RIBADAVIA AND "EL ESPIRITU DEL PRIOR", STEP BY STEP

The journey of Otero Pedrayo begins in the “Pazo Condal” (today the tourist office) in the main square, then it heads towards the “Porta Nova” and the outer walls of the town. To lose yourself in the small side-streets, as described by Otero Pedrayo in his book “O desengano do Prioiro”, is a wonderful experience, and they will take you to the squares of the Magdalena, of García Boente and of San Juan, where you will find the churches of the Magdalena, Santiago and San Juan. Of particular interest is the “Pazo de los Baamonde” (today the Ethnological museum) and the House of the Inquisition. Some of the best examples of Galician gothic-style architecture can be found in the Church of Santo Domingo and the convent attached, dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Ribeiro, the Virgin de Portal. There are also a number of viewpoints and beauty spots which over look the River Avia, including the San Francisco bridge and the Franciscan convent of San Antonio situated on the left of the River, and another which overlooks the wine-growing region of La Foz. The Avia, which begins in Avión, fertilises the earth as it makes its way down through Ribadavia and finally joins the Miño at a point close to La Foz. 

After having visited the Romanic church of Santa Maria de Oliveira (which used to belong to the monks of Oseira), and the old castle that belonged to the Counts of Ribadavia, why not enjoy a bottle of the best Ribeiro wine as Cervantes, Otero Pedrayo and Felipe II did, as well as sampling some of the delicacies Ribadavia has to offer, including “rosquillas”, almond cakes and typical Jewish pastries.