Monforte de Lemos The Historic City in the Heart of the Incredible Ribeira Sacra
Monforte de Lemos is a medieval city found in the autonomous region of Galicia Spain. It’s located in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, an area known for its wine, hillside terraced vineyards, and ancient monasteries. It is blessed with natural beauty in the form of rolling river valleys.
The city itself is filled with history and the name comes from a pre-Roman Celtic civilization who are referred to as Lemavos. This translates to the“inhabitants of the fertile Earth.”
The Romans would conquer the area with their conquest searching for gold. The city was also influenced by the invasion of Muslims in the 8th century and later settled by a Benedictine community. The city also had the presence of a Jewish community who were never forced into a Ghetto and lived alongside the local population.
The city is also found on the Camino de Invierno route to Santiago de Compostela.
With so much history, there are plenty of things to do in Monforte de Lemos. Surrounded by so much beauty, it makes for an excellent base to explore the nearby Ribeira Sacra.
This quick guide to Monforte de Lemos includes the best ways to reach the city, what to see in Monforte de Lemos, where to eat and sleep, and why you shouldn’t skip past visiting the historical city.
Table of Contents
- Where is Monforte de Lemos & How to Get Here
- Monforte de Lemos and the Camino de Invierno
- Things to Do in Monforte de Lemos
- Where to Eat in Monforte de Lemos
- Where to Sleep in Monforte de Lemos
- Conclusion | The Best Things to See and Do in Monforte de Lemos
Where is Monforte de Lemos & How To Get Here
Monforte de Lemos is the second largest city in the Lugo Province of Galicia Spain. The population hovers around 20,000 people, so it’s not very large or overwhelming to explore. Most attractions and museums in the city can be casually explored in one day.
The city is landlocked and sits in the heart of the incredible Ribeira Sacra (Sacred Shores) region. This region may be one of the most underrated regions in Galicia, let alone in Spain. If looking to explore this magical area, you may wish to base yourself in Monforte de Lemos for a few days and explore the nearby Sil River and Miño River valleys.
There is no airport in Monforte de Lemos, but the two closest would be the Santiago de Compostela Airport or the Vigo Airport. Both airports are about an hour and a half drive from the city and provide ample car rental facilities.
Monforte de Lemos is well connected to major cities in Galicia by Monbus Company and Renfe Train. Both the train and bus stations are northeast of the historical center of Monforte de Lemos.
Monforte de Lemos & The Camino de Invierno
Monforte de Lemos is found on the Camino de Invierno route. The Winter Way passes through the heart of the city and makes an ideal place to sleep for pilgrims. Pilgrims can diverge off the Camino Frances in Ponferrada, or simply start this spectacular Camino route from the medieval city of Ponferrada.
Whatever route you choose, all roads lead pilgrims to the incredible city of Santiago de Compostela to stand in front of the significant Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In Monforte de Lemos there is a useful Pilgrim Information Center that can provide credencials and other helpful information for those starting their journey from Monforte de Lemos. Monforte de Lemos is a popular place to start the Camino de Invierno for those who don’t have time to walk the entire way from Ponferrada.
Those pilgrims already along the way can stop in for a stamp and additional resources. If walking the Camino de Invierno, I suggest arriving before lunch to allow ample time to explore the city. I broke up my Camino de Invierno stages so that I could walk a short distance to arrive early.
There are enough things to do in Monforte de Lemos to keep busy for a full day.
If looking to explore the city of Monforte de Lemos sleep in the new Albergue Municipal A Pobra do Brollón. This makes the short stage around 8 miles (12.9 Km) that can be completed in a few hours.
Even if you aren’t walking the Camino de Invierno, it is worth stopping in at the Pilgrim Information Center. Who knows, it may inspire you to start planning your own Camino de Santiago journey!
Best Things to Do in Monforte de Lemos
Here are some of the best things to do in Monforte de Lemos. Aggressive sightseers can enjoy many of the city’s highlights in a full day.
Monuments of San Vicente del Pino
The city is built around the hilltop centerpiece monuments of San Vicente del Pino. Most of these historic buildings were built between the 10th to 17th centuries. Before the Roman conquest, this was most likely the hilltop settlement of Castro Dactonio of the Lemavos Celtic tribe.
Highlights of Mount San Vicente include the iconic Castle with its Tower of Homage (Torre del Homenaje). It’s possible to climb the tower to have one of the best views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Hours and limited and a visit should cost around €1.50.
Pazo Conda was the palace and private residence of the famous Counts of Lemos. Both this building and the Monastery of San Vicente do Pino are now part of the popular Parador Hotel. Parador Hotels are special and this is one of the obvious choices to sleep if looking to explore the region with a dash of luxury. There is a higher-end bar if you are looking to see the interior of the monastery.
No matter what, a climb up the hillside is one of the best things to do in Monforte de Lemos. There are numerous ways to reach the top where you’ll be blessed with some of the best views of Monforte de Lemos and the Cabe River. I liked the small footpaths that twisted around the hillside.
Old Jewish Quarter
A popular way to reach the Monuments of San Vicente del Pino is to take the streets through the Old Jewish Quarter. The distinctive streets of Rúa Zapaterías (cobblers), Rúa Pescaderías (Fish), and Rúa Falagueira (Orator/speakers) are extremely well preserved. These are some of the most beautiful streets in the historic center.
The Jewish Quarter also provides a chance to observe the fortified walls. There are old city gates and entrances to the hilltop monuments.
Praza de España & Nearby Attractions
Praza de España is a great plaza that opens to the pedestrian-friendly street of Rúa Doutor Teijeiro with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Steps away from the Praza de España find the helpful Tourist Infomation Center, which is housed in a historical building that has been a hospital to a casino. Today, it is also home to the Wine Center of the Ribeira Sacra.
The Wine Center goes into the details about the Ribeira Sacra Wine region, which is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP). This rich wine region is known for its wine varietals including Mencia, Godello (Verdelho), and Galicia’s famed Albarino. A majority of the vineyards are built along terraces that line the Miño and Sil River valleys.
Visit the informative museum that includes a tasting of this up-and-coming wine region. Tours can be guided at set times (€3) or tour independently with a translation sheet (€1.50).
Just down the road is the Pilgrim Information Center.
Medieval Bridge
The old medieval bridge crosses the Rio Cabe. The bridge is said to be of Roman origin and was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century. The medieval bridge has 4 arches and allows passage by car or by foot.
A great way to get another view of the medieval bridge is to follow the Cabe River on either side. There are footpaths that line both sides of the river. Find plenty of benches to relax or enjoy a picnic. Keep an eye out for the ducks that are fun to watch.
Museo de Arte Sacro
The Museo de Arte Sacro de las Madres Clarisas contains some of the most important religious art collections in Spain. The museum is connected with the Convento das Clarisas de Monforte and can be visited.
I did visit the Museo de Art Sacro and while some of the relics were interesting there were also no signboards or plaques to explain what I was looking at. For the higher price tag (5 Euros), I wish the museum would provide an audioguide or information on the relics. The museum does not offer a pilgrim discount to those walking the Camino de Santiago.
In all honestly, I was more impressed by the Sigüenza Cathedral’s collection that I had visited a few weeks prior.
Parque Plaza Compañia
The Parque Plaza Compañia is home to the impressive Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. This spectacular building is oftentimes referred to as the Escorial of Galicia.
The Escorial of Galicia can be toured and has important artwork including some pieces by El Greco and boasts a notable staircase. The only way to access the museum is on a guided tour (€4.50). Make sure to verify the hours as they are quite limited and vary by season (+34 982 404 715).
Sadly I missed the guided tour. I enjoyed the Plaza and the impressive building that is the Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. There is also a great river walk and green space in the nearby Parque dos Condes. This whole area is great for strolling and people-watching.
Where to Eat in Monforte de Lemos
There are tons of great restaurants in Monforte de Lemos
Galicia is famous for its octopus dishes and these specialties can be found in pulperías. In Monforte de Lemos, there are two great pulperías in town: Pulpería Os Chaos and O Legado Pulperia.
For a hearty and delicious menu del dia, head to Capital. They have a fabulous set menu with a starter, main, dessert, and drink for around 14 Euros. Nearby, Restaurante Adega Do Carlos is also a popular restaurant in Monforte de Lemos to order a menu del dia.
Along the pedestrian street of Rúa Doutor Teijeiro are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer food and drinks. Don’t miss the chance to sample the local wine produced in the Ribeira Sacra which can be found at every bar or cafe in town.
Where to Sleep in Monforte de Lemos
There are numerous accommodation options for those visiting Monforte de Lemos.
Places to Stay in Monforte de Lemos for Pilgrims
As the city is found on the Camino de Invierno, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options for pilgrims.
More Places to Stay in Monforte de Lemos
By far one of the most popular places to stay in Monforte de Lemos is the Parador de Monforte de Lemos. However, these are more popular accommodation options.
- Hotel Ribeira Sacra
- Hotel Cardenal
- Hotel Casa Reboiro (outside of town)
There are lots of private apartment options in Monforte de Lemos. This is a great option for those looking to spend time exploring the nearby treasure of the Ribeira Sacra.
➜ Browse all the best places to Sleep in Monforte de Lemos Galicia
Conclusion | What to See and Do in Monforte de Lemos
In short, this is a quick guide to the historical city of Monforte de Lemos. This city in Galicia is blessed with a rich and diverse history from Celtic tribes to Roman conquests. Monforte de Lemos has been influenced by Arabic, Jewish, and Christian cultures.
Monforte de Lemos is also part of the famous Camino de Santiago route of the Winter Way. Many pilgrims walk this incredible path to reach the alleged burial place of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.
This hilltop city is located in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, a special region in Galicia known for its incredible riverside vineyards, monasteries, and impressive river valleys.
Most of the Monforte de Lemos attractions can be seen in a day. Mount San Vicente is worth visiting along with the fortified walls with its nearby Jewish Quarter. The city boasts plenty of museums and delicious restaurants. Those with more time may wish to spend a few days in Monforte de Lemos to delve deeper into the beauty that is the Ribeira Sacra.
Monforte de Lemos is a medieval city blessed to be in one of the most incredible regions of Galicia and an underrated place to visit in Spain.
Have you visited Monforte de Lemos? Did you walk through it as part of a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage or as a larger tour of Galicia? Are there any updates that need to be made to this quick overview guide of the city? Let me know in the comments below!
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