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 at a Glance#
Address: Praza da Catedral, 32005 Ourense, Galicia, Spain
Hours: Cathedral open most days; specific visiting hours vary (check local listings)
Admission: Entrance to cathedral and cloister area often free; guided tours or special exhibitions may charge a small fee
About Ourense Cathedral#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 12° | 7° | 196 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 14° | 9° | 175 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.4h |
| March | Good | 5° - 17° | 11° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.1h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 21° | 31 mm | some cloud | 65% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.8h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 30° | 22° | 44 mm | some cloud | 63% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Very Good | 13° - 27° | 20° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 1.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 170 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 16° | 12° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 13° | 9° | 233 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 1.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
