The Germanic or Visigothic Arch of Panxón in Nigrán

is a hidden historical gem in Galicia that belongs to the remains of the ancient church of San Juan de Panxón. What stands out the most is its magnificent horseshoe arch, a rarity in the region that went unnoticed for years.

This arch, still standing, provided entrance to the presbytery of the basilica-shaped church. It is supported by two elegant columns with decorated capitals, all in Germanic style, making it one of the few works of this style found in Galicia, being considered a Cultural Heritage Site since 1964.

This discovery was so significant that instead of renovating the original church, it was decided to leave it intact and build a new one, known as The Votive Temple of the Sea.

The arch is composed of 21 voussoirs of different sizes, all perfectly balanced, and although they cannot be seen currently, the Corinthian-inspired columns are supported on bases that likely have similar, but inverted, capitals.

Other treasures were also found at the site, such as a decorated sarcophagus lid, transporting us to the Suebi period. The original bases of the Germanic temple were also discovered, which have a plan in the shape of a Greek cross.

In the 1980s, during the consolidation of the arch, a small excavation was carried out revealing the original foundations of the Germanic temple. These foundations showed a typical Greek cross arrangement. Later, in the 17th century, the church was renovated on these bases, partly preserving its original structure. This configuration remained until the 20th century, when the church disappeared.