Page 77 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

GALICIA  75

g Ourense
Ourense. Road Map B3. * 108,000.
£ @ n C/Isabel la Católica 2; 988
36 60 64. ( 7th, 17th & 26th of each
month. _ Os Maios (1–3 May), Corpus
Cristi (Jun), Os Magostos (San Martín,
11 Nov). ∑ turismodeourense.com
Ourense was built around the
thermal springs of As Burgas.
In Roman times, visitors were
also drawn by the abundance
of gold in the Miño river. The
The Puente San Clodio in the area near Ribadavia Romans built a 307-m (1,007-ft)
bridge here, now restored.
Located on Praza Maior are figures, and fragments of the old Built on the site of a Suevi
houses with characteristic town walls. The Gothic Casa de temple, the Baroque Iglesia de
arcades, a town hall with a Inquisición – an 11th-century Santa María Madre incor-
wrought-iron belfry and House of Inquisition – bears on porates 1st-century columns.
16th-century tower bearing a its façade as many as five coats The Praza Maior is lined with
sun dial, and the Baroque Pazo de of arms of families con nected 18th- and 19th-century build-
los Condes de Ribadavia. Also with the Holy Office. ings, including the town hall
preserved is the 15th-century By the road leading out of and the former bishop’s palace.
Sarmiento castle, which offers town stands the Monasterio The 12th- to 13th-century
guided visits in summer. de Santo Domingo. The Catedral de San Martín has
Important elements of the castle 14th-century monastery several entrances. The main one
complex are the 9th-century church, the best example of (the Pórtico del Paraiso) has
rock-hewn tombs whose local Gothic style, contains partially preserved poly chrome
outlines reflect those of human medieval tombs. decoration. By the high altar is
a huge 16th-century Gothic-
Ourense Renaissance reredos by Cornelis
Tips for Drivers de Holanda.
The 14th-century Convento
Tour length: Approximately San Francisco houses the
Ribadavia 75 km (47 miles). Museo Arqueolóxico
Stopping-off places: There Provincial, currently closed
are many small villages where for renovation. Meanwhile,
Miño you can eat on this route. a representative sampling
Hotels can be found in A Cañiza
of the collection is on view
and Ponteareas. The exclusive at the Sala San Francisco.
A Cañiza 19th-century Mondariz
Balneario hotel offers a variety
Cortegada of spa treatments. P Museo Arqueolóxico Provincial
Sala San Francisco, Rua Xilgaros
s/n (temporary location). Tel 988 22
0 kilometres 10 38 84. Open 9am–10pm Tue–Sat,
0 miles 5 9am–3pm Sun.
4 Melón
The Monasterio de
Santa María de Melón
once belonged to the
Cister cians. Fragments
of the chancel, cloisters
and aisles have survived
from the origi nal
12th-century building.
3 Crecente Key
Numerous Roman remains are Motorway
found here, as well as medieval Tour route
ones, such as the castle of Fornelos.
Excellent observation points can Scenic route
be found in the surrounding area. Minor road Detail of the high altar at the Catedral
de San Martín in Ourense

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