{"id":3482,"date":"2021-04-12T12:53:37","date_gmt":"2021-04-12T10:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.galiciaoriginal.com\/?p=3482"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:18:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T13:18:38","slug":"ribeira-sacra-el-secreto-de-los-monjes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/galiciaoriginal.com\/en\/ribeira-sacra-the-secret-of-the-monks\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret Spain: Ribeira Sacra, the secret of the monks."},"content":{"rendered":"

A deep gorge cuts through the land. At the top, Romanesque monasteries overlook the horizon, and a handful of viewpoints offer magnificent landscapes. Below, oaks, chestnuts, and vineyards cover the steep slopes. Everything in the Ribeira Sacra<\/b> invites you to breathe, to relax, to feel alive. Allow me to show you why the Ribeira Sacra is a candidate for World Heritage status, and a perfect destination to escape from the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to get there
\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Ribeira Sacra means the sacred banks of the river. In fact, the magic of this land revolves around 2 great rivers: the Mi\u00f1o and the Sil<\/p>\n

The Sil River carves granite walls up to 600 meters high in some areas over its last 35 km. Then, it joins the Mi\u00f1o River near Os Peres. The natural force of the Sil is softened by some dams, which allow for pleasant boat rides, a wonderful way to explore the canyon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One complete route<\/strong> in the region should include: monasteries, viewpoints and nature, vineyards, traditional villages, and local cuisine.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

By how many days<\/strong> ? Consider at least 5.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Monasteries<\/h2>\n

The area is considered the largest concentration of rural Romanesque architecture in all of Europe, with 85 Romanesque monasteries, 18 of which are open to visitors. <\/h3>\n
\n\"Church
Image of Turismo Ribeira Sacra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why so many monasteries, and what was the purpose of building them? The fertile soils, the mystery, the tranquility and the invitation to retreat of this area attracted monastic orders from the very beginning of Christianity. In the Middle Ages, monks knew how to make use of the land and brought order to the territory. We can now follow in their footsteps, trying to find the same charm and pleasure of a serene retreat journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Santo Estevo De Ribas de Sil, Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, and San Pedro de Rocas are the most notable monasteries in the region.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Santo Estevo is located in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra<\/strong>, and was once one of the most powerful monasteries in the area: up to 9 bishops chose to spend their last days there. It preserves its baroque facade, its church, and a Romanesque apse with 3 cloisters from different periods: Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Currently<\/strong> the monastery is a luxurious hotel<\/strong> (it belongs to the prestigious Paradores chain), where you could eventually stay.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Santa Cristina De Ribas de Sil<\/strong> is one of those magical places that manage to remain in the memory of those who visit. Surrounded by a chestnut forest, the monastery, built in the late 11th century, is located on top of a bend in the Sil River.\u00a0<\/p>\n

San Pedro de Rocas<\/strong> emerges as if cast in the large stones. It was probably one of the first places where the solitary life of hermits transformed into communal life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Lookouts<\/h3>\n

At least 36 incredible lookouts can be counted in the Ribeira Sacra, distributed along the two main rivers: the Mi\u00f1o and the Sil. <\/h3>\n

\"Landscape<\/p>\n

It could take a long time<\/strong> to stop at each one, so it\u2019s a good idea to choose a few<\/strong>, especially if the visit to the area is for a short period of time. The following are my favorites:<\/p>\n