Verín and its castle * All PYRENEES · France, Spain, Andorra

Verín is a town and municipality in the southeast of the province of Ourense, autonomous community of Galicia, Spain.

The town was originally a Roman villa. During the medieval period, Verín lost its dominance and Monterrey became the focal point of the territory, with life in the district revolving around its counts and lords.

It was a peaceful farming town in the Middle Ages, although often caught up in the military conflicts of the successive rulers of Monterrey, as well as border disputes between Spain and Portugal.

Together with the Portuguese city of Chaves, it forms the first and most important Eurocity declared by the urban heritage affairs committee of the vertical section of the European commissioner.

Main attractions

The castle of Monterrey (in Galician: Castelo de Monterrei) is a fortress-palace. It is located on a hill that dominates the valley of the Támega river, at the confluence of the roads that connect Puebla de Sanabria and Orense and about 28 km from Chaves, (Portugal).

It is one of the best preserved fortresses in Galicia. It was declared a National Monument on June 3, 1931 and is currently an Asset of Cultural Interest, within the catalog of monuments of the historical heritage of Spain.

Monterrei Castle played an important role throughout the Portuguese-Spanish wars, having been strategically built on the frontier for the purpose.

It was more than a castle since included within the perimeter were a monastery, a hospital and a small town which was abandoned in the 19th century.

The castle itself is more impressive from afar than at closer look, but the view from the heights is worth the drive up. At night it is lit up and you can see it for miles on clear nights, even from the hills of Chaves in neighboring Portugal.

In addition to the medieval fortress of Monterrei (opposite the Parador), other areas of interest include La Merced Square, the spring at Cabreiroá, San Lázaro Chapel, Viriato Square, the avenue along the Támega River, La Alameda Gardens, El Rey Square and the Main Square, among others.

Entroido festival

Declared a national tourist attraction, this is one of the most popular Carnival celebrations in the region. The festivities commence on a Sunday, known as Domingo de Corredoiro, with the sound of fireworks, brass bands and the gathering of the cigarrones (masked men who run around encouraging people to participate) in the morning.