PARADOR DE VERÍN

The Parador is just two kilometers from Verín, the Monterrei district's main town, located in the province of Ourense, close to the Portuguese border. The Támega River flows through the city. In addition to its springs and Monterrei Castle, it is known for its ancient Carnival celebrations. If you decide to spend a while exploring the fortress of Monterrei, you will discover three walled areas; a castle, of which all that remains is the keep; Santa María de Gracia, a Gothic-style church; the Palace of the Counts of Monterrei, which houses a small museum of sacred art; and the former pilgrim hospital, which today provides lodging for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. Verín's Carnival festivities have been declared a national tourist attraction. You will be amazed by such entertaining traditions as flour fights, and by others deeply rooted in the local culture, such as El Cigarrón, a key figure in the celebrations who dresses in an exquisitely decorated carved wooden mask with cowbells around his waist, lashing locals and visitors alike with a whip. This festival is truly an experience!