Visit Galicia’s Ourense For Monuments and History

In the south west of Galicia, there is a landlocked province that does not receive a large number of visitors, mainly due to its geographical position, however, the Ourense province and its capital town of the same name, are well worth a look!

The characterful city of Ourense is home to an old town, which is littered with stunning buildings and a distinct charm.

Walking around the old quarter, you’ll be amazed by just how impressive some of the squares are. These amiable squares are scattered around the old town and are all of different sizes and atmospheres.

One such square is known as Xardins Bispo Cesareo. This pretty square is home to an ornate fountain and is surrounded by beautiful trees that cast dappled shadows on the ground.

The Prazo Maior cannot be missed on a walk around this interesting town. Its buildings are simply remarkable. Boasting a myriad of arches, these building are extremely decorative granite constructions, with magnificent balconies and galleries. Their brownish colour is offset by white window frames and red roofs of ceramic tiles, giving the square a feeling of brightness.

The cathedral of San Martino was built in the Middle Ages, but has a unique blend of several styles, including Gothic, Neoclassical, Renaissance and Romanesque. Its main door Portico del Paraiso, which literally means the door of paradise, is reminiscent of the fabulous door of the cathedral at Santiago.

There are plenty of other beautiful streets in Ourense to wander, many are lined with trees and enjoy a bustling, open-air bar culture.

On the town’s fringes are some well-designed urban parks, constructed with an eye for pleasant relaxation.

Ourense has an ancient bridge of Roman origin, dating back some 2,000 years. There is also a Roman Spa called La Burgas, where the water temperature can reach an incredible 70 degrees. This could possibly be the reason why the town developed on this spot, as the province can get somewhat cold in winter.