From Castle to Camellias

Here we're back in Spain, but only briefly. Today we visit Galacia, an autonomous region of Spain, which sits on top of Portugal (as shown here in an image from Encyclopedia Britannica.)

Vigo, a city steeped in seafaring tradition, welcomed us with its imposing presence and breathtaking landscapes. Our tour began with a drive along the city's characteristic slopes, winding from the sea through the urban center. As we navigated between modernity and tradition, we passed alongside mountain shores and observed mussel beds, as well as ancient granaries dotting the landscape. Unsurprisingly, the locals have a penchant for seafood, especially oysters. We learned that the old granaries, raised on pillars to protect harvests from rodents, are now protected by law from removal or destruction. The journey to our destination was not only scenic and relaxing but also informative.

Our itinerary included visits to two famous gardens: those of Soutomaior Castle and Quiñones de León.
Soutomaior Castle is not only a historic fortress but also home to remarkable gardens that span 25 hectares. The gardens are recognized as one of the most important botanical parks in Galicia and have been designated as an "International Camellia Garden of Excellence" by the International Camellia Society. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has undergone various transformations over the years, blending medieval and 19th-century Neo-Gothic architectural styles. Like excited schoolchildren on a field trip, we explored every nook and cranny of the castle, from its drawbridge to its staircases. The arduous climb up the steep stone stairs was well worth the effort, as I was greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the valley from atop the parapet walls.

The gardens surrounding the castle feature a rich variety of flora, including over 400 camellia specimens, some of which bloom from October to May, so unfortunately we missed the season of their colorful presence. The landscape is adorned with unique trees, such as these which are recognized in the Galician catalog of remarkable trees:

• Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana): This impressive tree is the largest of its kind in Galicia, standing at about 25 meters tall. It is notable for its unique morphology and rarity in the region.
• Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica): One remarkable specimen in the garden is approximately 30 meters high, distinguished by its hollow trunk base and seasonal color changes in its foliage.
• California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens): The gardens also feature several redwoods, with one particularly notable specimen reaching 41 meters in height, making it the largest California redwood in Galicia.
• Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani): This tree thrives alongside other species, contributing to the garden's rich biodiversity.
• Eucalyptus: Known for their tall stature and aromatic leaves, eucalyptus trees are also part of the garden's landscape.
• Norway Spruce (Picea abies): This conifer adds to the variety of evergreen species present in the gardens.
• Magnolias: These trees are noted for their large, fragrant flowers and contribute to the garden's aesthetic appeal.

Alongside the awe-inspiring trees stood an array of flowers, dazzling in their brilliant colors and impressive sizes.

Our second stop was the historic Quiñones de León gardens. This botanical treasure trove boasts an impressive array of ornamental and exotic plants, many of which have thrived here for centuries. The meticulously designed space is made up of distinct areas, both French and English gardens, each with its own character, as well as an impressive, former Noble's manor house.

While many of our excursions have centered on savoring regional cuisines, this journey through Vigo offered a feast for different senses. On a perfect summer day, we explored two magnificent gardens set within historic estates, "tasting" the majesty of Vigo through its horticultural splendor rather than its gastronomy [although the oysters and mussels were tempting!].