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Ancient Hillside Monastery (4*)
This stunning Parador, 28km from the town of Ourense and approximately equidistant between Santiago and Vigo, is in a former Benedictine monastery, one of the oldest in Galicia, tracing its origins to the 6th century and declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1923. The monastery buildings stand four-square on a wooded hillside, with magnificent views over the surrounding landscape, an area known as the Ribeira Sacra. The carefully restored and preserved buildings have Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements, and notable features include a monumental staircase and three cloisters, one in each style. Several of the bedrooms have fine views down to the River Sil, and the bar is situated in one of the cloisters. At the Parador's restaurant you can dine on the patio in fine weather and sample such local dishes, some of which feature fresh fish from the River Sil. One can also enjoy 21st century luxuries in these 10th century surroundings as the Parador of Santo Estevo benefits from a state of the art spa offering full facilities and treatments. There is free outdoor parking and garage parking at this Parador.
This Benedictine monastery is located in the middle of the Ribeira Sacra - an area of outstanding natural beauty where the rivers Miño and Sil meet. It is one of Galicia’s monastic centres. The existence of the Monastery has been proven in the 10th century, although its origins appear to be in the 6th and 7th centuries, and curiously it has three remarkable and distinct cloisters (Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance). The building was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument in 1923. A popular day excursion in the area is a catamaran cruise along the river in the valley, as well as extensive walking routes.
For seasonal closures at this Parador, please check here.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner: 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until midnight.
The Parador is located in Santo Estevo de Rivas de Sil, within the township of Nogueira de Ramuín in the Ribera Sacra region, 28 km from Ourense. The main access road can be reached from the A-52 'Rias Baixas' motorway (Madrid-Benavente-Vigo), which passes through Ourense. Once in Ourense, there are two options: the easiest and shortest route is to take the C-536 road towards 'Pobra de Trives' and at Km marker 7 take the road towards Luintra. A second option is to take the N-120 road towards Monforte de Lemos-Ponferrada and at Km. 550, in Penalva, take the exit towards Luintra, continuing to Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil.
Parking is free of charge and there is also garage parking available here.
Galicia, a region in the north-west of Spain, is famous for its spectacular Atlantic coastline, excellent seafood and as the destination of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. The Paradors here offer a mixture of wonderful natural settings, ocean views and cultural city breaks.
