Lubián
Lubián is a charming municipality and town in the province of Zamora, in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. It is located in Alta Sanabria, a sub-region of Sanabria, northwest of Zamora, bordering the province of Ourense and close to the Portuguese border. Its geographical location makes it one of the few bilingual municipalities in the province, where both Castilian and Galician are spoken.
Location and Access #
Lubián is located 139 kilometers from the provincial capital and is accessible via the A-52 Autovía de las Rías Bajas and the N-525 National Road. It has the conventional railway station of Lubián, and in the near future, it will be crossed by the High-Speed Railway Line between Madrid and Galicia.
The terrain of Lubián is mountainous, with the Sierra Segundera to the north and the Sierra Gamoneda to the south, separated by the Tuela River valley. The valley is accessible through the Padornelo Pass and the Canda Pass, with altitudes ranging from 1783 to 870 meters above sea level.
History #
In the Middle Ages, Lubián was integrated into the Kingdom of León, and during the Modern Age it was part of the Advance of the Kingdom of León. There is a local tradition that suggests a possible connection with the Order of the Temple, although there is no documentation to confirm this. In 1833, with the creation of modern provinces, Lubián became part of the province of Zamora.
Monuments and Places of Interest #
Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Tuiza #
Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, this sanctuary houses the Virgin of the Snows, patron saint of Alta Sanabria.
Castro de As Muradellas #
An ancient Asturian castro from the 3rd century BC, also declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It is located on a steep promontory, offering an impressive view of the Tuela River.
Church of San Mamés #
Built in late Baroque style, this church is an architectural gem that stands out in the landscape.
Traditional Architecture #
The houses of Lubián follow the typical scheme of the region, with a stable on the ground floor and living quarters on the upper floor. The walls are made of granite, with oak wood structures and tile roofs.
Cortello dos Lobos #
A peculiar enclosure built for wolf hunting, using traditional techniques from the area.
Mozárabe-Sanabrés Way #
Lubián is the last municipality of the Mozárabe-Sanabrés Way on its passage through Zamora. Here, pilgrims can find one of the “stones” sculpted by Carballo, which mark the path to Santiago de Compostela.
Discover Lubián and enjoy its rich history, stunning landscapes and traditional architecture, in the heart of Alta Sanabria.