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Parks

Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla

4.4 · 1,110 reviews
Serene and botanically diverse
Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla, Sol, 3, 15880 Vedra, A Coruña, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The estate houses one of the largest and most historically significant camellia collections in Europe.

2

The 'Fonte da Coca' fountain features a mythical serpent sculpture carved into the stone.

3

The garden contains a boxwood hedge that is reportedly over 500 years old.

4

The estate was once owned by the Inquisition and later passed to the counts of San Juan de Ribadulla.

5

The pazo's chapel is dedicated to the Virgen de los Dolores and features late Baroque architecture.

6

The olive grove on the property is a rare survivor of a 17th-century royal decree that ordered the destruction of olive trees in Galicia to protect Andalusian monopolies.

7

The garden design incorporates a complex hydraulic network of stone channels to distribute river water throughout the grounds.

Overview

Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla is a historic Galician estate renowned for its botanical collection, particularly its centuries-old camellia trees. Established in the 16th century, the estate features a formal garden layout integrated with an extensive woodland area known as 'O Agro de Norte'. The grounds contain one of the oldest and most significant olive groves in Galicia, planted in the 17th century. A massive, historic stone fountain, the 'Fonte da Coca', serves as a central structural element of the irrigation system. The property remains a private family estate that grants public access to its gardens. It is situated along the banks of the Ulla River, which influences the localized humid microclimate necessary for the garden's exotic flora. The arboretum includes rare specimen trees, some of which are centuries old, including grand magnolia and boxwood varieties.

Photo spot

The stone bridge near the historic olive grove or beside the Fonte da Coca fountain.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, as the paths can be uneven and muddy.

Respect that this is a private estate and stay strictly on marked visitor pathways.

Bring an umbrella or raincoat regardless of the forecast, as Galicia is prone to rapid weather changes.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter the private residential sections of the pazo; stay within the designated garden routes.

Good to know

Closed on certain weekdays; check the official website for current operational days prior to arrival.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume and do not touch or pick the plants or flowers.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late winter to early spring for the blooming season of the camellias.
Address
Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla, Sol, 3, 15880 Vedra, A Coruña, Spain
42.772, -8.426
Get directions
Details
Botanical highlightsAncient camellias and 17th-century olive grove
Garden featuresHistoric hydraulic stone irrigation system

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late winter to early spring for the blooming season of the camellias..

The stone bridge near the historic olive grove or beside the Fonte da Coca fountain.

Close by you'll find Pazo de Oca, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Pico Sacro.