Basic Route
Two thousand years of history can be felt in Ourense’s monumental architecture, a range of buildings that invite you to travel in time: Medieval Ourense, Renaissance Ourense, Baroque Ourense, Modernist Ourense … and even long before, the Roman and Pre-Roman city, famous for river Minho’s gold and As Burgas’ warm waters.
In order to discover it, if you have little time, we suggest a basic and comfortable route focused only on the Historic Centre, with ten essential spots that you should not miss.
As Burgas
Main Square
Archaelogical Museum – Former Bishop’s Palace
Church of Holy Mary, Mother of God
Magdalene Square
Wheat Square
Municipal Museum
St. Martin’s Cathedral
St Euphemia’s Church
Oca-Valladares Palace
The origin of Ourense is related to these ancient sources flowing at more than 60 ° C.
Centre and heart of monumental Ourense. Its sloping floor, a rarity among Spanish main squares, attracts attention.
This Historic-Artistic Monument is the most complete example of Romanesque civil architecture in the city.
Site of the original cathedral of Ourense, from which the columns of the façade remain.
This square was an old cemetery and still retains the serene and peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful in the city.
Old grain market by the Cathedral’s southern façade, surrounded by noble houses.
Central monument of Ourense, around which the Historic Centre is articulated. It is the oldest in Galicia, with towers that give it an air of strength.
Former Jesuit school with a remarkable façade, archetype of Galician Baroque. Its concave shape, used to give greater monumentality, attracts attention.
It is common that Liceo programmes concerts, exhibitions and other cultural activities. Its café, in the central patio of columns, is a traditional place for social gatherings in the city.
Extended Route
If you feel like wanting more, we propose to continue discovering the monumental Ourense through an extended route with alternatives a little more distant from the city centre but equally interesting. In several spots you will find some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Alameda Park
Trinity Church
Saints Cosmas and Damian’s Square
St Francis’ Cloister
Blacksmiths’ Square
St Dominic’s Church
Franciscans’ Church
Marcos Valcárcel Cultural Centre
Old Bridge
Natural Archaelogical Site of Santomé
Of medieval origin, this place still retains the charm of late 19th century, with beautiful examples of Modernist architecture.
The statue of St Roch welcomes this unique church, built on an ancient Roman necropolis. The pediment is originally from the old hospital devoted to the saint, already disappeared.
Known for being the site for Baltar’s nativity scene, it was during the Middle Ages one of the city gates.
A cloister without a church, the last remain of the Franciscan convent that later became military headquarters. The beautiful decoration of the arches is worth a visit.
An old market of farm tools, it is the natural entrance to “Os Viños”, the traditional area of tapas bars and taverns in Ourense.
Church belonging to a former Dominican convent founded in the 17th century. The simplicity of its facade contrasts with the altarpieces inside, made in gilded Baroque style.
Originally at St Francis’ Monastery, this small church hidden among huge modern buildings hides a bagpiper in the capitals of its façade.
This old textile store transformed into an exhibition centre is a magnificent example of Modernism in Ourense.
It was the first bridge on river Minho, an engineering milestone in antiquity. Of Roman origin but often reconstructed, the silhouette of its central arches is one of the symbols of Ourense.
A place where the past and nature meet, Santomé is a magnificent indigenous forest that hides an archaeological site where the Celtic and the Galician-Roman cultures coexisted .