What to do, what to see

ALLARIZ ON FOOT

EXPLORING THE HISTORIC CENTRE

   Allariz is famous for its impressive medieval old town which has been cleaned and restored. Most of the streets are cobbled, there are remains of the old city walls, old houses with traditional Galician galleries, five churches and a massive 13th-century monastery which has one of the biggest baroque cloisters in Spain though entrance is only permitted to the church and the museum. You can leave the centre by crossing the river Arnoia on a beautiful Romanesque bridge.

MUSEUMS

Allariz has 7 museums but the problem is that, as yet, there are no explanations in English. The 3 mentioned below are pretty much self explanatory. In Winter the museums are only open at the weekend. During the main season which runs between 7 of July and 30 September they open every day except Monday.  The entry ticket costs  1€.

MUSEUM GALEGO DO XOGUETE – THE TOY MUSEUM.

This is a collection that will transport anyone over the age of 50 back to a childhood without computers and for many no television. A delightful collection largely donated by Alberto Oro, a sports doctor by profession but a mad mixed media artist at heart.

THE LEATHER TANNERY MUSEUM

  A beautifully restored tannery that showcases how leather was produced in the days when it was a major industry in the area. Built on the banks of the River Arnoi so that the water could be used for the dyeing and tanning of the skins and to drive the machinery. As well as the exhibits you can visit Ernesto,a real live leather craftsman, who has a workshop upstairs. Also in the building is the rather good Maison de Portovello restaurant – the balcony jutting out over the river is perfect for those lazy summer lunches.

DO MUIÑO BURATO – THE FLOUR MILL

This small restored water mill was not just a place to make flour but also a hotbed of gossip and a real social centre as the farmers often had to wait for hours for their grain to be ground. All night dance parties were not unknown nor subsequent marriages. Mr Gumersindo  is the keeper of the mill and the guide. A retired miller himself he is friendly and full of stories and can be persuaded to open the sluice gates to get the machinery working once again. Say hello to Ferdy as you walk in – he is the donkey by the door.

GARDENS AND RIVER

    THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF GARDENS OF ALLARIZ

Stretching along the bank of the river Arnoia the Exhibition Garden is open every year from the second week of May to the end of October. Various garden designers work to a theme (in 2011 it was Fashion and in 2012 it is Water) and there is a prize for the best garden as voted for by the visitors. 2012 sees the return of the winning garden of 2011 and there are 12 other gardens from designers from all over Europe. The gardens are open Monday to Friday from 17.30 to 21.30 and on Saturday and Sunday 11.00-14.00 and 17.00 to 22.00. The cost of entry is 2€

LA ALAMEDA

  For decades this has been the meeting place of the people of Allariz (Alaricanos), a lush and cool garden that stretches  from the new bridge to the Roman bridge and which has been called by some (Alaricanos, of course) the most beautiful kilometre in Galicia. Admission is free, no dogs or bikes allowed.

O CASTELO – THE CASTLE

  The history of Allariz dates back to when an iron-age settlement was built on the top of the hill that rises above the village. To this day it provides the best views over the village and the Arnoia valley.  Head for the church of San Estevan (St Stephen) in the historical centre and then follow the path up past the Cultural Centre. The walk is not difficult and the views well worth the effort.

SWIMMING, BOATING AND SUNBATHING

All this and more can be done on the river Arnoia without leaving the village area. You have several river beaches, an outdoor pool in the park by the river  and there are rowing boats and kayaks for hire

WALKS

Allariz and the neighbouring areas of Rairiz de Veiga, Vilar de Santos y A Bola have been declared an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so there are many places of great natural beauty within reach of the village. Quiet, peaceful walks that don’t involve great effort are an easy option and we have two to recommend.

O BRIÑAL:

From the tourist office side of the new bridge head down to the leather museum and join the river path as it runs behind the new Exhibition Gardens. The path winds it way under trees and past farm land. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to O Brinal where there are two restored mills which are now used as rentable accommodation. The river is safe for swimming at this point. You can continue on the path by the river or follow the fork up into the hills if you want more exercise.

   VALVERDE AND A PADELA FOREST

This walk is much longer and follows the river Arnoia upstream. You need to keep the river on your right at all times. Starting from the tourist office you walk around the park and cross over the old bridge before joining the river side path. You leave the village and enter into farmland passing abandoned water mills as you go. The path takes you under the main road and for a100 metres or so follows a small road before becoming a track again but the river is always close by and in sight. At the point where the river passes under the motorway turn right over the abandoned bridge and walk along the path that runs beneath the motorway high above – quite a strange sensation. Just as you arrive at the road that runs from Allariz to Xunquiera turn left along the grassy track that heads up the hill and this brings you into the small village of Valverde. Here is the start of the Padela, one of Galicia’s oldest forests full of Oak and Chestnut trees. There are numerous paths in the forest with perhaps the easiest heading to Requeixo village with a sheep cheese farm you can visit. Return along the river or along the road. 

LESS THAN 30 MINUTES FROM ALLARIZ BY CAR

SANTA MARIÑA (10 min from Allariz)

Santa Marina is a truly magical place and one you shouldn’t miss. The village itself is well preserved and has an impressive church with views out over the countryside. A short walk through the forest leads to the remains of a Neolithic settlement and the ruins of a church dating from Roman times; a church with a fascinating legend attached.

SAN CIBRAO (30 min from Allariz)

An ancient and mysterious church, stone circles and dolmens and one of the best views in the area it is well worth while making the trip to the top of the nearby mountain to visit San Cibrao. The last kilometre is on a very rough and ready dirt track so be prepared to walk this section if your car is not a 4 wheel drive.

VILAR DE SANTOS  (15 min. from Allariz)

This village is found in the Limia valley over the hill from Allariz. Situated in an area of lakes and streams, great for bird watching and nice and flat for cycling, the village itself has one of the best ethnographic museums of the province. It records the life and times of the area before the great lake here was drained, has a recreation of a traditional shop of that time and an area explaining how linen is made.

OURENSE (20 min from Allariz)

Ourense is the largest town of the area with a cathedral, museums, theatre and a wide range of cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. Our favourite activity in Ourense though is a visit to the hot pools, a great way to end the day. The natural hot water pools have been known since Roman times and there are a variety of places where you can try them out. The one closest to the centre is Chavasqueira, a Japanese inspired creation. There is an admission charge here.

The pools at Outariz have recently opened and are currently free and, of course, a little more crowded.