Indiano houses

When Spain lifted its emigration restrictions, from the mid 19th until the mid 20th century, many of Ribadeo's inhabitants decided to sail to America hoping to improve their lot in life.

Due to this, it's not rare for Ribadenses to have a relative on the other side of the Atlantic.

Many of those who embarked on the American adventure ended up settling there and did not return to their hometown. Others came back with nothing to show for it, and only a lucky few came home after making their dreams of fortune come true.

Once they returned, the top priority of the Indianos (returning emigrants from the Americas) was to show off the fortune they had made abroad. 

For this purpose, they used the symbols of social status of the time: a golden watch, a large car, and, of course, a large, lofty mansion.

Nevertheless, apart from flauting, they also showed generosity towards their neighbours and financed schools, water conveyance systems, power grids, cemeteries, roads, fountains, public lighting,... A long list of structures which improved the lives of the people of Ribadeo.

The enormous heritage left by the Indianos can be seen all over Ribadeo: over 27 houses, several schools, a cemetery, a market hall, the water conveyance system, the Agricultural Farm School Pedro Murias...

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