Soutomaior Castle

Spain, Spain

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Soutomaior Castle is a 12th-century medieval fortress in Soutomaior, Pontevedra province, Galicia, Spain, strategically positioned on Mount Viso at 119 meters above sea level near the Ría de Vigo estuary.

Originally a defensive tower built during Alfonso VII's reign, it evolved into a double-walled complex under Pedro Madruga (Pedro Álvarez de Soutomaior) in the 15th century after Irmandiño revolt destruction, featuring granite walls adapted for early firearms, a central keep, and control over Verdugo River communications amid power struggles with nobles and the Church.

Transformed into a Neo-Gothic summer palace by the Marquises of Vega de Armijo in the 19th century with added galleries and camellia gardens now Galicia's premier botanical park - it was restored by Pontevedra's Diputación since 1982 and serves as a museum highlighting its military-residential evolution.