Many pilgrims who join this guide accumulate hundreds of kilometres following the path of the Via de la Plata, others joined at some intermediate point between Granja de Moreruela and Ourense. We welcome them all.
Let’s start on La Via de la Plata!
Today’s stage ends in Cea, famous in the region for its good bread. To get there, you can choose to follow the path that runs through Tamallancos or take the variant that goes through Canedo, 1.1 kilometres, shorter than the previous one.
Both options are similar in terms of route difficulty and places of interest. In this guide we follow the route that runs through Tamallancos, basically because it has less asphalt.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Ourense, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Ourense – Cea
The route of this stage is a total of 22.1 kilometres if you opt for the Tamallancos variant and 21, if you go through Canedo. Both sections have various slopes and the continuous presence of the national road.
Ourense (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this stretch: Ourense is a beautiful city and it is worth spending an afternoon to visit it, so plan your arrival so you have time to do so. Next to the carving of Nicanor Carballo is the fork that divides the path which goes through Tamallancos, the one we follow in this guide, and the path that goes through Canedo. See the precautions section for more information. Buen Camino!
We start the morning heading to the Plaza Mayor in Ourense. From there we take Calle Lamas Carvajal and continue along Calle del Paseo, until we reach The San Lazaro Park. Along Calle do Concello we continue to Plaza Concepcion Arenal and head to the bridge that crosses the River Mino (km. 1.2). At the exit we continue straight along Avenida As Caldas.
At the fourth side street, where the carving of Nicanor Carballo is located, we turn right to take Avenida de Santiago. If next to the sculpture we continue straight ahead, we will take the path that passes through Canedo. We’re still heading for Tamallancos.
Following the tiles with a scallop that we will find on the floor of the avenue, we pass the Velasco petrol station and turn right by the Camino Real (km. 2.8). We continue to walk and 600 metres later, we cross the N-525 road (km. 3.4).
In the neighbourhood of Pereira, we turn left and continue climbing along the cobbled street of Camino Real Soutelo. We reach a square, with a church, and we keep going up. We cross the road again and continue to ascend along Camino Real Cudeiro Norte.
Later we enter the Camino da Costa, along which, after various curves, we arrive at the Chapel of San Marcos. After the temple, we immediately reach the scattered settlement of Sartetigos (km. 6.7).
Sartétigos (km. 6,7).
Practical tips for this section: You will not find any services in this section. Buen Camino!
We go out onto a paved road and turn right to take a path that leads to the road (km. 7,2). We advance 50 metres along the road and, together with the detour to Fonte do Santo, we leave it on the right.
Slightly on the rise, we arrive at Outeiros da Forca. After the last chalets, we cross the road and continue straight ahead. The pilgrim marker indicating 96.606 km to Santiago de Compostela crosses our path.
We continue on asphalt and then take a dirt track that descends to some warehouses and then reaches the N-525. On a path beside the national road, we enter Tamallancos (km. 12.3).
Tamallancos (km. 12,3).
Practical tips for this section: In this section you will find services in Bouzas and Faramontaos. Buen Camino!
We leave the village and on an asphalt track, we immediately reached the centre of Bouzas (km. 13.1), from the Vilamarin concello (council). We pass by its church and, soon after, we cross the national N-525 road again.
We continue along a path, passing by the ruins of some granaries. A kilometre and a half later, we arrive in Sobreira (km. 15,2). We leave the village behind and arrive at the stone bridge that crosses the River Barbantino.
We cross a neighbourhood of crumbling houses and at the fork that we find afterwards, we continue on the right to enter Faramontaos, in the Parish of Vina, in the council of Cea (km. 16,7). When we leave the village, we face a steep slope and then continue under the national road N-525 to the village of Viduedo. (km. 18.1).
Viduedo (km. 18,1).
Practical tips for this stretch: In Casasnovas we are received by a fountain and a signal that will raise our spirits, only two kilometres to Cea remain. Buen Camino!
In the village, we find the Chapel of San Panteleon. We follow the N-525 road for a few metres and take a path that starts on the right. This way, we reach Casasnovas (km. 20.3).
On a path that runs meandering among pine trees, we advance for quite a time, then reach the road. Following the road route, we reach our destination today, Cea (km. 22.1).
Cea (km. 22,1). End of stage
Practical tips for this stretch: Leaving Cea without tasting its exquisite artisan bread would be almost a crime, for good reason it is known as the “Villa del Buen Pan”. (The village with good bread). See you tomorrow!
The best plan for Cea is to discover its culture as a baking village. Some visits of interest in the town are the Saleta Church, the Church of the Virgen del Rosario and San Cristobal, one kilometre from the town, and the Clock Tower, located in the Plaza Mayor.
Some pilgrims extend the stage to the Monastery of Oseira, one of the most important monuments in the Galician community. The temple is located almost 9 kilometres from Cea, so we would face a stage of more than 30 kilometres.
We prefer to stay in Cea, to enjoy its exquisite bread for breakfast tomorrow. And because from Cea to Castro Donzon we have the option to follow the path that passes next to the Monastery of Oseira or not. We’ll leave that decision for tomorrow.
Comments on the stage Ourense – Cea
Here’s how to get to Ourense and give you some tips for today’s stage.
Precauciones etapa Ourense – Cea
Ourense is well connected to the main Spanish cities and has both bus and train stations. There are several bus lines connecting Ourense with Madrid, Oviedo, Zaragoza, Alicante, Salamanca, Ponferrada, Murcia or Bilbao, among others.
Train lines connect the city to Bilbao, Barcelona, Vigo, La Coruna, Zamora and Madrid. Also with some French cities.
The city of Ourense does not have an airport. The nearest ones are Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, A Coruna and Porto.
From there, the pilgrim will have to take one of the options described above. Remember that if you do not want to worry about travel, or the accommodation during your trip to Santiago de Compostela, you can contact us and we will manage everything for you.
The stage does not have any great difficulties. The most noteworthy point of the day is the first stage.
In this, the pilgrim will encounter a route that advances, mostly, on the climb. On the other, next to the carving of Nicanor Carballo, you will find the fork that separates the variant that runs through Tamallancos and the one that passes through Canedo, to which you must pay attention.
This guide describes the path that goes through Tamallancos, although the Canedo variant is somewhat shorter. Those who wish to take this variant, arriving next to the carving of Nicanor Carballo must continue straight on, in the direction in which the sculpture points.
From there they will follow the shoulder of the N-120 road to Quintela. From where you will have to face the climb on Costina de Canedo, to reach the Cima da Costa.
From the peak, you will continue to Linares and then surrounded by greenery, they will cross the River Barbantino, to enter Madras. This place is followed by Pulledo and then Casasnovas, where the variants converge.
Gastronomía etapa Ourense – Cea
Here are some gastronomic suggestions for you to enjoy Galician cuisine.
- Artisan bread from Cea
- Empanada
- Galician Stew
- Beef
- Wine with D.O from Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, Valdeorras and Monterrei
What to do on the stage Ourense – Cea
Below we provide you with information about places to visit in the city of Ourense, as well as points of interest that you will find along the route.
Ourense
Ourense has just over 106,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in Galicia, after A Coruna and Vigo. The city has a beautiful old town that deserves a visit.
In Ourense, you can visit the following religious temples: Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de las Ermitas, The churches of Santa Maria de Nai, Santo Domingo, Santa Fatima, Santa Eufemia, Santisima Trinidad and San Francisco. As well as the Cathedral of San Martino.
In addition, you can enjoy various aquifer resources, such as the Springs of As Burgas and the Spas of Outariz. As well as a rich civil architecture that you will find on its bridges, in the Pazo Oca Valladares, where the Liceo and the Palacio Espiscopal, which houses the Archaeological Museum, are located.
If you want to enjoy the meeting spaces of the city’s locals, you can go to the Plaza Mayor, from where the stage that departs from Ourense, or the Alameda begins.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Ermitas
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Hermitage is located in the city of Ourense. The temple was erected in the early 18th century. The Via Crucis in front is somewhat later, from 1730, and consists of 14 chapels and 62 statues. Its highlights include the abundant ornamentation in the interior of the sanctuary, with various sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ.
Ourense Bridges
The city of Ourense has a large number of bridges that cross the River Mino to facilitate access to its centre. Some of them date back to the Middle Ages and others are newly built.
The Roman Bridge is the oldest and most emblematic in the city, although it has undergone several renovations throughout history. For a long time, this bridge was the only one that crossed the Mino, so it is very popular and has received various names in time: Ponte Vella, Ponte Maior or A Ponte.
Its structure stands out its large pointed arches, which in some sections, reach 38 metres above the riverbed. The city’s shield in relief also stands out.
In parallel to this bridge, the New Bridge was erected in 1918. It has a structure of six arches made of stone.
A few decades later, in 1958, the Ourense Viaduct was built. The purpose of this infrastructure was to allow the train to reach the city, crossing the Mino. This construction contributed significantly to improving the city’s communication with other Galician cities.
The most innovative bridge in the city is the Millennium Bridge, built in 2001. This is the work of Alvaro Varela and Juan Calvo. Its structure is 275 metres long and its central vane reaches 36 metres in height over the river. Just two years later, the Vao Footbridge was inaugurated. It is exclusively pedestrian and leads to the centre of the town. Its structure deserves to be highlighted that it is held by two concrete pillars.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor of Ourense is a space of great proportions, surrounded by old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The square is presided over by the Town Hall building, made by Queralt in the 19th century.
Pazo Oca Valladares-Liceo
Pazo Oca Valladares-Liceo is located in Ourense. Its construction began in 1522, but was not completed until 1583, presenting an architectural style that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. The property is made of stone from the surroundings of Ourense and is composed of two floors.
The house was empty throughout the 19th century, until in 1870, it became home to the headquarters of the Liceo Recreo de Artesanos. The space served as a meeting point for artists such as Lamas Carvajal, Isaac Albeniz, Curros Enriquez, among others.
Termas de Outariz
The Outariz Spas are located in the city of Ourense, next to the River Mino. The water in these baths emanates at a temperature of approximately 60 degrees centigrade. They are characterized by weak mineralization and alkaline.
The space is located in a wooden building, houses, in addition to the baths, an area dedicated to sauna, and jacuzzi, as well as a wide variety of therapies, such as chocolate and algae, among others.
In addition, the visitor can access, free of charge, Burgas de Canedo, located at the bottom, or Pozas de Outariz, located in the upper area. The space where they are located also has garden areas and basic services.
Useful information:
Hours: Closes on Tuesdays. Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (10:00-23:00),
Fridays and Saturdays (from 10:00 to 1:00) and Sundays (from 10:00 to 23:00).
Admission: 5.15€ (duration 2 hours).
Iglesia Santa María Nai
The Church of Santa Maria Nai is one of the oldest temples in Ourense. Although its date of construction is not known exactly, experts place it in the 4th century.
It is known that in the 11th century, it underwent renovation and that in 1722, the original temple was demolished to build the Baroque-style church that we can observe today. Only marble columns and capitals are preserved from the early church.
The current temple consists of three naves and has a floor in the shape of a Latin cross. Inside, the ribbed vault and a Churrigueresque-style altarpiece is the Baroque figure of Santa Maria Madre.
Useful information:
Hours: Visits only during hours of worship.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
The Church of Santo Domingo is located in Ourense, next to the convent of the same name. The site dates back to the 17th century and was raised by the economic contributions made by Domingo Rodríguez de Araujo.
The monastery had several uses throughout history, until it was finally demolished, to raise in this location a building that nowadays houses the Tax Office. Officially, the temple is called the Church of Santa Eufemia del Norte, although given its relationship with the ancient monastery, it is still known popularly as the Church of Santo Domingo.
Its structure consists of a single nave and has a Latin cross plant flooring. Inside it houses an 18th century altar, the work of Castro Canseco.
Useful information:
Mass times: From July 1st to September 30th, workdays (9:00, 10:00, 12:30, 19:15 and 20:00), eves (18:30 and 20:00) and public holidays (10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 13:15, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30). From 1st October to 30th June, workdays (9:00, 10:00, 12:30, 19:15 and 20:00), eves (18:30 and 20:00) and public holidays (10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 13:15, 17:00, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30).
Iglesia de Santa Fátima
The Church of Santa Fatima is located in the neighbourhood of O Couto de Ourense. The temple was consecrated in 1962.
It is a temple full of architectural details and decoration. On its façade you can see an image of four metres in size, of stone, depicting the patron saint of the temple.
Inside, it has chestnut wood benches carved with the anagram of the Virgin and large eagles. On the walls of the building, six windows and various polychrome mosaics stand out, in which biblical passages are staged.
Behind the altar stands the niche, which contains the image, in silver, of the Virgin of Fatima, which the parishioners kiss upon entering the church. Inside the niche are also the busts of Pius XII and John XXIII.
Useful information:Mass times: From 1st June to 31st August, workidays (10:00 and 20:00), eves (20:00), public holidays (10:00, 12:00 and 20:00). From 1st September to 31st May, workdays (10:00 and 19:00), eves (19:00) and public holidays (10:00, 11:30, 12:30 and 19:00).
Iglesia de Santa Eufemia
The Church of St. Euphemia in Ourense is an unfinished Baroque-style temple. In 1989, after 100 years of construction, one of its towers was built, the other has not yet been terminated. It originally functioned as a Jesuit church but, in 1767 and with their expulsion, it was left unused.
Inside there is an altar, baroque style, with a carving of the Cristo de la Esperanza in the 18th century, a work attributed to Jose Ferreiro. The patron saint of the church appears both on the façade of the temple and in an interior carving, made by Xose Cid, in 1985.
Useful information:
Mass times: From 1st July to 31st August, workdays (8:00, 09:00, 12:00 and 19:30), eves (19:30) and public holidays (9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:30, and 19:00). From 1st September to 30th June, workdays (8:00, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 19:30), eves (19:30) and public holidays (9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 18:00 and 19:00).
Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad
The Church of the Holy Trinity also boasts of being one of the oldest in Ourense. Although the primitive temple, Romanesque style, only a few details are preserved. The Gothic-flamboyant crest that the church wears was added to between the 15th and 16th centuries.
This temple was erected primarily to welcome pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. On one of the side doors you can see a scallop, a symbol that represents the union between the church and pilgrim tradition.
Useful information:
Mass times: July to August, workdays (8:30, 12:00 and 19:30) and Sundays (10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 19:30). From September to June, workdays (8:30, 10:00, 12:00 and 19:30) and Sundays (10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 19:30).
Iglesia de San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco is located in the Park of San Lazaro in Ourense. The temple dates back to the 14th century and was originally located on the outskirts of the city. It was subsequently moved to its current location. Only the Gothic-style cloister is preserved from the primitive temple, so today the cloister and church are separated.
From the exterior of the church, the rose window that crowns the façade and its access door, formed by three arches and surrounded by columns with capitals ornate with plant elements, animals and human figures.
The Gothic-style windows are located in the main chapel. The chapel houses the burial places of illustrious families from the city, such as the Maceda, the Cadorniga or Novoa families.
Useful information:Hours: Open daily (09:30-12.30 and from 16:30 to 19:00).
Catedral de San Martiño
The Cathedral of San Martino is located in the Praza do Trigo de Ourense. The temple is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours and is the main monument of the city.
Its construction date is certainly not known, but some theories suggest that it was constructed at the end of the 12th century. They argue that its high altar, which dates back to 1188, belonged to a basilica that was located on the site, previously.
The cathedral combines various architectural styles. The predominant is Romanesque, but it also has influences from the Cistercian and Gothic austere. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, various spaces of the temple were completed. The characteristic flamboyant Gothic-style dome was built between 1499 and 1505.
The temple has a Latin cross plant and consists of three naves with cross vaults. From the original triple apse chancel, today, only the central one, attached to the naves, is preserved.
The north access cover features various Gothic-style elements such as the tympanum under the cross. On this the figure of the Virgin holding the body of Christ is located. On its left is staged the miracle of Saint Martino and, together with it, Santiago the Apostle. Above the entrance door is a huge rose window.
The Renaissance elements can be seen in the bars of the main chapel, while the chapels of the Boan, Santa Isabel (or Arrojo), Conception, the Conversion of St. Paul, the Assumption, the Resurrection and the altar of St. Anthony have a Baroque influence.
The Chapel of the Holy Christ, together with the Main Chapel, are the most outstanding in the temple. This one is also Baroque in style and stands out for guarding the remains of Bishop Perez Marino. The canopy is the work of Domingo de Andrade, who also did the work in the Cathedral of Santiago.
The Main Chapel stands out for containing the dome, which gives light to this part of the temple. In the chapel are the burial places of relevant people in the city, such as that of the Cardinal of Quevedo.
Also note that its altarpiece, in flamboyant Gothic style, formed by five panels, attracts your attention, on which the figures of various saints are located. San Martin de Tours is located on the central panel.
At the foot of the cathedral is the Portico of Paradise, from the 13th century. Its construction was carried out by referring to the Portico de la Gloria in Santiago de Compostela.
On its original Romanesque structure, in the 18th century polychromy was applied, enhancing the volumes of its elements. On the portico you can admire the figure of Santiago with an iron sword, which refers to his appearance in the Battle of Clavijo.
Manantiales de As Burgas
The Springs in As Burgas are located in the old town and are the best known tourist attraction in Ourense. Their waters are attributed with healing properties, especially for dermatological problems. The space was listed as an artistic historical site in 1975.
The complex consists of three springs. The oldest is known as the upper Burga, from the 17th century. The lower Burga dates back to the 19th century, and the middle Burga is more modern.
In its vicinity, is a spa pool that allows relaxing baths, with free access. The Roman bath and the wet sauna are payable.
Useful information:
Hours: Closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00).
Entrance to the Roman bath and the sauna: General (3€) for an hour and a half.
Palacio Episcopal y museo arqueológico
The Archaeological Museum in Ourense is based in the Episcopal Palace, declared an Artistic Historical Monument in 1931. The building was built in the 12th century and features a Romanesque-style façade. Subsequently, the Gothic-style Tower of Santa Maria, the main baroque-style portal, and the garden gallery, with Renaissance influences, were added.
The building, along with the Carcel de la Corona, had a defensive function, protecting the City Council. In 1951 the archaeological museum was installed inside, which captures an evolution of Galicia from the Paleolithic Era to the Middle Ages.
Useful information:
Hours: Closed on Mondays and public holidays. It is open in summer, Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 to 14:30 and from 15:00 to 21:00), Sundays (9:30 to 14:30). In winter, Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 21:00) and Sundays (from 9:30 to 14:30).
Entry: Free.
Alameda de Ourense
The Alameda de Ourense is located on Calle Progreso, next to the Plaza Mayor and the Town Hall. In this space, neighbourhood meetings were previously held, so it is also known as Hora do Concello.
The current Alameda is the work of the architect Vazquez Gulias. The space has various leisure facilities such as a park, a promenade and children’s areas. It also includes several monuments such as “La escultura de mujer” by Luis Borrajo or a model of the first turbine that provided power to the city in 1902.
Church of Santa Maria de Tamallancos
The Church of Santa Maria de Tamallancos is a small temple made up of two naves. The proportion of its belfry, with four spans, draws your attention. The two spans have greater proportions than the upper ones.
Cea
Cea is a town in the municipality of San Cristobal de Cea, with almost 2,500 inhabitants. The economy of the town largely revolves around its famous artisan bread.
For this reason, it is also known as the “Villa del Buen Pan”. Not only for bread production, but also because of the various furnaces that are located in the municipality, in which its production is explained, constituting an important tourist attraction in the area.
The birth of Cea and its development was the influence of the Monastery of Oseira. The monks increased their bread supply from the production of Cea’s locals, all of which benefited both sides.
In addition to bread ovens, in the town, you can visit the Saleta Church, the Church of the Virgen del Rosario and San Cristobal, located one kilometre from the town, and the Clock Tower, located in the Plaza Mayor.
Iglesia de la Virgen del Rosario y San Cristóbal
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Cristobal is located one kilometre from Cea. The current temple dates back to the 16th century, which replaced an earlier temple from the times of the Suevos (5th century).
Iglesia de la Saleta
The Saleta Chapel in Cea was built in 1908, thanks to the financial contribution made by the residents of the town and the parish priest Jesus Gomez. Its construction was carried out on another temple before San Lorenzo.
Torre del Reloj
The Clock Tower is located in the centre of the Plaza Mayor on Cea. Its construction was carried out between 1926 and 1928 and is neoclassical in style.
The building was made of stone and is composed of four faces, one of them dominated by the presence of the clock. Each side features pointed ornamentation and a fountain.
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