Obstruís

Obstruís is a municipality in the province of Ourense, in the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. It occupies an area of approximately 48 square kilometres and lies at an elevation of 850 metres above sea level, situated within the highlands of the eastern Galician plateau. The town is bordered by the municipalities of Visiedo to the north, San Xusto de Río to the east, and O Codo to the west. Its geographic coordinates are 42°39′ N latitude and 7°32′ W longitude.

The origins of Obstruís date back to the early medieval period, when the area was settled by rural communities engaged in agriculture and pastoralism. The coat of arms of the municipality reflects its historical ties to the feudal lordship of the Ulúa family, with a stonework design symbolizing the region’s rugged terrain. Over the centuries, the village has retained its traditional layout, with a central square and a Romanesque church devoted to Saint Martin of Tours.

According to the national census of 2021, the population of Obstruís stands at 1,562 residents, giving a density of roughly 32 inhabitants per square kilometre. The demographic trend has shown a gradual decline over the last half‑century, largely attributed to outmigration towards larger urban centres in Galicia and Madrid.

The local economy is predominantly based on dairy farming and the production of artisanal cheese, with a small but growing sector of eco‑tourism focused on hiking and cultural heritage. Agriculture also benefits from the fertile terraced fields that cultivate wheat and barley. An annual festival held in late July celebrates the patron saint and attracts visitors from neighbouring villages, fostering community bonds and maintaining cultural traditions.

In 1969, the renowned Galician poet Xosé Manuel Pardo was born in Obstruís, a fact commemorated by a statue that overlooks the main plaza. The municipality maintains active participation in the regional association of rural communities, advocating for sustainable development and preservation of natural surroundings.