This ‘forgotten country’ is, without a doubt, remarkable in the history of Portugal and Spain, having occupied an important space in the Iberian Peninsula, even becoming, at a certain period, an independent state. It was widely used to transport goods, and even to shelter criminals, given its special legislation.
Couto Misto, or Couto Mixto (in Galician), was a microstate, a small country located north of the Larouco mountain range, in the Salas river basin, in Galicia. This location is in Ourense, Spain. It is very close to Portugal, as it borders the parishes of Padroso, Donões and Mourilhe, in Montalegre.
At a certain point in history, Couto Misto existed as a microstate independent of Portugal and Spain, reaching an extension of 27km2. For almost nine centuries, it was part of the history of both countries. History tells us that this ‘forgotten country’ existed between the 10th century and 1868.
Despite the differences that were emerging between Portugal and Spain, which meant that the countries were now united and now disunited, the inhabitants of Couto Misto lived in perfect harmony, with their own culture, Portuguese and Spanish.
According to a legend At the time, an exiled princess, pregnant, was trapped in a blizzard while crossing the mountains. The inhabitants of this town, which at the time was not yet known as Couto Misto, saved the princess from dying while she was giving birth. The princess, having been extremely grateful, decided to grant, as a reward to these citizens, their independence. Legend says that this is how the various privileges that the inhabitants of Couto Misto would benefit from began, as NCultura tells us.
The first records of Couto Misto are dated 1147. Thus, it was in the 12th century that this microstate was formed. However, its origins were even before the independence of the crown of Portugal from the Kingdom of León. The Kingdom of Portugal became independent, but that moment left the borders of jurisdiction poorly defined and this lack of clarity allowed some towns and villages in the found themselves in an ambiguous political situation.
In Couto Misto, there was a road called Caminho do Privilégio, which connected its three towns (i.e.: Rubiás, Meaus and Santiago) to Tourém. Anyone could cross this road, as authorities could not arrest or pursue anyone, even though it was known that there were those who smuggled, those who transported tobacco, salt, medicines, soap, sugar or cod. Local guards had instructions to let people move freelyand are therefore prevented from intercepting them or seizing their goods.
It was also Desirable destination for wanted criminals by the courts of Portugal and Spain, since they could not be arrested there. Once inside Couto, they enjoyed a distinct status, not being deprived of their rights and wealth.
In a political context, Couto Misto enjoyed an unusual regime. Was a republic with characteristics of democracy. The heads of families or addresses voted to elect a government. The person who held the maximum authority was a judge, who had the responsibility of choosing two people for each of the villages, the Men of Agreement. Afterwards, decisions for the government were considered and taken by residents in the public square.
The inhabitants of Couto Misto could resort to intervention from the Portuguese or Spanish authorities, although they rarely needed to do so. Delfín Brandán was the last “Judge” of Couto Misto, and there is a statue there in his honor.
Some advantages of residing in this ‘forgotten country’ were, for example, access to and carrying of weapons is legal. People could also choose their nationality, without restrictions. A person could choose to be Portuguese, Spanish, have dual nationality or even have none of them.
This reality was special, because it allowed people not to be forced to perform any military service in any of the countries. Thus, in case of war, the people of Couto Misto could live an entire life without being recruited by any army, something mandatory for the Portuguese or Spanish.
The end of Couto Misto’s ‘forgotten country’ occurred more than 150 years ago. The rules of this country were frequently disrespected, as its peculiar characteristics did not please everyone, particularly the most powerful.
In 1851, the Mixed Commission was formed, which aimed to extinguish Couto Misto, dividing its territory between the two countries. With the Treaty of Lisbon, more precisely on September 29, 1864, the lands of Couto Misto were finally given a destiny.
At the moment, This town no longer officially exists. However, in the mid-1990s, efforts were made to protect and conserve the identity of this small historic state. Some associations have already been created in order to recover certain local traditions, namely the Honorary Judge and the Men of Agreement.
Nowadays, you can try to cross what was known as the Privilege Path, which is between Rubiás and Tourém, but be careful, as when you travel this road you will no longer benefit from the same benefits as before, so must comply with the law!
Read also: Woman wins millionaire prize on scratch cards twice in two and a half months
