One of Galicia's most magical and important pilgrimage sanctuaries. The saying goes: "Who does not go to Santo André alive must go dead." Located on a clifftop near Cedeira, the sanctuary has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, blending Christian devotion with ancient Celtic traditions.
Galicia's most magical shrine, perched on the Capelada cliffs. The saying goes that «to San Andrés de Teixido you go dead if you didn't go alive». Tradition asks you not to kill any animal on the path — they might be souls on pilgrimage — and to take home the herba de namorar. Many pilgrims reach it on foot: there is a traditional walking route of about 50 km from Ferrol, through Narón, Valdoviño and Cedeira.
Practical info
Entry: Free (sanctuary).
Getting there: By car from Cedeira, about 25 min on a signposted road. In the village are the church, the three-spout fountain and the 'love herb'.
Parking: Free area just before the village, small: best to arrive early.
Pilgrimage: The great romería is on 8 September (mass and procession); that day is very crowded and car access gets difficult — arrive early.
Tradition: The saying goes «vai de morto quen non foi de vivo» (whoever didn't go in life goes in death). Devotion mixes with ancient beliefs.
