Maside: Thermal Area, Churches and Sacred Art Routes

A Rañoa is a thermal and recreational area and one of Maside’s mineral-medicinal water sites. The area adds a distinctive focus on water and relaxation to the trip. Thermal activities can serve as a peaceful part of the day alongside churches, cultural routes or a hike. This gives relaxation and active excursions their own place in the daily itinerary. In Maside, these attractions come together with sacred buildings, routes in the surrounding area, and festivals with culinary and equestrian themes. A Rañoa therefore stands alongside churches, cultural routes and festivals as an independent part of the local excursion destinations.

Culture and History

San Miguel de Armeses is an 18th-century Baroque church. San Tomé de Maside a Vella and San Pedro de Garabás date from the 13th century. Santa Comba do Trevoedo is a 14th-century church. The churches lead from medieval buildings to a Baroque house of worship and make several periods of sacred architecture visible among the local cultural attractions. Together, the three churches from the 13th and 14th centuries contrast with the later Baroque forms of San Miguel de Armeses. For church routes, current opening hours should be checked before visiting.

Sacred Routes and Nature

Santo Tomé Vello is part of a sacred art route in the area around Maside. Santa María de Louredo also belongs to a sacred art route in the area around Maside. A short route starting in Casanova or San Fiz combines hiking, archaeology and nature. Archaeological features and sections through nature give a short hike different thematic points of interest. For routes involving hiking, current route conditions should be checked before setting out. The Capela de San Mamede de Rañestres can be visited as part of a cultural route through nearby parishes in the area around Maside.

Festivals, Horses and Regional Cuisine

At the Festa do Chuletón de Garabás, visitors could enjoy beef with chips, peppers, bread and wine. The Festa do Cabalo takes place at Puzo do Lago and brings together around 300 horses and numerous equestrian sports enthusiasts. Various riding competitions and demonstrations for spectators took place as part of the event. San Vitorio is celebrated in Maside in August. At the Chuletón, the stated meal components are the main focus, while the Cabalo centres on the horses, competitions and demonstrations. The August date of San Vitorio adds another festival to these two events in the annual calendar. For events with a fixed date, the date and time are decisive for planning the day.

Geographical Location

The N-541 is Maside’s most important road and connects Ourense with Pontevedra.

Other destinations include Seixalbo, Reboredo, Albarellos, Amoeiro, Sarreaus, Casaio, Vilamartín de Valdeorras and O Irixo.

For the broader travel overview: Ourense.