What to see in Castro Caldelas, the most beautiful town in Ribeira Sacra (Galicia)

See some spectacular scenery or meet one of the numerous monasteries of the area, is what will surely take you to visit the Sil canyon in the Ribeira Sacra Galicia.

But in this natural region that limits the provinces of Ourense and Lugo you can also see some nice village with patrimonial wealth from the Middle Ages.

And in this regard, it stands out without a doubt Castro Caldelas, which is part of the list of beautiful towns in Spain.

There you can see not only beautiful and very well-kept houses with white galleries, typical architecture of Galicia, but also a castle y stone houses that tell you about their strength during the medieval times.

Castro Caldelas is next to Sil Canyon on top of a hill overlooking the riverbank Edo River.

With a population of about 1,200 inhabitants, including those of the 16 parishes that make up the municipal area, Castro Caldelas It has a long history that is currently reflected in its historic center, where its medieval castle stands out.

Curiosities and history of Castro Caldelas

This inland area of ​​Galicia It was already inhabited in the megalithic era and the Romans and Visigoths settled here.

To highlight the two monasteries that were built in Castro Caldelas during the 10th century, that of San Xoán de Camba and of San Paio de Abeleda.

It is precisely during the medieval period when Castro Caldelas reaches its greatest strength after the concession by the King Alfonso IX of the privileges of the known as Bonoburgo de Caldelas Forum.

Centuries later, it is worth highlighting the presence of the French during which in 1809 they burned down the castro caldelas castle in retaliation for an attack on his troops.

What to see when visiting Castro Caldelas in Ribeira Sacra

Now when in your route through the Sil Canyon you get to Castro Caldelas, your walk through the historic site with a medieval layout you must do it from Prado Square, central axis of the town.

From here you can already see the towers of the castle and see the great architectural attraction of the combination of houses with facades covered by large galleries painted white, and stone houses, some with coats of arms on their façade.

Your walk through the beautiful streets with cobbled roads and well-kept facades will lead you to the castle.

Castro Caldelas Castle

Located at the top of the hill where it sits Castro Caldelas, it is thought that this place was already occupied by a Roman camp.

El castro caldelas castle It was built between the years 1336 and 1343 by order of the then lord of Lemos with the purpose of defending the domains that had been ceded to him by the King Alfonso IX.

This fortress was important during the period known as Irmandiña Revolt, a popular revolt that took place in Galicia in the mid-15th century, which ended with a partial destruction of the castle.

In 1560 it was rebuilt as residential palace.

It should be noted that in 1777 the castle became the property of the House of Alba and shortly after Lordship of Lemos He joined said noble house.

Finally, not long ago, in 1992, the dukes of Alba They gave it in usufruct to Castro Caldelas town hall for cultural use.

During your visit to the castle you can walk along the wall, climb the tower of tribute and also see the Clock Tower.

You will also find a room dedicated to the precursors of the culture of the Galician language, Vincent Risco y Manuel Casado.

You will also be struck by the space dedicated to Irrio, a character with a mask who appears at the town festivals on September 6, 7, 8 and 9 with the right to hit people, except the mayor, a popular tradition that has written documentation since 1839.

Church of Santa Isabel in Castro Caldelas

Not far from the castle is the St. Elizabeth's Church from the 16th century, with Renaissance style, on one of whose facades you can see the coat of arms of the counts of Lemos, and next to it, the municipal cemetery.

From this place, as well as from the castle walls, you have spectacular views. Panoramic views of this area of Sil Canyon in the Ribeira Sacra.

A curious corner to point out historic center of Castro Caldelas is sgraffito facade of one of the houses, which was done not long ago during the renovation of the stone building.

Sanctuary of Remedies in Castro Caldelas

And from a heritage point of view, you will also be struck by the Sanctuary of Remedies, in the central square of the town, a 19th century building in neoclassical that rose in the place occupied by the old Prado Chapel.

facing you visit of Castro Caldelas During vacation times and long weekends, it is advisable to park your car in the parking lot of the motorhome area, and thus you will avoid the difficulties inherent to the large influx of visitors.

Where to eat and sleep in Castro Caldelas

You also have several places to eat or sleep, not only in the center of town, but also in a corner of nature like the Ponte das Taboas recreational area.

In this family enjoyment area You have a river pool and a bar-restaurant where you can eat, among other dishes, churrasco, paellas, empanadas and local sausages.

And finally, from a gastronomic point of view, you cannot leave Castro Caldelas without tasting and taking one spout, a tasty and filling shortbread.

Map: how to get to Castro Caldelas in Ourense

Castro Caldelas It is located just under an hour's drive to the east. from the city of Ourense, two hours from Vigo.

Photos of Castro Caldelas in Ribeira Sacra

Here you have more photos of Castro Caldelas, nice village to visit in the Ribeira Sacra in Galicia.