Allariz – History, Arnoia and Culture

In the Middle Ages, Allariz was a royal residence, including that of Alfonso X the Wise. The Old Town of Allariz was recognised as a historic-artistic ensemble in 1971. Visitors can stroll among historic buildings along the carefully maintained cobbled streets.

Other places include Vilaboa, Entrimo, A Mezquita, Congostro, Vilar De Barrio, Dornelas, Parderrubias and A Vilavella.

History

The archaeological and historical complex of Armea comprises the hillfort settlement, also known as the Cibdá de Armea, the Santa oven and the unfinished Basilica of the Assumption. The Cibdá de Armea is considered a Gallaeco-Roman city. Casa dos Castro Oxea, a manor house dating from the 14th century, houses the Museo da Moda de Allariz. It presents the development of the textile industry in Allariz interactively. The Museo do Coiro is located in the 18th-century tannery of the Nogueiras family. The Vicente Risco Museographic Collection contextualises the work of this author in Galicia during the first half of the 20th century. The collection also organises book presentations, music events and lectures. The Festa do Boi dates back to 1317; the traditional bull runs were resumed in 1983.

The historic sites bring together several eras: the Gallaeco-Roman Cibdá de Armea is followed by the 14th-century manor house and the 18th-century tannery.

Nature

The thematic corridor along the Arnoia runs from O Rexo to the International Garden Festival. A footpath runs along the banks of the Arnoia through Allariz. The International Garden Festival covers three hectares of nature on the banks of the Arnoia. Every spring, it renews twelve temporary garden areas as part of a landscape architecture competition. The International Garden Festival offers space for observing and strolling among the gardens. The walk along the Arnoia can be extended downstream from the Acearrica recreation area to O Briñal, a core zone of the reserve. Allariz, together with the neighbouring municipalities of A Bola, Rairiz de Veiga and Vilar de Santos, was designated a biosphere reserve under the name “Área de Allariz”. In a natural setting, Ecoespazo O Rexo displays paintings and sculptures by the Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola. A cheese dairy at Ecoespazo O Rexo produces “Queixo do Rexo”.

Festivals

The Festa da Empanada has been held on the third weekend of August on the banks of the Arnoia since 1971. The gastronomic festival focuses on empanada; the programme also includes music and sporting events. The Feira de Outono includes educational excursions into the forest, mycological exhibitions and live cooking. The Ethnographic Park includes a mill open to visitors as well as museums dedicated to flax and leather.

For a stay in Allariz, a holiday apartment can be considered as an accommodation option in personal travel planning; the choice of accommodation depends on the individual preferences of travellers and remains a personal decision.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ourense.