Southwest Sil River Route

This route begins in the municipality of Esgos, to start off the day with a visit to the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas. At this complex you can visit the cave church, the anthropomorphic tombs carved into stone, the miraculous spring of San Bieito, and the historic living quarters used by the monks, which have now been converted into the Ribeira Sacra Interpretive Centre.

Next, you will continue along the OU-0509 the direction of Luíntra. After arriving in that small town, which is historically famous for its knife sharpeners, continue along the OU-0508 the direction of the Monastery of Santo Estevo. Just before reaching the monastery, as you are arriving at the village of Pombar, turn left following the signs to Penedos do Castro Viewpoint (Mirador de Penedos do Castro). Park in the open area and then walk for 300 metres. From this viewpoint you can see the Monastery of Santo Estevo, with the A Barxa bridge in the background, which is where the Cabe River flows into the Sil River.

Next, get back on the same highway and travel a little further to reach the Monastery of Santo Estevo. This is the largest monastery in Ribeira Sacra, and it is considered to be one of the best-preserved monastic complexes in Galicia. It is now a tourism hotel belonging to Spain’s Parador system. You can visit its church, its three cloisters, and the surrounding forest, where the historic ovens and stables are found.

Next, return to the main highway and continue in the direction of Parada de Sil. After approximately 12 kilometres you will see signs on the left indicating the A Columna Viewpoint (Mirador de A Columna). Park in the open space located about 50 metres further up the highway, then walk for 200 metres to the viewpoint on an unpaved road. You will have panoramic views over one of the meanders of the Sil River, and the final section of that river before it reaches the Santo Estevo reservoir. 

Next, continue on OU-0508 until reaching the town of Parada de Sil, then follow the signs to the Monastery of Santa Cristina (you need to book your visit in advance at https://turismo.ribeirasacra.org/es/reservas). This is one of the most outstanding jewels of Romanesque architecture in Ribeira Sacra. Located in the middle of a chestnut forest, it is positioned directly on the slopes of the Sil Canyon. 

Once you have finished your visit to Santa Cristina, stop at the village of Castro, which is about 2 kilometres away on the road back to Parada de Sil. Here you will find the Castro Viewpoint, which features two wooden walkways that extend out over the Sil Canyon. This viewpoint is also referred to by the names A Mirada Máxica and As Xariñas do Castro. You can get to the viewpoint by walking along the path next to the camping site. 

Next, return to Parada de Sil and follow the signs to take the OU-0604 in the direction of Vilariño Frío. When you reach the end of that highway, turn right onto OU-536 and travel in the direction of Ourense, until arriving in Xunqueira de Espadanedo (approximately 12 kilometres). 

To finish the day, you can enjoy a guided tour at the Monastery of Santa María de Xunqueira de Espadanedo (you need to book your visit in advance at https://turismo.ribeirasacra.org/es/reservas).

This town is only about 5 minutes away from Esgos, which is where this route began. 
 

OTHER INFORMATION OF INTEREST

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