Vilamartín de Valdeorras: Churches, Covas and Wine

Nature

Vilamartín de Valdeorras lies on the River Sil. The municipality is home to O Bañadoiro, a recreational area of more than 20,000 square metres directly on the riverbank. The site includes a bathing area accessible via a footbridge leading into the riverbed. The Camino de Santiago de Invierno runs through O Bañadoiro. Another distinctive crossing over the Sil is the Pasarela de A Penouta: the pedestrian suspension bridge connects Vilamartín with the village of Penouta. At the Vilamartín end of the bridge are both O Bañadoiro and a section of the Camino de Santiago. For bathing areas, checking current opening hours is part of the usual preparation before visiting.

Culture

In the parish church of Correxais, the eye is drawn to the main altar with a cycle of paintings. The depictions show the Nativity, four virtues and four saints. The church is older than the monastery of the Discalced Trinitarians, founded in 1723. Together, the two buildings form a remarkable ensemble; the parish church is the older part. Traditional wine cellars are also located near the Capela de Penouta. They are used for producing and storing wine and therefore form concrete evidence of the local wine tradition. Religious art and wine tradition appear at different sites: the altar displays sacred subjects, while the cellars represent production and storage.

History

The archaeological site of Castro O Castelo is located in Valencia do Sil. It was inhabited in two phases: from the 1st to the 2nd century and from the 4th to the 5th century. The rural hamlet of O Robledo presents a different historic village landscape. Narrow paths run between buildings made of slate and clay, complemented by slate roofs and permanent galleries. Castro O Castelo thus preserves archaeological traces of settlement, while O Robledo is characterised by its surviving construction features. Castro O Castelo represents a settlement history spanning two periods; O Robledo preserves traditional rural architectural features.

Wine and Festivals

The “Córgomo y Florencio, poeta del vino” route leads through the streets of Córgomo and to places connected with the life and work of Florencio Delgado Gurriarán. Poems are also recited along the way. Depending on the route, it may include a private bodega or an underground Cova. It ends with a tasting of Godello and Mencía, accompanied by pinchos. Two festivals take place in Vilamartín every year, allowing visitors to discover numerous Covas. The wine tradition is expressed through wine cellars, underground spaces, a literary-themed route, a tasting and festive events. For routes featuring poetry readings, a bodega, a Cova or a tasting, current times should be checked before departure. For festivals, event dates and start times should be checked for the latest information before departure.

Other Places

Other destinations in the wider area include Vilariño, La Merca, Boborás, Sarreaus, Xunqueira De Ambía, Cenlle, Carballeda De Avia and Valdín.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Ourense.