Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Ourense: The city of Bridges, Termas, and Carnival

Ourense is a small city in Galicia the northwest region of Spain.  While it's not well-known world-wide like some of its neighboring Galician cities, Santiago de Compostela for example, it still holds a lot of charm and plenty to boast.  Its history dates back to the Roman empire, and you can still cross the Roman bridge on your way into the city center.



The Roman Bridge
The name of the city is in itself a mystery.  Some believe it to come from Germanic origins, meaning "warm lake", which could be linked back to the presence of the natural springs, or "termas" (see below).
Another theory as to the origins of the name dates back to Latin, the original term meaning "City of Gold".  This is believed because of the large amounts of gold taken from the river around which the city is built.  For this reason, and others, the Miño River has had an essential part in the formation of the city itself.  Nowadays, the city is known for its many bridges going across the Miño.  The two most important being the Roman Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.  The Roman Bridge being famous for its history which is apparent in its name.  The Millennium Bridge boasts it's new-aged architecture.  The structure itself acts as a walk-way, giving visitors an amazing panoramic view of the city.

The Millennium Bridge
On the Walkway
View from the top 

Another aspect of the city that lends to its charm are the natural springs, called termas, which can be found in various places around the River Miño.  Some are free, while others cost anywhere from 3-5 euros per person.  Giving visitors a relaxing, and some say healing, experience dipping in the mineral water heated anywhere from 30-40 degrees Celsius (86-104 F) by natural geothermal water, the termas offer an experience unlike any other.  Bathing outside while taking in the the breathtaking landscape will relax anyone.  The most famous of the termas, As Burgas, is located just minutes from the Praza Maior in the city center.  Others require a little of a trip, some distancing up to 6km (~3miles) away, but the city does provide a small train that for the cost of 0.85 (Euros-cents) will take you there.
Free Termas
As Burgas

Beautiful Landscape

While the city has various festivals and celebrations, one of the most exciting and unique is Carnival.  Although not as grand as those in the south of Spain, Sevilla and Granada, Ourense's carnival is probably the most well-known and most celebrated in the northern regions.  Taking place in the middle of February, this also offers an ideal time to visit the termas.  Dressing up and walking along the streets provides a fun-filled and cultural experience.  For dinner, the easiest and most enjoyable option is very easily "pinchos".  Going from bar to bar or restaurant to restaurant, ordering a drink and a small portion of options ranging from Calamares to Patatas Bravas and anything in between (frog legs anyones?) will give you the option to sample a variety of different foods, and not put a huge dent in your wallet.
Streets lit up for Carnival! 
Dressed up and ready to go! 

Orejas de Carnival
Calamares, Croquetas, and Ribeiro
Sarta and Ribeiro
Montadito de Jamon, and Frog legs! 

Dancing in the stree

Live Music

























If festivals and outdoor spas aren't your thing, you can very easily still find something to admire when walking up and down the historic city center.  Ourense has enough plazas, puentes, and parques to be appealing to anyone interested in history and culture.  The Catedral, for example, located in the center of the old city, is believed to be the second oldest in Galicia, originally founded in 572 and rebuilt in the 13th century.

In short, while this city may not appear at the top of your "to visit" list when planning a trip to Spain, if you find yourself in the north, a quick trip to the city of bridges will not disappoint.


In the Cathedral- the Santo Cristo

Fuentes As Burgas

The water was REALLY hot! 






A famous saying about one of the best kept secrets of Spain: "Tres cosas hay en Ourense que no las hay en España: el Santo Cristo, El Puente, y La Burga hirviendo el agua".  ("Three things that are in Ourense that aren't in Spain: el Santo Cristo, the Bridge, and La Burga, boiling the water") 

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