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Juan Manuel López-Chaves, Champion of Galician Heritage, Dies at 91

The founder of Amigos de los Pazos and advocate for the Camino de Santiago leaves a profound legacy in cultural preservation and restoration.

Juan Manuel López-Chaves.
Juan Manuel López-Chaves, primero por la izquierda, ante el albergue que lleva su nombre, junto a Ana Ortiz, un peregrino y Xosé Manuel Merelles, en una imagen de archivo . | | G.C.
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Overview

  • López-Chaves, born in Salamanca and a resident of Vigo since 1948, passed away on May 24, 2025, at the age of 91.
  • He founded and presided over the Asociación de Amigos de los Pazos for 32 years, championing the preservation of Galicia's historical pazos and towers.
  • Instrumental in gaining the recognition of the Camino de Santiago as a cultural itinerary by the Council of Europe in 1987, he also promoted the Camino Portugués.
  • His restoration efforts included the Casa de Arines in Vigo, now the Instituto Camoes, and other significant historical sites in the region.
  • He was honored as 'vigués distinguido' in 2003, and the pilgrim hostel in O Berbés bears his name in recognition of his contributions to the Camino de Santiago.