Noia Free Tour: Mysteries and Legends
Overview
Already in the neighborhood of A Pedrachán it is possible to see, if the tide is low, the fountain of the fairy. A popular legend tells that the river Traba forms a well with stairs in which a fairy lives and appears on the night of San Juan and that the well is extended by a tunnel under the water to go out to the Praza do Tapal.
The church of Santa Maria a Nova is the ideal place to evoke the Santa Compaña, a procession of souls in pain that sought to seize the souls of the penitents.
The Praza do Tapal was the parade ground of the disappeared Tapal Fortress and gallows in the Middle Ages. In it is the curse of the unfinished tower of the church of San Martiño, which haunts whoever tries to finish it.
We will finish our tour again in the Alameda, stopping at the Casino Building. In its rear facade we will witness a macabre event that took place in the early twentieth century. Can you imagine what could have happened?
This activity includes:
- Alameda de Noia
Our Guides
On arrival
I’ll be waiting for you in front of the town hall, a building with battlements on the Alameda de Noia, where we’ll learn about the legend surrounding the origin of our town’s name. Did you know it dates back to a story in the Bible?
In the A Pedrachán neighborhood, if the tide is out, you can see the fairy’s fountain. A popular legend tells that the Traba River forms a well with stairs where a fairy lives—one who appears on the night of San Juan—and that the well extends through an underwater tunnel to emerge at the Praza do Tapal.
The Church of Santa María a Nova is the ideal place to imagine the Santa Compaña, a procession of souls in torment who sought to take possession of the souls of penitents. Javier Sierra’s novel *El ángel perdido* is set inside this church, where the tomb of the merchant Xan de Estivadas rests, with his name carved upside down.
Praza do Tapal was once the parade ground of the now-vanished Fortaleza del Tapal and a place of execution in the Middle Ages. Here lies the curse of the unfinished tower of the Church of San Martiño, which haunts anyone who attempts to complete it.
We’ll end our tour at the Casino Building. On its rear facade, we’ll witness a macabre event that took place in the early 20th century. Can you imagine what might have happened?
Things to note
- To help us organize things better, we recommend that you arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins.
How can the tour be free?
Our concept is simple — there is no set price. Instead, you tip your guide at the end of the tour whatever amount feels right to you. Typically, guests give between $10 to €50, depending on their satisfaction and budget.
Most guides accept cash or card payments, or you can do it via our app.
Cancellation policy
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
