Ribeira Sacra Vacation Rentals

The Ribeira Sacra, Romanesque art, landscape experiences and hill walking
Ribeira Sacra means the holy river side; this name is due to the mainly Romanesque monasteries and churches spread in a considerable number all over the area. The Ribeira Sacra extends from the north of the province of Ourense and the south of the province of Lugo all along the banks of the rivers Sil and Miño up to Portomarín which is one of the "stations" of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Besides the outstanding architecture created by men, spectacular natural landscapes like the canyons of the rivers Sil and Miño invite also to visit the area. The climate is continental although with Atlantic influence (dry summers and humid winters). The flora is predominantly Atlantic (oaks, chestnuts) mixing with Mediterranean species such as strawberry trees, holm and cork oaks combined with lavender, heather and broom.
Things to do in the Ribeira Sacra
Becoming more and more popular amongst Spanish tourists, especially for lovers of Romanesque art, in general the area is still quite unknown and you can be sure that at any period of the year there are no crowds and you will find lovely unspoilt places which you can discover almost on your own. Whether you're after a quiet relaxing trip, a culture holiday, an outdoors adventure trip with hiking and horse riding, or only want to enjoy the local crafts and food you will like the Ribeira Sacra. The traditional markets which are held in the main towns are still very popular amongst the locals mainly for having a chat with neighbours, eating the typically prepared “pulpo á feira” and enjoying a glass of AOC Ribeira Sacra wine. History of the Ribeira Sacra The monasteries of the Ribeira Sacra date back to the 6th Century when small communities of hermits gathered together in monasteries. Some like Santo Estevo and Montederramo, knew a period of splendour and still show signs of their artistic richness. Significant is the Romanesque simplicity with some Galician Baroque retouches. During centuries the monasteries where the main centres of power, as well economic as cultural, until Mendizabal's confiscation (1834) in which the monks were expelled and the Church's properties were sold. Today the monasteries of the Ribeira Sacra are undergoing a process of restoration and since 1923 have formed part of Spain's official artistic heritage being the most important ones Santa María de Montederramo, Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, Santa María de Xunqueira de Espadañedo and the heremitage of San Pedro de Rocas in Ourense and Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño, San Vicente de Pombeiro ,Ferreira de Pantón, Diomondi, Eiré in Lugo.