More than 80 people took part in a commemorative event highlighting the history, heritage and future of the monument.
The Monastery of Santa María de Oia held a commemorative event this Saturday marking the 95th anniversary of its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC – Bien de Interés Cultural), the highest level of legal heritage protection in Spain, granted by decree on 3 June 1931.
The event brought together more than 80 attendees in an open public gathering that, for the first time and thanks to an agreement with the Diocese of Tui-Vigo, allowed participants to jointly visit and explore some of the most emblematic spaces of the complex formed by the church and the monastery, strengthening the link between heritage and society.
The programme began at the Oia jetty with a welcome session and historical contextualisation of the significance of this anniversary. Participants then took part in a guided tour through the Arrabal, the Church and the Monastery, gaining a deeper understanding of the historical, artistic and cultural value of one of Galicia’s most singular heritage sites.
The event also featured a performance by Galician singer, musician and composer Su Garrido Pombo, whose artistic work—deeply rooted in memory, heritage and oral tradition—brought an emotional dimension to the celebration.
The ceremony concluded in the Plaza de Armas with an institutional act attended by Cristina Correa, Mayor of Oia; Ángel Miramontes and Anxo Lorenzo, Director General for Cultural Heritage and Director General for Culture of the Xunta de Galicia; and Xoán Martínez, Director of the Monastery and President of the Board of Trustees of the Bretal Foundation.
A historic recognition that turns 95 years old
The 1931 designation marked a key milestone in the protection of Spain’s cultural heritage. Through that decree, 789 assets were incorporated into the State’s protected heritage. Among them were four landmark sites in the Baixo Miño region: Tui Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo in Tui, the Castro of Santa Trega, and the Monastery of Oia.
In the case of the Monastery, this recognition was made possible thanks to the research, dissemination and advocacy work of Juan Rey Iglesias, parish priest of Santa María de Oia, whose efforts were decisive in securing official protection for the monument. Ninety-five years later, this commemoration serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving, studying and sharing a legacy that forms part of Galicia’s cultural identity.
VI Sustainability Report available
Coinciding with this commemoration, the Monastery of Oia published its new 2025 Sustainability Report, a document outlining the main progress of the project, actions carried out over the past year, and the challenges that will shape the next phases of restoration and enhancement of the monument.
The publication reflects the Monastery’s ongoing commitment to heritage conservation, sustainability, research, cultural dissemination and the progressive opening of the site to the public.
The VI Sustainability Report can be accessed and downloaded here:
https://www.mosteirodeoia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Memoria-de-Sostenibilidad-RMO-2025-ES.pdf
