Puebla De Sanabria

When you are ready to continue the pilgrimage, head north from Zamora on the N630 then bear left after onto the N631, which takes you through the Sierra de la Culebra (snake) National Reserve. At Mombuey, watch for the lovely 13th-century church—now a national monument. Several mountain ranges converge in the area you pass through, forming a gloriously scenic setting. Rustic, stone houses with slate roofs and iron or wood balconies are characteristic of this region.The landscape grows increasingly rugged as you near Puebla de Sanabria. If time allows, stop to see this fine example of a small, Castilian hill town that dominates the countryside. Visit the plaza at the tiptop of town, ranking among the most remarkable we have seen. It perfectly preserves a medieval atmosphere, flanked by hunkering whitewashed houses, the old city hall with its wooden gallery, and a reddish 12th-century granite church. The plaza can be reached by car by crossing the river and bearing left, or, for the hardier among you, on foot from the east side. Either way, you will love the atmosphere and panoramic views from the top.Join the A52 freeway heading west. Unless you are staying at the parador, bypass Verín (a modern metropolis), passing over numerous viaducts with views of the surrounding countryside. You officially enter Galicia, characterized by rocky landscape and equally rocky buildings constructed from the native stone. Continue on toward Orense, passing between green hillsides dotted with stone houses.