Monterrei: Acropolis, Wine and Nature

Culture

The Acropolis of Monterrei crowns the medieval settlement and preserves parts of its original round towers and defensive wall.

The fortress has a triple defensive wall. The keep is approximately 22.5 metres high and has walls up to 3.5 metres thick.

The Pazo de los Condes of Monterrei was built between the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century; the Tower of the Ladies of Monterrei dates from the 14th century.

Inside Monterrei Castle was a hospital, of which only the portal remains; it was founded by D. Gaspar de Zúñiga.

The Missale Auriense, created in Monterrei Castle in 1494, is considered one of the first Galician incunabula.

The Church of Santa María de Gracia in Monterrei belongs to a Romanesque style that transitions into Gothic at the end of the 13th century.

Its interior forms part of the visitable Acropolis complex of Monterrei.

Nearby is Santa María de Mixós, a pre-Romanesque basilica from the 10th century that has been protected under the status of Bien de Interés Cultural since 1931.

Santa María de Mixós also contains two Roman altars and paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Wine

The Monterrei designation of origin comprises the two sub-areas of Val de Monterrei and Ladeira de Monterrei; the parish of Monterrei belongs to the Val de Monterrei sub-area.

Wine tourism in Monterrei includes insights into the production process and walks through historic vineyards.

Monterrei wines are tasted at wineries.

Nature

33.78 hectares of the protected Río Támega area lie within the parish of Monterrei.

The protected Río Támega area encompasses the municipality of Monterrei as well as habitats such as riverside forests, river floodplains and natural ponds with floating vegetation.

The elevated castle complex of Monterrei offers wide views over Verín and the Támega River.

At Monterrei Castle and in its surroundings, species such as short-toed snake eagles, stock doves, nightingales, Bonelli's warblers and magpies can be observed along the 50-kilometre Bonelli's birdwatching route, for example.

Other destinations

More destinations to discover: Maside, Astureses, A Reza, Valdín, Seixalbo, Viana Do Bolo, Vilamartín de Valdeorras, Celanova.

Routes and sightseeing

Monterrei Fortress can be reached via the N-525; after crossing the bridge over the Támega River, the fortress is accessible via Casa do Asistente and Rúa da Costa.

Guided tours of Monterrei Fortress are offered from Wednesday to Sunday.

The official Verín–Laza stage of the Camino de Santiago is considered a connecting route between Laza and Verín; near Verín, Monterrei Castle rises.

The Monterrei castle complex is connected to the Vía de la Plata branch of the Way of St. James.

To the main travel overview: Ourense.