Attractions and Places To See around Orense - Top 20

Ourense's Plaza Mayor is one of the most emblematic spaces in the historic center: It's a porticoed square with a slight incline, making it unique in Galicia. The slope is used to create a very photogenic perspective. Since the Middle Ages, it has been the city's administrative and social center. Markets, public events, and neighborhood meetings were held here. Notable buildings: City Hall: a 19th-century neoclassical building with an elegant façade and balconies. Palaces and noble houses: several properties with heraldic shields and typical Galician galleries.

They are located in the historic center of Ourense, on Rúa das Burgas / Praza das Burgas, next to the Barbaña River. They are perfectly integrated into the urban environment, near the Cathedral and the Roman Bridge. Explored since Roman times, these waters were the origin of the city (Aquis Auriensis), and the remains include a 1st-century AD pool-sanctuary and votive stones dedicated to an indigenous deity. The water flows at approximately 64–68°C, with a flow rate of about 300 liters per minute. Rich in minerals such as metasilicates, fluoride, lithium, bicarbonate, and sodium, they are recommended for pruritic skin conditions and rheumatism. Recent studies support their beneficial effect on acne after washing with thermal water.

Located on the banks of the Miño River, in the Outariz area, west of Ourense, right on the city's "Thermal Promenade." Parking: The Outariz/Reza parking lot (on the opposite bank) is available, as the Muiño da Veiga parking lot is closed for renovations. Public transport: City bus line 5; the unique Thermal Train, which stops at the facility.

The Monastery of Santa María la Real de Oseira is located in the parish of Oseira (municipality of San Cristovo de Cea, Ourense), about 34 km from the city of Ourense and near the borders with Pontevedra and Lugo. Founded in 1137 by a group of hermits, it joined the Cistercian Order of Clairvaux in 1141. During the 12th and early 13th centuries, its main church was built, becoming one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Spain. In 1552, a fire devastated the complex, but the church survived and retains an elegant, understated architectural style.

The Monastery of Santa María la Real de Oseira is located in the parish of Oseira (municipality of San Cristovo de Cea, Ourense), about 34 km from the city of Ourense and near the borders with Pontevedra and Lugo. Founded in 1137 by a group of hermits, it joined the Cistercian Order of Clairvaux in 1141. During the 12th and early 13th centuries, its main church was built, becoming one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Spain. In 1552, a fire devastated the complex, but the church survived and retains an elegant, understated architectural style.

It spans the Miño River, linking the historic center of Ourense with the A Ponte neighborhood. It was built in the 1st century AD as a branch of the Via Nova (Via XVIII), connecting Bracara Augusta (Braga) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga). Only traces of the original Roman phase remain, such as rusticated stonework at the ends near the banks. It suffered damage during the Middle Ages; in 1228, under Bishop Lorenzo and with the support of Ferdinand III, it was rebuilt with pointed arches and renovated approaches. Until the 17th century, the bridge repeatedly collapsed. The final work was directed by Melchor de Velasco Agüero around 1660, establishing its current appearance.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Galicia, located in the municipality of Esgos, in the province of Ourense. This monastery stands out for being partially excavated in the rock, which gives it a unique and mysterious character. The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 6th century, although most of the structures visible today date from the 9th and 10th centuries. The monastery church is composed of three naves excavated in the rock, with a series of anthropomorphic tombs also carved in the stone. Outside, you can see a bell tower that was added in the 15th century. San Pedro de Rocas is known not only for its architecture, but also for its natural environment, surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a place of great beauty and tranquility. The monastery has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and is an important tourist and pilgrimage destination.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Galicia, located in the municipality of Esgos, in the province of Ourense. This monastery stands out for being partially excavated in the rock, which gives it a unique and mysterious character. The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 6th century, although most of the structures visible today date from the 9th and 10th centuries. The monastery church is composed of three naves excavated in the rock, with a series of anthropomorphic tombs also carved in the stone. Outside, you can see a bell tower that was added in the 15th century. San Pedro de Rocas is known not only for its architecture, but also for its natural environment, surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a place of great beauty and tranquility. The monastery has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and is an important tourist and pilgrimage destination.