An independent territory between Galicia and Portugal, but barely 26.9 square kilometers. It is said that it was one of the first democratic states in modern history, although it ended up losing its self-government in favor of Spain. Less than two hours by car from Vigois an ideal getaway to travel to the past and enjoy the present: discover Mixed Couto.
Watered by the Salas River, this small nation was free for nearly 700 years. Three small towns that together They never exceeded 1000 inhabitants They joined together to form their own state. It is estimated that Couto Mixto was born in the Late Middle Ages, and was made up of the councils of Meaus (now located in the Ourense municipality of Baltar), Santiago and Rubiás (now in Calvos de Randín). Their neighbors made their own decisions, they did not have to do military service, nor did they pay taxes to any crown. Even, It was a territory of asylumwhere no one could be arrested except for serious crimes.
The mixed ones, as they were called, They even had their own flag. All until 1864, when the Treaty of Lisbon left the territory under the mandate of the crown of Spain.
What to see in Couto Mixto today?
Couto Mixto is today part of Ourense, but it maintains a feeling of its own identity, which makes it an essential. People still live there now, which keeps the essence of the place alive. A route through its streets reveals what it was then, and It allows the visitor to feel part of that micronation.
- meaus It was the economic heart of the Couto Mixto, where businesses such as tailors, shops and the local parliament were located. It is worth visiting the place and chatting with the neighbors, to check who the mixed ones are.
- It was not an isolated nation, it had commercial relations on both sides of the border. In fact, another of the attractions is the Privileged Path, which connected with the Portuguese town of Tourem. Today you can follow the path, about 6 kilometers between vegetation and cows.
- For those who want to live the authentic mixed life, there are Rural houses in the place that offer a unique experience. Couto Mixtour It is an initiative that seeks to revive the area and establish a population. Its manager Javier migrated from Barcelona to this territory driven by his passion for Galicia. Now, it offers this same opportunity to those who want to know the area.
- This same group offers a varied sample of the local gastronomybased on local products, in the Chaves do Couto restaurant.
- Historical enclaves: there are places that those who venture to know Couto Mixto cannot miss. The old church of Santiago was the Parliament, who chose Xuíz who served as head of state. Precisely, this is one of the obligatory stops, the statue of the penultimate local governor Delfín Modesto Brandon.
More plans: from an escape room to a cross-border festival
Javier, the manager of Couto Mixtour, has tracked the knowledge index of this nation. He assures that only 0.5% of Galicians know the story, while on the other side of the border this figure rises to 15%. This driving group wants to make the area known, and that is why They also organize alternative plans so that it becomes a regular destination.
In addition to the tourist tours that can be done in the area, they propose activities such as a cross-border festival, workshops, concerts and even an escape room. “As Chaves do Couto” is the name of this outdoor test that challenges participants to decipher riddles, open doors and use all their ingenuity to find the 3 keys that will open the Couto Mixto ark. It is designed for groups of between 2 and 6 people, and has a price of 75 euros.
