ourense

Milenium Bridge in Ourense

Ourense provincial capital is situated firmly on the Ruta de la Plata. Stretching out on the banks of the river Mino is the city of Ourense, the capital of the only land-locked province in Galicia. It offers visitors the opportunity to visit areas with a wealth of history, there are a great many medieval monasteries and churches however one of the main attractions is the hot sulfur springs (the waters here reach astounding temperatures of around seventy degrees centigrade), which has been attracting visitors since the Roman times.

The city of Ourense, has beautiful surroundings, in the streets and small squares one will find fountains and the traditional "cruceiros" (monumental crosses) not to mention the many historical buildings on offer. The symbol of the city is the famous Roman Bridge Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) and is the focal point of the city. Like many other cities in this region, it is inundated with historical architecture; the Old City preserves major historic sites, including an exceptional Cathedral.

The cathedral is influenced by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and houses the Cathedral Museum, which contains valuable pieces of religious art. The capital's rich heritage can be discovered all along the streets which make up the Old City. The arcaded Main Square was the centre of the city's social and trading life, since it was where markets, festivals and all kinds of cultural and social events were held. Standing over the historic quarter is the clock tower attached to the Cathedral of San Martino.

Another site not to miss is the old Palacio Episcopal, with medieval ruins; it is the home to a large museum housing fascinating archaeological collections, divided into two sections: one of archaeology, which gathers a collection of objects and pieces of art from the Paleolithic period until the Middle Ages, and another of fine arts. The building was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1931.

In the surrounding area visitors will be dazzled by the choice of attractions to visit; the church of Santa Maria Madre, The church of Santa Eufemia or The convent of San Francisco which was declared to be a Historic-Artistic Monument. However an absolute must is the palace of Oca-Valladares, considered to be one of the most important in Galicia.

If possible visitors are recommended to come to Ourense and experience its inhabitants in February when it stages one of Spain's most unusual carnival celebrations called Entroido

Other Towns in the Province

Celanova - housing two major attractions the Capilla de San Miguel; this Mozarab style chapel is dedicated to San Miguel, and the Monasterio de San Rosendo; this Baroque style Monastery is located in the village square.

discover galicia

The following links will take you to the different regions:

a coruNa | lugo | ourense | pontevedra

Personal guide to galicia by martin lambert

Noia is typical of the many small towns located around the bays or "rias" of Galicia's Atlantic facing coastline...

Click here to discover more about Galicia's Noia-Muros bay