The medieval ruins of Castelo de Miravel

O Castelo de Cans, also known as Castelo de Miravel or Mirabel, is a medieval monument situated on an impressive granite hill at 358 meters of altitude, in the highest area of the parish of the same name. While information about its history is scarce, archives indicate the fortress was occupied by Paio Gómez and others before being confiscated and donated to Álvaro Fernández de Valladares. These events took place during the 14th century, after which its history is unknown.

It is possible that the fortress was destroyed during the irmandiña rebellion in the 15th century. Another possible cause for its disappearance could have been an order in 1438 to destroy all castles that were not the heads of a meiriño. Its stones were thrown into the cliff and later used for other purposes, leaving behind only a memory of the structure.

Today, the site is a characteristic medieval rock castle of which only the marks carved into the rock remain. These markings allow for the identification of where the entrance, the main tower, the defensive walls, and the alxibe were once located. Other archaeological remains, such as ceramic fragments, are of low visibility.

In local oral tradition, the place also receives the popular nickname 'O Pianista' or 'O Beethoven'. This is because, when viewed from below in the valley, the shape of the rocks can resemble the form of a man sitting in front of a large piano.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons