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Information about Ourense, Galicia
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Ourense is a province of northwestern Spain, in the southeastern part of the autonomous community of Galicia. It is bordered by the provinces of Pontevedra in the west, Lugo in the north, León and Zamora in the east, and by Portugal in the south.
Ourense is surrounded by mountains on all sides. These mountains have isolated the province from the more populated coast and the fertile lands of the central meseta. Until a modern highway was built in recent years linking Ourense with Vigo in the west and Benavente in the east, the only viable way for people to enter or leave the province was by railroad. Even along the southern border with Portugal, mountains have kept the two cultures relatively separated.
The principal river system is the Miño-Sil, the fertile valleys of which produce corn (maize) and grapes for wine. Due to the many rapids these rivers are not navegable, but they have been harnessed for hydroelectric power. The Sil flows through a deep canyon and has become a sought-after tourist site for its river cruises and spectacular views.
The mountainous terrain and isolatation have kept the province economically challenged and encouraged much emigration to the rest of Spain and to the New World.
Although not a major tourist center, tourism contributes somewhat to the economy: the spectacular scenery of the river valleys attract holidaymakers, there are several preserved medieval towns (Allariz and Ribadavia), and Manzaneda, north of Ourense, is the site of one of Spain's better winter skiing resorts.
The provincial capital, Orense, is the only large centre, and the population of the province is predominantly rural.
Ourense is surrounded by mountains on all sides. These mountains have isolated the province from the more populated coast and the fertile lands of the central meseta. Until a modern highway was built in recent years linking Ourense with Vigo in the west and Benavente in the east, the only viable way for people to enter or leave the province was by railroad. Even along the southern border with Portugal, mountains have kept the two cultures relatively separated.
The principal river system is the Miño-Sil, the fertile valleys of which produce corn (maize) and grapes for wine. Due to the many rapids these rivers are not navegable, but they have been harnessed for hydroelectric power. The Sil flows through a deep canyon and has become a sought-after tourist site for its river cruises and spectacular views.
The mountainous terrain and isolatation have kept the province economically challenged and encouraged much emigration to the rest of Spain and to the New World.
Although not a major tourist center, tourism contributes somewhat to the economy: the spectacular scenery of the river valleys attract holidaymakers, there are several preserved medieval towns (Allariz and Ribadavia), and Manzaneda, north of Ourense, is the site of one of Spain's better winter skiing resorts.
The provincial capital, Orense, is the only large centre, and the population of the province is predominantly rural.
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