In this remarkable natural and scenic setting in the parish of Mougás, we find two of the finest examples of archaeological heritage along the entire route. More specifically, there are several groups of rock art and an outstanding example of a fortified settlement from the Iron Age.
Fortified Iron Age settlement
The Castro de Cabeciña, also known as Castro Fariño, is an excellent example of a fortified settlement from the early phases of Castrexo culture (between the 9th and 4th centuries BC, that is, around 2,800 to 2,400 years ago). According to published data, it was abandoned long before the arrival of the Romans. However, there are documentary references to the existence of a medieval fortification on the same site.
It consists of two large main enclosures to the southwest, covering a habitable area of just over one hectare. Much of the settlement is protected by a system of ditches and ramparts, clearly visible from the point where we stand.Excavations carried out on the site made it possible to identify circular dwelling structures, abundant pre-Roman ceramic material and unusual metal objects, such as a socketed axe and two rings.
Groups of rock art
Next to the hillfort, on the small stretch of land in front of where we are standing, there are several groups of petroglyphs, among which the engraved rock surface shown here is particularly noteworthy. Across just over 50 square metres of rock, there is a unique concentration of carvings with abstract motifs. Especially striking are several examples of concentric semicircles, which are highly unusual in the rock art of north-western Iberia. The chronology of this type of petroglyph is not fully known, but current evidence suggests that they date back to the Bronze Age (around 4,000 years ago).