Church of Santa Uxía de Fao

Parish: Fao (Santa Uxía)
Location: A Eirexe

This church dates back to the 20th century. It has a rectangular floor plan with two adjoining sections that internally form chapels. Its walls are made of plastered masonry painted white, except for the main façade, which is built of ashlar stone. Its bell gable also stands out, seemingly defying gravity, as it leans slightly forward.

Saint Eugenia is the patroness of the parish. She was one of the first Christian martyrs, lived in the 3rd century, and was of noble origin. Her life is remarkable: after converting to Christianity together with her eunuchs Proto and Hyacinth, she disguised herself as a man and took the name Eugenio. She entered a monastery where she became abbot. However, her identity was eventually discovered, and both Eugenia and her eunuchs were arrested by the Roman authorities and martyred for their faith.
In art, she is generally depicted wearing male monastic attire, symbolizing her life in hiding, and also with a palm or a sword, symbols of her martyrdom, as well as a crown representing heavenly reward. Sometimes she is shown accompanied by Proto and Hyacinth.

The parish of Fao is also crossed by the “Camiño Real” (Royal Road). It is worth noting that in the village of Soutullo stood the Town hall of Touro before it was moved to its current location.

Along with the patronal festivities of Saint Eugenia, celebrated from September 13th to 15th, another important festival is Carnival with the Xenerais do Ulla. This is one of Galicia’s traditional carnivals, recognized as a Festival of Tourist Interest, and in this parish it is usually celebrated on Carnival Tuesday. This tradition is characteristic of the natural region of the Ulla, encompassing the municipalities of Boqueixón, A Estrada, Santiago de Compostela, Silleda, Teo, Touro, Vedra, and Vila de Cruces. Although it should be noted that not all the parishes in these municipalities, some have lost the tradition of this celebration, and others do not belong to the area of influence.

Taking advantage of a visit to this parish church, one could also explore other nearby points of interest, such as the Inferniño Waterfall or the Pozo do Pego, both located along the hiking trail PR-G 93 Ribeira do Ulla Route.