Visit - Castelo de Soutomaior (Galicia) - Spain
Castelo de Soutomaior is part of The Route of the Camellias and a Garden of Excellence ICS. This medieval castle, in perfect condition, was acquired by EXCMA in 1982 and has since been restored. It is open to visitors, along with the gardens. With a surface area of 25 ha, it is the largest botanical garden of Camellias in Galicia. It boasts an ever-growing collection of 400 cultivars. Tea is also grown here. In addition to more recent plantings, there are 18 century-old camellias, planted near the castle in the 19th century.
We start the visit with the view from the path up to the chateau, following an avenue of camellias. The camellias planted here come from Europe, the USA and New Zealand.
After a glimpse of the château, we continue our walk towards the camellia collections. Using the garden map, they're easy to locate. The camellias are grouped in different sectors.
We now return to the château to see the century-old camellias. There are 18 of them.
This is the most remarkable camellia in the collection. We're going to get up close to see the details of its 18 trunks, which all start from its base.
Details of these 18 trunks, which form the largest circumference for a camellia in Galicia.
Above, flowers from century-old camellias. They are not named.
We'll now take a tour of the castle.
Let's return to the gardens for the end of the tour. Admire the great subjects.
Another camellia with a very deep red color.
