Church of San Miguel de Vilar

Parish: San Miguel de Vilar (San Miguel)
Location: Vilar

Parish church, built in the 18th century in baroque style. Its plan is rectangular, with a single nave and a square apse that stands out from the rest of the building. Although made of granite ashlar and masonry, it is plastered and painted white, highlighting the Baroque Compostela style bell tower.

Saint Michael the Archangel, patron of the parish, is one of the three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible, along with Gabriel and Raphael. He is regarded as a defender of the faith, protector of the Church, guide of souls, and warrior against evil. His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 29, together with Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael. He usually is depicted wearing a soldier’s armor, holding a sword or spear, trampling the devil underfoot, and sometimes carrying a scale symbolizing justice. He is the patron of police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and all who face danger.

This temple has a large parking space that also serves as a festival field where we find a cruceiro( stone cross) on a side. The base of the cruceiro is curious because it has as decoration two skulls and between them two crossed tibias that represent death.

It is an easily accessible site, as it requires only a short detour from the AC-240 road, making it easy to combine the visit with nearby destinations such as the Mince waterfall, the Choufano waterfall, or the church of Santiago de Prevediños.