Today we will propose a route for one of those places where, in addition to enjoying the peacefulness and harmony that are part of its essence, we will discover spectacular landscapes and great beauty.

It is in the Ribeira Sacra (Ourense) where we find most monasteries, probably because of the incomparable environment there. The first place where we make a stop is the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, in Esgos. What is going to draw attention to us on arrival is at the same time its main feature: it is dug in natural rock (hence its name), which makes it practically unique. In addition, it is the oldest in Galicia (before 573, as it has been proven), and since 1923 has held the title of Cultural Interest.

Following our route, we now go to the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, which we have talked about and whose main peculiarity is that it combines different types of styles in its construction: Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical.

Very close to here, surrounded by centenary chestnut trees, is also the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil.

In the province of A Coruña we started the route through the Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes. Declared National Artistic Historical Monument, this medieval complex is in the middle of the North Way that goes to Santiago de Compostela. It is, along with the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, another of the oldest in Galicia. Nowadays, given its location, just 70 kilometers from Santiago, it is a point of passage for the thousands of pilgrims who each year make the Camino to see the Apostle. It also used as a hostel.

Also in A Coruña, in the heart of the Fragas do Eume we find the Monastery of Santa María de Monfero, one of the Monasteries that had more power in all Galicia.

Nearby, in the middle of a thick forest, is the Monastery of San Xoán de Caaveiro. If there is something that makes this place special, in addition to its intrinsic beauty, are the spectacular views of the valley of the Eume that offers us. Green colour is infinite there. Of course, to enjoy all of this, you have to walk up the mountain … Depending on the time of year, you can access by car to an area near the Monastery or to a more distant one, and in the latter case, the ascent must be completed on foot. It’s a hard way, yes, but it’s really worth it.

On the banks of the river Deza, in the province of Pontevedra, is the Monastery of San Lourenzo de Carboeiro. As soon as we get there, the first thing we see is its Romanesque doors which, it is said, would have been built by disciples of Master Mateo. In the main one, we can see represented the 24 elders of whom spoke the Apocalypse.

Finally, and already in the province of Lugo, we approach the Monastery of San Xulián de Samos. Like that of Sobrado dos Monxes, this monastery is a place of passage for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. As a curiosity: a little further up from this monastery is the famous Cypress Chapel which, with its more than a thousand years old, is one of the main artistic jewels of our community. In addition, the fact of being before the monastery suggests that it was relevant when deciding to build it here.

Galicia offers the opportunity to discover it with very different routes, and the one that we propose today is probably one of the most interesting at all levels, so if you have a free weekend and want to make it magical, this is your route.

The Sil’s Canyon covers the last 25 kilometers of the river before its mouth in the Miño, in the town of Os Peares. If we add to these kilometers those corresponding to the part of the river Miño, the length of these valleys reach around 50 kilometers.

It is, therefore, one of the most attractive river routes in our country. In addition, on its steep walls you can visit numerous viewpoints, monasteries and churches from where to enjoy a dreamlike view.

Although the formation of the Canyons is mainly fruit of the erosion of the waters in the granite stone throughout the centuries, the truth is that it is also aided in part by the presence of a tectonic fault that produces the depression. For all this, this place is considered Place of Community Importance.

Canyons can be visited in different ways. You can go by road, hiking in its infinite paths or sailing its waters. Perhaps it is this last mode the most magical of all, because it allows us to appreciate the spectacular reflections of the landscape in the water and also its unevenness, with slopes that become almost vertical at some point. In addition, the route by the river allows access to otherwise inaccessible places. From the boat you can also see the famous Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas do Sil, a church dating from the 12th century and whose interest lies in its Romanesque rosette and Renaissance cloister (from the 16th century). It is said that on its apse there was a tunnel entrance years ago. Tradition says that if you pass through the hollow chestnuts in the environment all the evils heal, but this is just one of the thousands of stories and legends that surround this impressive place.

Although there is much to see along the Sil canyons, the top places to go are its viewpoints, authentic natural watchtowers from which some of the most impressive landscapes of Galicia are mastered. Some of the most important are Mirador del Duque, Peña do Castelo and Balcones de Madrid. Its imposing monasteries are another of the elements not to be missed. Especially extraordinary is the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas, a magical place that will surely fall in love. Everyone should also see the vineyards cultivation system, arranged in bacanales or “terraces”, used since the Roman times that show the enormous effort of the man to take advantage to the last corner of land. Perhaps because of this, when we talk about this area we talk about “heroic viticulture”.

In the beginnings of Christianity, monks and hermits came to this area to search for the silence and the extraordinary nature of these lands and, over time, built monasteries of great importance. Hence the name of Rivoyra Sacrata (Ribeira Sacra), of which there is written evidence from the twelfth century. But in addition to monasteries, this area of ​​Galicia has a valuable heritage made up of castles, country houses, churches and bridges.

On one of the banks of the river is the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, a Benedictine monastic group dating from the sixth century and now, after its rehabilitation, used as a hotel. If there is a notable element in this monastery it is its Romanesque cloister, but also has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Perhaps for this reason he received in 1923 the recognition of Historical-Artistic Monument.

Do you need more reasons to come?