On the banks of the Miño lies the city of Ourense, which maintains its traditional link with the river through its Roman bridge. A crossroads, the Old City preserves some of its most important monuments, among which the Cathedral stands out.
Want to discover this beautiful city? Read on and discover what to see in Ourense!
The treasures of the city of Ourense
- The Cathedral: It is considered transitional Romanesque and its floor plan corresponds to that of a pilgrimage church, such as that of Santiago de Compostela.
- Roman Bridge: It is one of the main symbols of the city and was the first to join the two banks of the Miño River. Over time, it has received various names such as Ponte Vella, Ponte Maior or simply A Ponte.
- Praza Maior and Town Hall: Ourense was founded in Roman times in the area of As Burgas; however, the city really started to develop during Mediaeval times, with its Plaza Mayor serving as a reference point as it was home to the most significant buildings. The town hall and the Pazo del Obispo, which represent the two traditional powers of the city. Today this square is still the heart of Ourense.
- Church of Santa María Madre: This church is located in the place where centuries ago the cathedral of Ourense would have been located. It's Baroque façade has nothing to envy of its Mediaeval interior, which features a Churrigueresque-style wooden altarpiece with the image of Santa María Madre at the centre. The sanctuary also boasts a monumental staircase providing access to and connecting the secluded Plaza de la Magdalena with the Plaza Mayor.
- Plaza del Trigo: In this square surrounded by arcades, a market of ceramics, silversmiths and cereals was once held. Notable features include the Casa de los Temes, now a Carmelite school.
- Cloister of San Francisco: This Romanesque-Gothic cloister belonged to an old Franciscan convent and its state of conservation is impeccable.
- Municipal Museum of Ourense: Inside Casa de Méndez Montoro, a Renaissance building dating back to the sixteenth century, is this museum, home to more than 1300 paintings and sculptures from the region.
- Praza do Ferro and Rúa de Santo Domingo: The Praza do Ferro is one of the most picturesque in the old town of Ourense. In it you will find a fountain that belonged to the Monastery of Ribas de Sil. This square opens out onto Rúa de Santo Domingo, a shopping street home to all kinds of shops, perfect for taking a stroll and picking up a souvenir.
- Millennium Bridge: The Millennium Bridge acts as a counterpoint to the Roman Bridge. Special consideration has been given to pedestrians, who have their own footbridge offering great views over the Miño River and the city of Ourense.
- As Burgas: You can't leave Ourense without visiting one of its icons. These hot springs with more than 2000 years of history have been the central axis of this city in all its historical periods. And its no surprise: Ourense is the hot springs capital of Galicia. It is home to more than 100 hot springs known for their mineral-medicinal properties, boasting a strong flow and high temperature.
What to see beyond Ourense
One of the essential places to visit in the surroundings of the province of Ourense is, without a doubt, the Ribeira Sacra. This natural area is full of small rural wonders that are well worth a visit.
Interested in getting to know these beautiful places for yourself? Hop aboard our Tourist Trains of Galicia and discover Galicia like never before!
How to get to Ourense by train?
The Alta Velocidad (high-speed) has arrived in Galicia. Thanks to Renfe, you now have more trains, better connections and shorter travel time, so you can enjoy Galician gems like Ourense.
Traveling by train between Madrid and Galicia has never been easier. Hop on board and let us take you there! Consult our routes.