Tapal Square

A fortified core stood here before the 14th-century walls. Inside it were the fortress of the Mitra and the pazo of the Churruchaos family, of which only a stretch of wall with an elegant Gothic window survives. The square’s present appearance comes from mid-20th-century works: the remains of the fortress were demolished, the square was enlarged and the façade of San Martiño gained prominence. The Gothic wayside cross brought from Ponte Nafonso was also set up at that time.

In the Middle Ages the square saw the execution of Ruy Soga de Lobeira, chief pertigueiro of Santiago Cathedral in the 14th century, and the Irmandiño revolt against Tapal castle. In the 20th century the name recalls film director Claudio Guerín, who died while shooting The Bell from Hell: supervising a scene from the top of the church, he slipped from the cornice and fell at the foot of the steps. A cross on the ground marks the spot. An old legend about the unfinished tower of San Martiño said that anyone who tried to complete it would die.

Nearby other squares grew as social — and originally perhaps commercial — meeting places: Plaza de la Constitución, Fanequeira and the Cantón.