Medieval royal history, cobbled old-town streets and walking paths along the Arnoia give Allariz a character that brings together cultural and riverside attractions. In the Middle Ages, the town was a royal residence, including for Alfonso X the Wise. The old town was recognised as a historic-artistic ensemble in 1971. Stroll along its carefully maintained cobbled streets between historic buildings. When planning your trip, you can choose between local history, archaeological sites, museums, and nature and garden attractions.

Old Town, Archaeology and Museums

Armea is a particular highlight. The archaeological and historic complex includes the Cibdá de Armea settlement, the Oven of Santa and the unfinished Basilica of the Ascension. Cibdá is considered a Gallaeco-Roman city. The three components offer different historical points of interest, from the settlement to the oven and the unfinished place of worship.

The museums also explore different aspects of local history. The Museo da Moda de Allariz is housed in the Casa dos Castro Oxea, a manor house dating from the 14th century. It offers an interactive account of the development of the textile trade in Allariz. The Museo do Coiro is located in the 18th-century tannery of the Nogueiras family, adding a historic craft to the exploration of local heritage.

The Vicente Risco Museographic Collection contextualises the author’s work within Galicia in the first half of the 20th century. Its events include book presentations, music events and talks. Those interested in a range of cultural subjects can find a literary point of interest alongside the textile trade and leatherworking.

By the Arnoia: Walking Paths and Garden Festival

A footpath runs along the banks of the Arnoia through Allariz. Themed riverside route stretches from O Rexo to the International Garden Festival. From the Acearrica recreation area, you can extend your walk downstream along the Arnoia to O Briñal, a core area of the reserve.

The International Garden Festival covers three hectares of natural surroundings on the banks of the Arnoia. Each spring, twelve temporary garden areas are renewed as part of a landscape architecture competition. The festival offers space for observing and strolling among the gardens. This gives the site a different emphasis from the historic buildings and collections, with garden spaces and landscape design taking centre stage.

Allariz, together with the neighbouring municipalities of A Bola, Rairiz de Veiga and Vilar de Santos, was designated a biosphere reserve under the name “Área de Allariz”. At Ecoespazo O Rexo, a natural landscape displays pictorial and sculptural works by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola. A dairy at Ecoespazo produces “Queixo do Rexo”. The Ethnographic Park also includes a mill open to visitors and museums dedicated to flax and leather.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

The Festa da Empanada has been held on the banks of the Arnoia on the third weekend of August since 1971. Exact dates vary from year to year. Empanada takes centre stage at this food festival; music and sporting events are also part of the programme, which may change from one edition to the next. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition.

The Feira de Outono includes educational forest walks, mycological exhibitions and live cooking. Individual activities may vary by edition. The Festa do Boi has a different historical connection: its origins are dated to 1317, and the traditional bull runs were revived in 1983.

When choosing a focus for your stay, the attractions can be easily distinguished: the old town, archaeological site and museums showcase local and cultural history; the riverside path, garden festival and O Rexo add landscape and design. A specific festival, by contrast, offers a seasonal reason to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vilaboa, Celanova, Esgos, Sarreaus, Vilamartín de Valdeorras, Entrimo, Igrexario, A Peroxa.

For the wider travel overview: Ourense.