Guitiriz

Guitiriz  is a municipality in the province of Lugo, in the autonomous community of Galicia, northwestern Spain. It belongs to the comarca of Terra Chá. It is known for its spa of mineral water. Prior to 1950, the town was known as Trasparga.

Etymology
The name Guitiriz is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the name Witteric; a Suebi king who ruled Gallaecia, Hispania and Septimania. According to local legends, Witteric founded Guitiriz in the 6th century.

Parishes
(also known as: "Parroquias")


 * 1) Becín
 * 2) Buriz
 * 3) Labrada
 * 4) Lagostelle
 * 5) Mariz
 * 6) As Negradas
 * 7) Parga
 * 8) Pedrafita
 * 9) Pígara
 * 10) Roca
 * 11) Trasparga
 * 12) Vilar
 * 13) Vilares de Parga

History and tourism
Though the early settlers were of Celtic origin and the Romans knew about the therapeutic properties of the thermae, it was not till the arrival of the Suebi after the collapse of the Roman Empire that this Spa Town became really popular for the first time in the 6th century. The name "Guitiriz" is derived from "Witirici", the Latin genitive of Witiricus meaning "the place owned by Witiricus" (i.e.: Witiricus the Suebi warlord).

In the 14th century the entire Terra Chá Region (including Guitiriz and its capital Villalba) ended up as part of the domains of Fernán Pérez de Andrade whose family were to become the First Counts of Villalba during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.

Amongst other remains in the area is a well conserved medieval fortification, the Castle of Parga, and a Gothic bridge.