Sheltered by the monastery, the Arrabal Quarter grew into a place where narrow streets, small squares and traditional houses with patín come into view.
This neighbourhood is one of the most attractive parts of the parish of Sta. María de Oia. Its main street, now called Vicente López, was once the compulsory route of the old road. Even today, it still preserves several buildings of interest that reflect traditional Galician architecture, especially the houses restored for hospitality use and the façade of the parish rectory.
At the beginning of the street, a plaque marks the site of the original Town Hall. Built in 1875, it now serves as the local tourist office.
Particularly noteworthy is the small Centinela Square, an ideal viewpoint over the harbour and the monastery. Its name recalls the role this place once played as a lookout against enemy attacks. The square preserves an interesting cruceiro, where the construction date, 1764, and the name of its donor can still be seen. At its base, there is a singular representation of the souls in purgatory.
From the stone balustrade of the square, at low tide, visitors can see the remains of the stone dyke that once completely closed off the cove with the help of a gate. This traditional construction, known as A Camboa, was used by the monks of the monastery as a fishing system.
