SESTAIO (San Miguel)

It already appears in the Tumbo de Toxos Outos (large parchment books kept by religious institutions or other communities in their archives to record their possessions and privileges), cited as Cistau in 1158, including the dedication to San Miguel (along with mentions of Pando — located in the parish of Torea — Serres and San Pietro de Muros).

In the "Geographic-Statistical-Historical Dictionary of Spain" by Pascual Madoz (1845–1850), the parish of San Miguel de Sestaio is referenced under the form Sestayo. The dictionary states that the parish has uneven terrain and mentions the quality of the cultivated land, which is irrigated by a small river that flows into the ría — not named, but likely the Río Valdexería. Among agricultural products, it highlights, as in other parts of the municipality, rye, maize, linen, wheat, pulses and fruit. Cattle farming is the main form of livestock rearing, and there is hunting and fishing, especially trout and eels. No industry is noted, apart from flour mills.

In the Spanish Nomenclature of 1860 only the village head of the parish is listed; in that of 1880 the settlements of Eiroa (recording 30 inhabitants) and O lugar de Fondo (recording 56 residents) also appear.

Its church is small and dates from the 16th century, built in stone ashlar; its façade features a bell gable with two bells and a cross at the top.