Ourense Cathedral
Church Romanesque-Gothic cathedral in Ourense, Galicia
Ourense Cathedral blends Romanesque and Gothic elements and opens onto the city’s historic centre; visitors tour the cloister, chapels and also sample nearby thermal springs that shaped the town’s Roman and medieval past.
Ourense Cathedral (Catedral de San Martif1o) is the principal church of the city of Ourense in Galicia, north-west Spain, with origins in the Romanesque period of the 12th century.
The building combines a Romanesque core with later Gothic and Baroque additions; highlights include the cathedral’s nave and chapels and a prominent bell tower. The interior contains a sequence of chapels and decorated altarpieces typical of a cathedral that evolved over several centuries.
Construction began in the 12th century and the fabric of the building was altered and extended in subsequent centuries to accommodate changing liturgical and artistic fashions. The cathedral has served as the seat of the local bishop throughout its history.
The cathedral stands in the historic centre of the city of Ourense, in Galicia, near the banks of the Redo Mif1o and surrounded by the medieval streets of the old town.
- Architectural phases: The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Martin and has a Romanesque core with later Gothic and Baroque additions, so expect a mix of styles when viewing the exterior and interior.
How to Get to Ourense Cathedral #
Ourense is accessible by train from Santiago de Compostela and Vigo; the cathedral is in the old town within easy walking distance from the city’s main train station. By car, Ourense lies on the A-52 and is well-signposted; parking near the old town is limited but available in public lots.
Tips for Visiting Ourense Cathedral #
- Cross the nearby medieval bridge and follow the riverwalk to find thermal springs and local cafés favored by residents.
- Look for the cathedral's Romanesque portal and the 12th-13th century cloister capitals - close inspection reveals carved animals and biblical scenes.
- Visit during the evening service to hear the cathedral choir if one is scheduled; the acoustics are excellent.
Best Time to Visit Ourense Cathedral #
Spring and autumn are ideal for fewer crowds and comfortable walking temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Ourense Cathedral #
Ourense Cathedral's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1582 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (233 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
