Orense

The provincial capital of Orense, a large town spread along the river, is famed for its sulfur springs. Beyond its large urban area, it has an enchanting old quarter with twisting, stepped streets overhung by old houses, delightfully punctuated with picturesque plazas. This was an important capital of the pre-Visigoth Suevi in the 6th and 7th centuries. An old bridge (near newer ones), across the Miño, was constructed on the foundations of a 13^th-century Roman bridge. Take time out to stop here to see the Plaza Mayor and its Romanesque Bishop’s palace. Park in one of the plazas and walk around the old quarter to visit the shops.