Vimianzo Castle construction began in the 13th century and was completed during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is in an excellent state of preservation. Its walls are surrounded by a moat over which a drawbridge is lowered. The building was constructed in a polygonal design with four towers and an arms courtyard. Its walls, almost two metres thick, withstood numerous attacks during the Irmandiñas (Brotherhoods) Wars. It was the object of fierce disputes between the Archbishop of Compostela and the Moscoso family, two of the greatest powers in Medieval Galicia.
For centuries it was the residence of the Counts of Altamira, until it was sold to the Martelo family. Finally it was passed into the hands of the A Coruña Provincial Government, which restored it and put it to public use.
In its interior we can visit a very interesting ethnographic museum, which contains examples of the craft specialities of the region, from stonework to baskets, as well as lace, ceramics, clogs and linen items, amongst others.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.