The best walks and hikes around Orense

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.

Location: in the municipality of Pereiro de Aguiar (Ourense), on the Loña River, a tributary of the Miño. Uses: water supply, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, fishing; it is not navigable or suitable for swimming. Circular walk: approximately 4 km (3.7 km to be exact), easy difficulty, ideal for families and dogs—although they must be kept on a leash—offering shade, rest areas, and beautiful views.

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 bridge no longer exists, or only half of it remains. Crossing is therefore not possible at this point, but a little further on towards Allariz.

Very good views of the Sil River canyon

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.

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.