In 2021, an intervention was carried out in the San Xoán Vello cave (GA27066032), located on a cliff in the municipality of Viveiro (Galicia, Spain), coordinated by Lab2PT researcher Rebeca Blanco-Rotea, where, until the 17th century, a parish church was located, a very interesting patrimonial site.

Two archaeological soundings were carried out in which the perimeter wall of the church was identified, whose datings take us to the 12th century, as well as a necropolis inside, where the deceased are buried with a resealed coin. Above this are located the remains of a monastery that was in operation until the 18th century. The cave preserves within it a source of “acidic-ferruginous sulphated water,” unique in Galicia and with medicinal properties according to some authors. An earlier occupation linked to mining, possibly of iron, was also found, which could be related to the hill fort located near the cave.

 

In this lecture, Rebeca Blanco-Rotea and Francisco Alonso Toucido will report on the results of the intervention and subsequent investigations.

 

Participants: Rebeca Blanco-Rotea (Lab2PT/IN2PAST), Francisco Alonso Toucida (University of Vigo, Tempos Arqueólogos)

Promoting institutions: Concello de Viveiro (Galicia)