Built in the 12th century by Pedro Álvarez de Soutomaior it is one of the most important castles in Southern Galicia. Its origins can be traced back to the reign of Alfonso VII, when a military construction was built in a strategic location in the town of Soutomaior. On a hill at 119 metres above sea level at the bottom of the Ría de Vigo, the castle was near the coast but protected against the sea incursions of the Normans, the Turkish or pirates. It also controlled the communications from north to south, and dominated the valley of the Verdugo River, from its confluence with the Oitavén River to its mouth.
In the 15th century, the defensive tower was turned into a two-walled complex. At that time, the castle was closely linked to Pedro Álvarez de Sotomayor, popularly known as Pedro Madruga, who held the title of Count of Camiña, Viscount of Tui, and Mariscal of Baiona. There seems to be evidence that Cristopher Columbus and Pedro Madruga were the same person, since they had friends and rivals in common, and about one hundred places discovered in the New World were renamed with place names from As Rías Baixas.
Over history, Soutomaior was the centre of feudal power, the setting of many battles, and the summer residence of the noble families. Today, it is a historic site open to the public with a garden recognised as an International Garden of Excellence. The current magnificence of the building has been the result of several renovations and alterations.
The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.