Ourense, Galicia 
Ourense - Overview:
The river Mino, which crosses the city of Ourense, half way through its course, has determined the current appearance of the provincial capital. Almost two thousand years ago, the Romans settled in this land, attracted by its thermal springs. The best-preserved ancient legacy of that age is 'a ponte vella' (the old bridge), which connects the banks of the Mino and which has grown to be the symbol of the city. Preserved from the original Roman bridge are some ashlar stones at the base. This major piece of civil engineering was restored in the 13th and 17th centuries, giving it its current appearance, with a pointed arch and ramps.
The capital's rich heritage can be discovered all along the streets which make up the Old City. The arcaded Main Square was the centre of the city's social and trading life, since it was here where markets, festivals and all kinds of cultural and social events were held.
Ourense (also spelled Orense) is Galicia's only land locked province and it is probably the Galician district least known and least explored by foreign tourists. Located at an altitude of 128 metres above sea level, Ourense is a paradise for history lovers as its provincial capital has a magnificent old quarter with an abundance of religious and civic monumental buildings.
Ourense - Getting there:
Ourense is situated in the south west of Galicia, approximately 110km from Santiago de Comppostela. The car journey from Santiago takes between one and a half and two hours - the first half of the journey takes in a toll road, with the rest of the journey on standard highways, thus accounting for the extended duration. A similar journey to Vigo takes about one hour. As ever, the Galician scenery helps to compensate for the rather long travelling times.
Ourense - Sight-seeing:
Ourense is a provincial capital with a lively cafe bar culture, many distinguished streets and some large and notable buildings including a cathedral. The city's relatively compact nature has many of its prime exhibits assembled together in the old quarter, within easy walking distance of one another. This area is described as the "Monumental district" on the signs within the city.
Ourense old town can easily be explored in a single day, during which time its cathedral, other prominent religious buildings, Roman spa and shopping areas can be visited. The city invites you to wander around its streets and accidentally discover its architectural treasures. The atmosphere too is very different from the big cities of A Coruna and has far more in common with Lugo or even Pontevedra.
If you venture beyond Ourense's capital city, the province offers the opportunity to visit many small towns and discover monasteries and forts that typify much of Galicia. The scenery is also impressive and the river and reservoir network add to the area's overall spectacle. But with a low population, Ourense city remains the only urbanisation of real note in this province, and it is here where the limited number of foreign tourists tend to focus their attention.
Ourense - Weather and climate:
Ourense has a very mild climate with winter temperatures rarely dropping below zero degrees and unusually hot days are not uncommon in the summer. Its climate is generally regarded as being more typical of southern Spain. It does however still benefit from Galicia's abundant rainfall to create such a lush green surrounding landscape.
Ourense - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged Galician holiday destinations in Ourense - including fabulous Spa break hotels. Our Galician holiday accommodation also includes privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools and Parador hotels; all hand picked in beautiful coastal and rural locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled Galicia and secret Northern Green Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking or climbing in Northern Green Spain's mountains and countryside; exploring Pontevedra's fascinating Galician villages, rural towns and historic cities; following the historic pilgrims routes; enjoy bird watching and nature; want to be pampered on an invigorating spa break; enjoy sightseeing on a city break; fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great Galician beaches; sampling fabulous Galician seafood; exploring the Rias Baixas (Rias Bajas) or you just want to simply escape the tourism masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Ourense and Galicia, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
