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City in southern Galicia, Spain
Photo: Victor Hermida Prada, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ourense is a city in Galicia in northwest Spain, with a population of 105,000 in 2024. It's mostly modern and industrial but has a medieval quarter around its cathedral, a stop on the Via de la Plata branch of El Camino pilgrimage trail to Santiago. Ourense is also in a geothermal area, with hot springs.
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Built from 1220 in Gothic style, with a sprinkling of later Renaissance and Baroque. Notable features are the altarpiece, Portal of Paradise, Capilla del Cristo and cloisters.
This was built from the 17th century as the church of a Jesuit monastery. The Baroque façade is concave to make it look impressive from the narrow street.
These are the closest geothermal springs to city centre, on the north riverbank. They're popular, so you may have to wait your turn for the small hot pools. Those who emerge feeling too hot and clean can cool themselves in the river.
Five pools at different temperatures. No children.
Pozas de Outariz are the upper hot springs and Burgas de Canedo the lower. From time to time some pools are temporarily closed. Bring flip-flops.
Bustling quality tapas bar.
Good seafood and other Galician fare.
Great reviews for food and wine.
Michelin one-star restaurant, great quality at a mid-range price.
Excellent Galician cuisine. Only 12 tables, so make reservations.
Clean, friendly and central.
Reliable efficient inexpensive hotel. The rooftop bar has grand city views.
Reasonable place, some find the decor gloomy.
formerly Gran Hotel San Martin
Scores highly for comfort and service, and offers value beyond its price-range.
Good location but showing its age.
By train
Trains from Madrid Chamartin run every hour or two and take 2 hr 30 min via Segovia Guiomar and Zamora. Some continue to Santiago, A Coruña and Ferrol, or to Vilagarcia, Pontevedra and Vigo Urzaiz.
By bus
Monbus runs twice a day from Madrid Moncloa, taking almost 7 hours, and continues to Vigo.
By road
From Madrid follow A-6 onto A-52, which continues west from Ourense to Vigo. From Santiago take AP-53 (toll) or N-525 (toll-free).
Most sights are in walking distance. Avanza operate some 30 local bus routes: Buses 1, 3 and 33 ply between Praza Mayor and the railway & bus stations every few minutes.
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Santiago de Compostela · International · SCQ
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