Virxe da Barca sanctuary in Muxía

It is the most visited place in Muxía: a Baroque sanctuary set on the point, on the smooth rocks where the sea breaks. Around it are the stones of the legends of the Virgin who came in a boat and the sculpture A Ferida, which recalls the Prestige oil spill. The pilgrimage of Nosa Señora da Barca, in September, is a Festival of National Tourist Interest.

The legend and the stones

According to tradition, the Virgin arrived in Muxía in a stone boat to encourage the apostle Saint James, and the great rocks around the sanctuary are said to be the remains of that vessel. Each has its name and its belief: the pedra de Abalar, the one that rocks; the pedra dos Cadrís, the kidney stone; the pedra dos Namorados, the lovers' stone; and the pedra do Temón, the rudder stone. The Muxía council records that healing and prophetic properties are attributed to these stones.

Nearby are the fonte da Pel, where pilgrims and the sick washed before entering the sanctuary to be rid of leprosy, and the sala do Perello, some great rocks forming a small chamber.

The sanctuary

The church has been rebuilt several times, it is thought four, the last in 2015. On Christmas Day 2013 a fire destroyed the altarpiece and the roof; the outer walls, some pews and the confessionals were saved, and the side altars were recovered. The sanctuary is on Rúa Virxe da Barca, s/n. The council does not publish opening hours or Mass times; ask at the Muxía tourist office, on Praza da Pedra, or at the council, on 981 742 001.

The Barca pilgrimage brings thousands of people together every September. If you coincide with it, park far away and arrive early.

How to visit

From the harbour it is ten minutes' walk along the coast; you can also leave the car beside the sanctuary. Afterwards climb Mount Corpiño, behind it, 68 metres, along a paved path: from the top you see the town, the estuary, Cape Vilán, the beaches of Leis and O Lago, Mount Facho and the points of Cachelmo and A Buitra, and it is a good place to watch the sunset.

Do not step on wet rocks near the water: the waves rise higher than they seem, especially in heavy swell. With children, stay on the dry rocks and away from the shore.

For lunch, A Lonxa de Álvaro, in Muxía harbour, closes on Wednesdays. To sleep inland in the municipality, Casa de Trillo accepts pets. And if you continue north, Cape Vilán, in Camariñas, is the next stop.