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The 'Ribeira Sacrá' is a zone centred in the final sections of the confluence of the rivers Miño and Sil, deep inside Galicia, between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense. The area is marked by the deep depressions that the rivers have formed. These are matchless in their charm for both landscape and cultural experiences. The landscapes are characterised by very lofty slopes which top out at heights of between 500 and 900 metres. These slopes help to ‘hurry on’ the rivers of the Sil and Miño. This geology favours the existence of climatic conditions which are characterised by high temperatures in the summer and warmer temperatures in winter, add the low amount of rainfall you almost get a Mediterranean microclimate, which differs from regular oceanic climate, in the rest of Galicia receives. Here the monastic life blossomed, grouping the greatest concentration of monasteries and 'Romanesque' churches in Galicia. This started in the 6th century, with the construction of hermitages in which monks ‘retired’ from life in society to dedicate themselves to sermon and holy sacrifice. These in turn caused the construction of monasteries, in and around the 10th century. These institutions organised the religious, economic and social life of the region. Monasteries like Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño, San Vicente de Pombeiro, San Pedro de Rocas, Santa Maria de Montederramo, Xunqueira de Espadañedo. In addition there are the countless number of churches and other ecclesiastical buildings that testify to the appeal of the surroundings for retirement and contemplation. all of which can be explored when you use our house as a base.
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Local council
web sites, in Spanish or Gallego...
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Lugo ... Carballedo Portomarín Ribas de Sil |
Ourense ... Castro Caldelas Xunqueira de Espadañedo A Peroxa |
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The monks, helped by the benign climate, improved and developed the culture of the grapevine, which were introduced by the Romans. The families of the region have carried on this tradition over the centuries. The system of culture in ‘bancales’, ‘socalcos’, or ' muras' has been generating slow and progressive 'humanisation' of nature in the remodelling of the slopes. The present day vineyards have now been absolutely integrated into the landscape. Just thinking about the enormous effort made to transform the landscape all of those centuries ago makes one feel very humble.
The tranquillity, that centuries ago was it’s reason for isolation, today remains almost intact and it is one of the greater values of the Ribeira Sacrá. Today it appears to us as the heart of Galicia. |
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See the 'Ribeira Sacrá'... Stay in Casa Santo Estevo ... |
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