Few of the mediaeval fortresses of Galicia are still standing. On Costa da Morte, some have managed to challenge the passage of time and keep their structure, including the fortresses of Vimianzo, Mens (Malpica), A Penela (Cabana de Bergantiños) and Nogueira (Coristanco). The one that has best preserved its original building is Vimianzo Castle, the symbol of the Moscoso de Altamira family’s power over Costa da Morte.
This mediaeval castle sits on a hill overlooking the Vimianzo valley. It is polygonal in shape, with four turrets that coincide with the points of the compass. The keep, which is in the south, is the only one that has preserved its battlements and merlons. The entrance to the interior courtyard is through a door with an ogival arch, above which are coats of arms with the symbols of the Moscosos and Castros. The Gothic style of the building can be seen in the entrance door and the arrow slits.
The fortress was the administrative centre for the widespread district of Vimianzo, which consisted of 36 parishes and three towns: Camariñas, Vimianzo and Laxe. Its first owners were the Mariño de Lobeira family and, when they were disgraced, it fell into the hands of the Moscoso de Altamira family in the second half of the 15th century.
The original castle was ruined during the Irmandiño Revolt of 1467 and was rebuilt a few years later by order of Alonso II de Fonseca, Archbishop of Santiago, who confronted the Moscosos for control over the territory. Shortly after being granted the title, Lopo Sánchez de Moscoso, 1st Count of Altamira, attacked and took the castle, and its ownership remained in the family until 1872, when it was purchased by the Martelo family. The poet Ramón Martelo Paumán converted it into a home.
The Vimianzo Republican municipal corporation tried to expropriate the fortress, which was derelict, in order to move the town hall and other services there, an initiative that did not succeed due to the military coup of 1936. The sponsors of this project suffered serious consequences. In 1973 the A Coruña provincial government purchased the building and, after restoring it, granted the municipality of Vimianzo the right to use it. It is currently open to the public; inside, explanatory panels can be found on the history of the castle and Costa da Morte, as well as a live demonstration of the handicrafts of the area.
On the first weekend in July, the Festa do Asalto ao Castelo, Festival of the Assault on the Castle, is celebrated in this defensive building, with a recreation of the Irmandiño Revolt, musical performances and other activities. It is a very popular festival, attended by thousands of participants.
