Castle of Pambre (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The castle's long association with the St. James Way began in the 15th century, when the king ordered it to guard the Way. Why is this castle so special? The answer lies in the turbulent Late Middle Ages.
Castle of Pambre, interior (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The Irmandiño Revolts
Galicia is home to several medieval castles and fortresses. In the 15th century, medieval Europe's largest uprising took place in Galicia: the Irmandiño Revolts. These events took place between 1467 and 1469, and saw the population rebelling against the nobility.
Views from the Castle of Pambre (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
Several irmandades (similar to an urban militia) were formed, and attacked Galicia's towers and fortresses. Their attacks were successful, with many of the buildings razed to the ground.
Castro Caldelas Castle (1336)Original Source: Wikimedia Commons
Most of the castles were rebuilt in subsequent years, such as those at Soutomaior, Nogueirosa, and Castro Caldelas, shown in the picture.
Possible reconstruction of the castle of Rocha Forte (2014)Original Source: rochaforte.santiagodecompostela.gal
Others were left in ruins, such as the castle of Rocha Forte in Compostela, owned by the Archbishops of Santiago.
Current state of the castle of Rocha ForteOriginal Source: Consello da Cultura Galega
This castle, which was in use between 1240 and 1467, was possibly Galicia's largest fortress. It was completely demolished by the Compostelan rebels during the second of the Irmandiño revolts.
Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
Did they really succeed in destroying all the castles? No. One managed to resist the attacks, gaining its reputation as an impenetrable fortress: the Castle of Pambre.
Castle of Pambre, interior (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The Castle of Pambre
This castle, near Palas de Rei, is considered to be Galicia's best example of medieval architecture. It was built by Gonzalo Ozores de Ulloa in around 1375.
Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
It has a square footprint and is surrounded by a large wall that sits unevenly on the rocky landscape.
Pambre Castle Tribute Tower (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The main structure in a castle is its keep. The keep in the Castle of Pambre is a square-shaped tower flanked by four more towers, which are also square.
Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The site's other buildings include an horréo (a type of raised Galician granary), used as a grain store, and a 12th-century chapel.
Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
The castle is strategically located in the center of Galicia. Its view over Palas de Rei meant that it could be used to guard the French Way.
Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
In 1478, Ferdinand II of Aragon decreed that pilgrims in Galicia must be protected. The castle took on the role of protector of the Way, as well as acting as toll collector to control the movement of people and goods.
Visitors at Pambre Castle (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
This link between the castle and the St. James Way still exists today, with many pilgrims taking advantage of its proximity to the St. James Way to stop off for a visit.
Castle of Pambre, interior (1375)Regional Government of Galicia
Restored by the Autonomous Government of Galicia, and over 600 years after it was built, it remains as strong and unyielding as ever; the epitome of medieval defensive architecture.
