Pazo De Los Condes De Ximonde

Pazo de los Condes de Ximonde: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide to Santiago de Compostela’s Heritage Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Pazo de los Condes de Ximonde is a distinguished testament to Galicia’s aristocratic history and cultural legacy. Comprising both an urban palace in the heart of Santiago de Compostela and a grand rural estate near Vedra, the pazo offers visitors a unique journey through centuries of noble life, architectural splendor, and winemaking tradition. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or regional wine, the Pazo de los Condes de Ximonde is a must-visit destination in Galicia (La Penela, Auditorio Abanca, Barallobre Bodega, Wikipedia Galician).

Introduction
History and Cultural Significance
Urban and Rural Architectural Highlights
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Visitor Experiences
Relationship with Santiago de Compostela
Notable Figures and Cultural Legacy
Wine Tourism at Pazo de Ximonde
Practical Tips and Recommendations
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Resources

History and Cultural Significance

The Pazo de los Condes de Ximonde traces its origins to the 16th century, with its urban palace constructed in the 18th century as the residence of the Cisneros family, ennobled as Counts of Ximonde in 1766 by Charles II. The rural estate near Vedra, surrounded by ancient woodlands and vineyards, exemplifies the baroque manor tradition of Galicia. Both sites have played essential roles in regional political, social, and agricultural history, serving as settings for noble life, innovation, and local folklore (gl.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org).

Urban and Rural Architectural Highlights

Urban Palace (Santiago de Compostela)

Location: 23 Rúa do Preguntoiro, in Santiago’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
Features: Robust granite façade, heraldic shield with eleven quarters, ornate iron balconies (remodeled in the 19th century), and a symmetrical design integrating noble grandeur with urban density.
Adaptive Reuse: Now home to Auditorio Abanca, a prominent cultural venue blending preserved historic elements with contemporary design (Auditorio Abanca).

Rural Estate (Vedra)

Location: San Miguel de Sarandón, Vedra, approximately 10 km from Santiago de Compostela.
Estate Grounds: 12 hectares of ancient vineyards, oak and cork forests, olive and cedar groves, and a monumental stone wine press—one of Galicia’s oldest.
Manor House: Baroque façade with a family coat of arms, grand staircase, and extensive gardens featuring traditional water elements (La Penela, Barallobre Bodega).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Urban Palace (Auditorio Abanca)

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays
Tickets: €6 (adults), €4 (students/seniors), free under 12; group discounts and guided tours available
Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps and elevators
Getting There: Walking distance from Santiago Cathedral; accessible by local bus or taxi
Photography: Photography permitted except during events

Rural Estate (Pazo de Ximonde, Vedra)

Hours: Open for tours mainly from spring through early autumn; hours vary—check official website for updates
Tickets: Guided tours and tastings require advance booking; prices vary by experience and include wine tasting
Accessibility: Partial to full wheelchair access; paved paths and ramps
Getting There: 15–20 minutes by car/taxi from Santiago; limited public transport—private transfer recommended
Parking: On-site parking available

Guided Tours and Visitor Experiences

Urban Palace: Multilingual guided tours daily at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, covering history, architecture, and the transformation into a cultural venue.
Rural Estate: Guided vineyard walks, wine press and cellar visits, Albariño tastings, and seasonal events such as harvest festivals. Tours must be booked in advance (Barallobre Bodega).

Relationship with Santiago de Compostela

The Counts of Ximonde epitomized the dual rural-urban lifestyle of Galician nobility, maintaining their palace in Santiago and manor in Vedra. The urban pazo is steps from the city’s cathedral and main squares, while the rural estate’s proximity makes it an easy excursion for those exploring Santiago’s broader historical landscape (Santiago de Compostela Tourism Office).

Notable Figures and Cultural Legacy

Pedro María Cisneros de Castro y Ulloa and Jacoba Cisneros de Castro y Puga: Influential 19th-century Counts and Countess.
Perfecto Conde Fernández: Renowned University of Santiago professor and later owner.
Artistic Heritage: The pazo historically housed sculptures attributed to Maestro Mateo, now relocated but still part of its cultural lore (lavozdegalicia.es).

Wine Tourism at Pazo de Ximonde

Located in the Rías Baixas Denomination of Origin, the estate’s south-facing vineyards produce distinguished Albariño wines. The winery, Bodega Barallobre, emphasizes sustainable viticulture and offers tastings of its flagship Barallobre and Antonio El Cruel labels. The estate’s historic wine press and cellars are integral to the visitor experience (Barallobre Bodega).

Practical Tips and Recommendations

Book tours and tastings in advance, especially during harvest season (September–October).
Combine your visit to the rural estate with a tour of Santiago’s cathedral and historic squares.
Enjoy local Galician cuisine at the La Penela rural tourism complex café.
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for exploring gardens and vineyards.
Download the Audiala app for self-guided tours, exclusive content, and event updates.

Nearby Attractions

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro: Key historic sites within walking distance of the urban pazo.
River Ulla: Fishing reserve and scenic walking routes near the rural estate (Galicia Maxica).
Alameda Park: A historic urban green space close to the city pazo.
Recreational Areas: Accessible picnic spots and trails in the surrounding Vedra region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the urban and rural pazos?
A: Urban: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Rural: Seasonal, check Barallobre Bodega for updates.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, at both sites; advance booking recommended.

Q: Is the estate wheelchair accessible?
A: Urban: Fully accessible; Rural: Partial to full, with paved paths and ramps.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Urban: Online or at entrance (Auditorio Abanca); Rural: Advance booking required (Barallobre Bodega).

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, at the rural estate.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Allowed outdoors at both sites; some indoor restrictions apply.