Urban “Pazos” (ancestral homes)

The term “urban pazo” refers to a house that stands out from those around it, due to the construction material used (stone) and the social category of its occupants (A Noia da memoria, Pedro García Vidal, 1990). These stately homes are examples of civil Gothic architecture, traces of one of the town’s most flourishing periods:

• Pazo do “Forno do Rato.” A Gothic house featuring the following characteristics: verticality, robustness and, at the same time, urbanistic integration thanks to its arcade and balcony crossing the street. Declared a Building a Cultural Interest (1981).
• Casa da Xouba: a Gothic house with elegant pointed arches that prolong the façade’s striking verticality. Like the one above, its façade extends above the street by means an arcade.
• Pazo Dacosta: a Gothic house that features, due to its verticality, a fort-like appearance with sturdy walls and pillars. Its arcade extends above the street, as in the case of the other houses, featuring living quarters on top.  

Casa do Rosa: also known as Casa dos Teares. Although its original appearance has been greatly modified, its ground floor still reflects its medieval style.