Top 10 things to see and do in Allariz in one day
Are you looking for things to see and do in Allariz? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll guide you through the most captivating spots to visit in Allariz, along with some valuable tips to make the most of your experience in this charming corner of Ourense.
Our journey to Allariz began after a wonderful stay at the Lake Sanabria. As we hopped into the car, there was no sadness in the air; rather, a wave of excitement washed over us as we set off to explore Galicia. And what better way to start than by visiting one of its most beautiful villages? The moment we saw the silhouette of the iconic Vilanova bridge, we knew we had arrived at a remarkable destination. And indeed, it is!
Discovering Allariz: 10 Must-See Attractions
Did you know that Allariz was the historical capital of the Kingdom of Galicia? It’s also where the renowned Alfonso X the Wise once resided. Visiting Allariz is like taking a trip back in time. If you get the chance to visit this Galician gem, even for a few hours, seize the opportunity. Ready to explore this beautiful town? Here are some of the top attractions:
1. Strolling Across the Vilanova Bridge
Your first stop in Allariz should be the Vilanova Bridge (which, although often mistaken, dates back to the 12th century). As you cross the bridge, take in the stunning views of the Arnoia River and its river beach. We visited during summer, and the area was bustling with people enjoying picnics and swimming, but each season has its own charm.
This bridge, with its two pointed arches, is the most recognizable symbol of the town. After crossing, you’ll encounter a delightful surprise: the Church of Santa María de Vilanova, a splendid example of the romanesque-baroque architecture typical of this region.
2. Wandering Through the Historic Center of Allariz
The historic center of Allariz is a true treasure. Declared a historical-artistic ensemble in 1971, it features must-see stops like the Main Square, the Church of Santiago, and the Church of Santo Estevo, which are the urban and spiritual heart of the town. However, the best part for us was wandering through the cobblestone streets and losing ourselves among the beautifully preserved stone houses until we reached the statue of O Boi (more on that later).
Don’t miss the artisan shops and the outlets! One standout place was the Zirall liquor store, located in a chapel of the Pazo Castro-Ogea. A real beauty! If you’re looking for a great souvenir from Allariz, grab a bottle of orujo or coffee liqueur 😉 The shop is located at Rua da Cruz, 11.
3. Visiting Some of Its Museums
If museums interest you, if you're traveling with children, or if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, Allariz has three fascinating museums:
- Toy Museum: Located in the Palace of the Old Courts, this museum houses around 1,000 toys from the 20th century. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Allariz with kids.
- Fashion Museum: Here, you can explore the history of fashion from the late 18th century to the present.
- Leather Museum: This museum is part of the Ethnographic Museum (which we’ll discuss later).
A €3 pass allows entry to all three museums.
4. Entering the Convent of Santa Clara
Another must-see in Allariz is the Convent of Santa Clara, founded in 1268 by the wife of Alfonso X, Violante of Aragon. The highlight here is the baroque cloister, one of the largest in Spain, and of course, the Sacred Art Museum, which houses treasures like the “Virgen Abrideira” (from the late 13th century) and the “Cruz de Cristal de Roca” (in gothic style).
5. Discovering the Church of San Beito
Nearby, you’ll find the beautiful baroque Church of San Beito (Saint Benedict), the patron saint of Allariz. We found this religious building to be the most impressive and imposing structure during our visit, dominating the Campo da Barreira. Due to COVID restrictions, we couldn’t enter, but just seeing it from the outside was worth it. You can also spot two cruceiros from the late 16th century, built to protect the inhabitants from plague.
Interesting fact: these cruceiros were previously located in front of the Churches of San Pedro and San Esteban, but in 1827 they were moved to their current location.
6. Snap a Photo with O Boi
A must-stop in Allariz is the sculptural ensemble O Boi, which pays homage to the local Festa do Boi (Bull Festival), one of the most cherished celebrations in the area. Here you can see young people leading a bull tied with ropes through the streets of Allariz, just as it happens during the festival. Its origins date back to the 14th century!
Other important festivities in Allariz include:
- The Festa da Empanada (you probably know what this is about!)
- The Festa de San Bieito
- The International Garden Festival of Allariz
7. Searching for the Ancient Wall
Close to the O Boi sculpture, you can find the remains of the ancient medieval wall. It’s essential to remember that during the Middle Ages, Allariz was one of the most significant towns in the region. You can find a section on Rua Entreascercas.
8. Strolling Through the Alameda
Take some time to stroll through the alameda along the river, which offers one of the most picturesque views of Allariz and, by the way, there’s free parking 😉 This lovely walk is often described as one of the most beautiful half kilometers in all of Spain.
9. Exploring the Ethnographic Museum
Make sure to visit the Ethnographic Museum of the Arnoia River, which consists of three different sites: the Muiño do Burato (where grain was once milled), the Leather Museum, and the Textile Museum. It’s one of the best places to dive into the city’s past and learn about three of the most important industries in the area.
10. Tasting Allariz's Gastronomy
Finally, don’t miss out on enjoying the culinary delights of Allariz. After all that exploring, you definitely deserve it! Some recommended restaurants include O Pepiño de Allariz, Tino Fandino, and Portovello. Ahh, my kingdom for a Galician menu!
Where to Stay in Allariz
Although we didn’t spend the night in Allariz since we were based in Ribadavia, we noticed two lovely hotels worth considering if you wish to stay here:
Where to Park in Allariz
As mentioned earlier, there’s a free parking area located at the end of the Alameda (location). It’s quite spacious, well-maintained, and not far from the center. Plus, you’ll be just a few steps from the Vilanova Bridge! There’s another even larger parking area on a square in front of the Convent of Santa Clara (location).
More Beautiful Villages in Galicia
Allariz is just one of the many villages worth visiting on your road trip through Galicia. Be sure to check out others like Tui, Ribadavia, Baiona, and Muros, just to name a few. We’ve detailed the most beautiful villages in Galicia.
Other Things to See and Do in Galicia
Of course, if you’re in Allariz, we understand that you’ll want to explore more Galician attractions. We recommend checking out this post where we share the best 20 things to see and do in Galicia. What a wonderful region!
We’ve reached the end of our recommendations for visiting Allariz. We’re confident this town will captivate you, and hopefully, you can enjoy a few fabulous hours or days here 🙂 If we missed anything, please let us know more things to see and do in Allariz: we can’t wait to return.
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