Points of Interest
Discover the Ribeira Sacra and the Sil Canyon
The Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia’s most striking natural treasures, renowned for the breathtaking landscapes of the Sil canyon and its millennia-old wine-making tradition. Located very close to it, Pazo de Chaioso is the ideal starting point for exploring both its monasteries and Romanesque vineyards , as well as the beauty of its natural surroundings.
Points of interest
Here are some of our recommendations:
The Viewpoint Route: There are a whole host of viewpoints, and we’d be happy to advise you on which ones we think are particularly worth seeing.
Catamaran trip on the River Sil: A unique perspective from the river, ideal for learning about the vineyards on slopes that are in some places over 45º steep and the history of the canyon.
Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil Monastery: Its history dates back to 921 AD. Surrounded by centuries-old forests, it now houses a Parador Nacional. Guided tours and a first-class restaurant await you there.
San Pedro de Rocas Monastery: It is the oldest monastic complex in Galicia (first mentioned in 573 AD) and the only one where part of the original structure has been preserved: caves carved artificially into the rock, which served as the chapel and choir of a medieval church.
Wine tourism and regional cuisine: The Ribeira Sacra would be unthinkable without its wine (D.O. Ribeira Sacra). As guests of the Pazo, we can recommend family-run wineries where the Mencía and Godello grape varieties take centre stage.
More places worth visiting in the area:
Located right on the Ribera Sacra, Pazo Chaioso offers a strategically convenient base for exploring the Collegiate Church of Xunqueira de Ambía, the old town of Allariz (European Prize for Urban Planning) and the famous thermal baths of Ourense. All within easy reach: relaxation, history and Galician culture, whatever takes your fancy.
Paradas recomendadas en ruta
Xunqueira de Ambía and its Collegiate Church: A short distance from the Pazo, this 12th-century gem is a must-see for pilgrims and lovers of Romanesque art. Don’t miss its cloister and Baroque organ.
Allariz: A stroll through history: We recommend a walk along the Arnoia, a visit to its museums, a look at the Allariz International Garden Festival and a browse through its shops set within the traditional architecture.
Ourense: The city of water: There are not only thermal baths in Ourense; we also recommend visiting its historic centre with the cathedral and the cloister of San Francisco, amongst other sights.
Oseira Monastery: A thousand-year-old monastery: Oseira is a magical spot located in the municipality of San Cristovo de Cea, Ourense, where the history of Galicia is evident in every detail. The village is home to the Monastery of Santa María la Real, a Cistercian gem founded in 1137 that impresses with its size and architectural beauty.