title rectory

This can be found in the parish of S. Martiño de Barciademera. On the main entrance the date “MDCCLII” can be seen and this refers to the completion date.

The architectural interest of Pazo Abbey, apart from its location, is increased by the fact that despite its individuality it has never been studied at all.

The Rectory was commissioned by Abbot Alberto Barreiro y Bello. In 1556, it is said that the parish was the patronage and living of the Cistercian monks from the monastery of Melon. Barciademera was a stop and rest point for the transport of goods from Sta. Eugenia and Sta. Marta de Vigo, where the monks of Melon held judicial sway.

The former rulers and lawmen of Pazo enjoyed the privilege of “being covered during the sessions”.

The Barciademera Rectory is one of the most surprising and attractive buildings that can be found in the province and, for its architecture, unique in Galicia. An outstanding feature is the baroque exuberance of its façade and the austerity of the rest of the building. Above the entrance is a flattened arch pediment, split in the centre with possible Aztec influences.. The “Atlas” at the top is a Native American, a replica of the giant from Greek legend who, as penance for his defeat, was condemned by Zeus to carry the world on his shoulders. On either side there are two staggered pinnacles of superimposed boards, ending in globes and a cornice of pinecones. In the main entrance you can see withdrawn pilasters, two on either side of the central notice board, and two sun shaped circles at the ends. On the door there is a moulded frame of the jambs, with rectangles divided at the angles and a rosette in the form of a cross. In the centre a support with a floral design that resembles fleur-de-lis.

We also find projecting figures on the façade, characteristic of the renaissance and baroque periods; among the best examples are those on the main entrance arch, two crowned birds, with their beaks open as if they were speaking. Baroque styles that take themes and motifs from the plateresque perfect appearance that go to fill in the small spaces. The enormous kitchen in the parochial house is still admired. It has the original thin, cylindrical chimney; the originality of making use of the water used to drive the waterwheel, forming part of the priory building; and the structure of the stables that, apart from their size, remind us of the stables of the monasteries of Oseira, Sobrado dos Monxes, Acibeiro and S. Martín Binario.