Villartelín (Santa Eufemia)
See also
In Spanish: Baralla para niños
