García de Lira (son of García Bermúdez, in turn the result of the relationship that Count Bermudo Pérez de Traba had with Godina del Mato), is the first character with the last name Lira, of which there are new ones.

For generations this surname would not depart from the important solar house of Lira, one of the most nominated and with ramifications throughout Galicia, even reaching Chile, probably looking for better fortune after the setbacks suffered by the family as a result of the existing disagreements with Portugal in the 17th century.

The history of the house ran parallel to the controversy aroused by the two eldest sons of Diego López de Lira, "the Old Man", called Juan Francisco and Rodrigo Troncoso de Lira, who called themselves "Lords of Lira", as his successors would, indicating that the ownership of the house was divided into two parts.

Given its age, the current building is a consequence of the successive transformations and reforms undertaken at different times by its owners in order to adapt it to the needs of each moment. The Pazo de Lira has a "L" plan. It has a tower on the corner, with a square plan and a four-sided roof. An adjoining building on one side completes the set in a "U" format. The tower, with gargoyles and finished with ameas, is emblazoned with two coats of arms, and must be recognized as the oldest part of the pazo from which the attached house was born.

Next to the tower, we find a chapel also brass-plated with a gusset located on the lintel of the front door. It lacks the ceiling, although its well-carved walls remain firm. Inside, on both sides of the altar, you can read an inscription engraved on the wall, alluding to its founders.

The arms of the Troncoso and Soutomayor are represented in the Chapel. The modest entrance gate features a very eroded stone gusset, in which the Sotomayor scapes can be seen. The left shield of the tower shows the arms of the Lira, while those of the Pereira, Troncoso de Lira and Soutomayor, Castro and Correa are displayed on the right.

More information at: www.pazodelira.com