GALICIA Provinces - OURENSE |
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OURENSE. Ourense is
the capital city of the only Galician province that lacks a sea coast.
It has ancient origins and, in Roman times, it was an important place
due to their settlement and because it was a convenient spot for crossing
the River Mino. The Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) dates from that time,
although it has been mostly rebuilt, and continues to be a landmark
of the city. During the Middle Ages, Ourense played a decisive role,
especially during the reign of the Swabians. It was repopulated by
Alphonso III and thus a new stage of development began. The most remarkable
work of the period is the cathedral, which was begun at the end of
the 12th century. Maestros of different backgrounds and schools took
part in the construction and left a peculiar work. The Portico del
Paraiso (Portico of Paradise) is a Gothic carved work which recalls
the Portico de la Gloria (Portico of Glory) of Santiago Cathedral
and has not always been fully appreciated. The Chapel of the Holy
Christ, leading to the cathedral's transept, attracts special devotion
and forms one of the most splendid Baroque works in Galicia.
Fights in the city were rather commonplace and violent during the
late Middle Ages, in contrast to the tranquility of present-day life
in Ourense, which is only disturbed by passing events. Streets, squares
and gardens make up a pleasant site. Monuments like the Gothic church
and cloister of San Francisco and the Churches of the Trinity, Santa
Eufemia, and Santa Maria la Madre, are found scattered through the
town. The old Episcopal Palace, with mediaeval remains, holds a large
museum with notable collections of archeology. The Burgas are unique
thermal springs, whose origin has been explainep by various theories.
The waters reach a temperature around 70 degrees Centigrade. Ourense
is a thriving city today and a centre of communications and services,
with an industrial capacity which includes a Technological Park that
offers a promising future.
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