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In the
heart
of the
region
of
Galicia
lies
the
province
of
Ourense
that
takes
its
name
from
its
capital.
The
province
borders
Portugal
on its
south
side
and
comprises
of an
irregular
terrain
ranging
from
tall
granite
formations
through
to
vast
patches
of
pastures.
its
green
valleys
are
the
home
of the
vine
that
produces
the
province's
famous
Ribeiro
wine. |
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The
mountainous
areas
in the
province
offer
great
small
game
hunting
and
the
opportunity
for
hill
walkers.
The
rivers
Arnoya,
Mino
and
Limia
offer
trout
fishing
and
the
many
reservoirs
make
for
excellent
water
sports,
there
are 19
in all
within
the
province. |
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The
countryside
is
dotted
with
castles,
towers
and
manors
and
therapeutic
spas
can be
found
in
Carballino,
El
Barco
de
Valdeorras
and
Verin.
Monasteries
can be
seen
in
Osera
and
San
Rosendo. |
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The
capital,
Orensa
is a
centre
of
communications
and is
the
main
link
with
other
major
cities.
Orensa
is a
wealth
of
architecture
and a
vast
array
of
monuments
worth
seeing.
The
Roman
Bridge
and
Burgas
Fountain
are
just
two
examples.
The
old
part
of the
city
has a
splendid
cathedral
and
picturesque
streets,
the
modern
side
has
tall
buildings
and
wide
streets. |
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Sample
the
local
cuisine
with
your
Ribeiro
wine
such
as the
popular
trout,
shellfish,
stews
and
meat
pies. |
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The
city
of
Ourense
has a
great
deal
of
history
and
has
its
roots
firmly
seated
in the
Celtic
period.
There
are
also
several
Roman
ruins
worthy
of a
visit.
The
old
centre
of the
city
has
been
designated
of
National
importance
and
incorporates
the
splendid
cathedral.
Built
in the
second
half
of the
12th
century,
as the
Episcopal
Palace.
The
cathedral
took
nearly
four
centuries
to
finish
and it
was
almost
totally
reconstructed
in the
19th
century. |
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Visitors
to
Ourense
will
be
rewarded
with a
wealth
of
restaurants
and
whilst
here,
simply
must
try
the
famous
Ribeiro
wines.
Almost
every
backstreet
has a
popular
tavern
and
the
area
around
the
cathedral
is a
good
place
to
find a
reasonably
priced
restaurant. |
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Sights
to
look
out
for:
The
cathedral
The
Roman
bridge
over
the
River
Miño
Archaeological
Museum
(San
Francisco
quarter)
Tourist
office
located
near
Parque
San
Lázaro |
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Sporting
activities
Nearby
is the
peak
of
Manzaneda,
a
popular
ski
resort.
The
whole
province
is
also
well
known
as a
hunting
ground.
The
trout
and
game
can be
seen
on
every
menu.
The 22
dams
and
artificial
lakes
in the
province
are
also
popular
destinations
for
water
sports,
especially
rowing. |