Galicia

What to see in Monforte de Lemos, the capital of the Ribeira Sacra

In the province of Lugo, and an excellent starting point to visit the Ribeira Sacra, we find the town of Monforte de Lemos, a city where we can visit important monuments.

The surroundings of Monforte de Lemos are also enviable, since among vineyards, rivers, Romanesque churches and unforgettable landscapes you can enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of Spain. The Sil Canyon is undoubtedly its main point of interest.

Here we are going to make a summary of the best things to see in Monforte de Lemos and what to enjoy in this city of Lugo.

What to see in Monforte de Lemos

Monumental Ensemble of San Vicente del Pino

Galicia - Monforte de Lemos - ParadorThis is how the complex formed by the Torre del Homenaje, the Benedictine Monastery and the Palacio Condal that crown the city of Monforte de Lemos and from where we have an extraordinary view of the city is officially known. Here is also the Parador de Turismo.

The Torre del Homenaje is visible from many kilometers around Monforte and is one of its hallmarks. With its 30 meters high, it is a great viewpoint to go up and enjoy.

The Count’s Palace, built in the 16th century although it had to be rebuilt later after a fire, is the residence of the Counts of Lemos and is currently part of the Parador next to the Benedictine Monastery of San Vicente del Pino, a building whose cloister we can highlight and its façade, as well as its church.

Old Town of Monforte de Lemos

Galicia - Monforte de Lemos - Spain SquareIf you start your walk from the highest part, that is, from the Parador, you will visit the Old Town, a very well preserved Jewish quarter where the Jews lived mixed with the rest of the population, unlike other Jewish quarters in Spain.

In the Jewish quarter of Monforte de Lemos is the commercial heart of the city, which you should walk through if you want to do some shopping. The nerve center is the Plaza de España, from where the main streets start.

As far as monuments are concerned, you should not miss the remains of the old wall, with the Puerta de la Alcazaba and the Porta Nova, the old prison or the different houses of illustrious Jews who lived in the city.

The Old Bridge and the River Cabe

Galicia - Monforte de Lemos - Old BridgeThe River Cabe is the river that runs through Monforte de Lemos and we have several bridges over it. The most monumental of all is the Old Bridge, of Roman origin although it was rebuilt in the 16th century.

Crossing the Old Bridge is a must to admire it up close and surprise yourself with the ducks and other birds in the river. It is not pedestrianized so the sidewalks are narrow but it is a very interesting experience. On the other side of the bridge if you walk from the commercial area and the old town you will find the Museo de Arte Sacro de las Madres Clarisas.

We recommend continuing to walk along the river towards the beautiful Parque dos Condes, next to which there is a large car park and the most impressive monument in Monforte de Lemos.

The College of Our Lady of Antigua

Galicia - Monforte de LemosThat impressive monument is the Colegio de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, so spectacular that many know it as El Escorial de Galicia.

It is a huge building from the 16th century, symmetrical with a beautiful church in the center, which today houses the Colegio de los Padres Escolapios and inside which we can visit a splendid art collection that you should not miss with paintings by El Greco.

From the church we must highlight the altarpiece and from the school its monumental staircase with granite steps that surprise you.

You can find more information about what to see in Monforte de Lemos on its official tourism page.

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