The Torre da Penela, located in Penela, in the parish of Silvarredonda in Cabana de Bergantiños, is one of those historic landmarks on the Costa da Morte that still conveys the strength of centuries past. Officially protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural, this tower was once part of the old defensive network of the Bergantiños area and still preserves the commanding presence of a noble stronghold linked to lineage, power and territorial control. Rising above the uneven ground, it remains an important heritage site for understanding the medieval and early modern history of this part of Galicia.
The origin of the fortress is linked to Lope Bermúdez, connected to the powerful Altamira family through his marriage to Urraca de Moscoso. Over time, the property passed into the hands of the counts of Priegue, and the major alterations carried out during the 17th century shaped the building’s present appearance, closer to a stately residence than to a purely military fortress. This evolution makes the Torre da Penela a particularly interesting example of how defensive architecture gradually adapted to new uses and social realities.
With its square floor plan, two storeys and a basement, the tower preserves several remarkable features, including a rounded arched doorway, a battlemented terrace and a number of heraldic shields belonging to the Castro, Rioboo and Bermúdez families. Inside, part of the structure still survives, including a spiral staircase, while outside there are traces and memories of other singular elements, such as a heavily worn coat of arms and an old coffin-shaped fountain. Local legends also surround the site and even offer an explanation for the name of A Penela, adding an evocative and symbolic layer to a visit that is already rich in history.
