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If you are planning a trip to Galicia, and more specifically to the province of Ourense, you cannot miss Ribadavia, a charming municipality on the banks of the Avia River that will captivate you with its history and culture. Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages of the Galician community, Ribadavia stands out for its exceptionally well preserved old town, where every corner transports you to past times. Its castle and the impressive Jewish quarter are just some of the testimonies of the rich history that surrounds this place, which also holds the honor of having been the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia.
This town is not only a historical destination, but also a paradise for wine tourism lovers. Ribadavia is the birthplace of the famous O Ribeiro wine, and wineries such as Viña Costeira represent the best of its winemaking tradition.
Strolling through its oldest streets and enjoying its excellent gastronomy, surrounded by vineyards and thermal waters, is an experience not to be missed. In addition, this Christmas, Ribadavia will become the town that shines the brightest in Spain after winning the Ferrero Rocher illumination, filling its streets with light and magic for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. Read on to learn more about what to see in Ribadavia!
Among the highlights of Ribadavia, one of the most important is its fortress, also known as the Castle of the Sarmiento Gods. Built in the 15th century over an earlier structure, the castle is partially preserved, but its imposing presence still dominates the town. From the Praza Maior, where the entrance is located, you can start a fascinating visit through centuries of history, admiring the coats of arms of the noble families that inhabited it and the remains of the chapel of San Xes, which houses medieval burials.
Another must-see in Ribadavia is its Jewish Quarter, a place steeped in history and tradition. With its cobblestone streets and unique atmosphere, it will transport you to a time when the Jews played a key role in the financial management of the Kingdom of Galicia and in the wine trade. Between Porta Nova da Muralla and Praza da Magdalena, you will discover the Sephardic legacy, which you can explore at the Sephardic Museum. Undoubtedly, getting lost in this neighborhood is one of the most authentic experiences Ribadavia has to offer.
The Church of San Xoán, built in the 12th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, is a Romanesque jewel that you cannot miss in Ribadavia. It stands out for its solid stone structure, its decoration in corbels and doors, and an interior with a half-barrel vault, as well as a baroque altarpiece of San Miguel and the image of the Virgen de las Angustias. In the old rectory house is preserved an eight-pointed cross, symbol of the Order, which makes this temple a unique testimony of medieval history.
If you are looking for something different to do in Ribadavia, the Termas de Prexigueiro are the perfect place to relax. Just 5 kilometers from downtown, these open-air hot springs, surrounded by nature, offer a unique thermal circuit with five pools of hot water. Inspired by Japanese hot springs, each pool is named after a temple of the Kumano Kodo Way, adding an exotic touch to the experience.
Ribadavia is one of the areas of the region where you can find quality wineries, which bring us closer to the wine world through guided tours that include walks through their vineyards, winemaking workshops and tastings. Learning about the history of the Ribeiro Denomination of Origin, walking among beautiful vineyards and tasting some of the best wines of the area is another of the best experiences here.
To enjoy wine tourism to the fullest, we suggest a visit to the Viña Costeira winery.
For the history lovers: visit the Pazo de Toubes
If you are looking to connect with nature and discover one of the oldest wineries in O Ribeiro, we recommend the experience of the Enogastronomic Tour, which includes a tour of the centenary Pazo de Toubes, a restored winery from 1742 that holds the secrets of the first Galician wine. You will also be able to identify the different native grape varieties, learn about the winemaking processes of the estate wines and enjoy a guided tasting of three wines harmonized with bites from the chef of the Pazo de Toubes restaurant.
For lovers of good views: Visit Viña Costeira
In this experience, you will enjoy the best views of the Miño river from the viewpoint of San Cibrao. We will introduce you to the most traditional Ribeiro viticulture while you tour our vineyards to learn about the main native varieties of the area. The visit culminates with a guided tasting of two wines in our wine store, accompanied by Galician cheeses and mariñeira cookies. You can book your visit here.
For the most foodies: Food Pairing
