Monasteries, churches and prehistoric burial monuments give Nogueira De Ramuín a broad historical span; the Sil Canyon is a prominent landscape feature. This offers different focuses for planning your trip: architectural and cultural history, a route through cultural landscapes, or a boat trip on the Sil.

Monasteries, churches and local traditions

The Benedictine monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil has been documented since the 10th century; its origins may date back to the 6th or 7th century. Construction of the Romanesque church of San Martiño de Nogueira began in the second half of the 12th century and continued beyond the 16th century, until the beginning of the 20th century. Thus, the monastery’s cautiously inferred early origins sit alongside the church’s long construction history.

The megalithic necropolis of As Cabanas de Moura extends this timespan further: its burial monuments were built between 3500 and 2000 BC. The Ermida da Virxe do Monte in Loña do Monte, by contrast, dates to the 18th century. The hermitage, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, lies at an altitude of over 900 metres. A large pilgrimage and procession take place there every year on August 15. If you plan your trip around this tradition, confirm the dates locally in advance.

Cultural heritage is also evident in the parishes: Nogueira de Ramuín has more than 500 hórreos, with particularly large numbers in Eiradela. The history of Galician knife sharpeners is also closely linked to the area: Nogueira de Ramuín is considered their birthplace; according to tradition, the first set out with their “tarazanas.” A description from 2020 reported that residents in Luíntra still spoke Barallete and that Spain’s last surviving craft workshop for itinerant knife sharpeners was located there.

The Sil Canyon, the route and the river trip

The Sil has carved a deep gorge through river erosion. Monks and hermits sought refuge on its walls and built monasteries there. The wider Sil Canyon features granite outcrops and oak and chestnut forests; in sheltered areas, Mediterranean species such as cork oaks and strawberry trees are also found. The high cliffs are sometimes considered one of the last refuges of highly endangered birds of prey.

The PR-G 178 Maquino Largaño route passes through cultivated cultural landscapes, dense oak, chestnut and birch forests, and viewpoints overlooking the Sil Canyon. It starts either in Luíntra or at the Parador and monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil. Check the route details locally before setting out.

From the Santo Estevo pier in Nogueira de Ramuín, an approximately one-and-a-half-hour catamaran trip travels through the Sil Canyon—an alternative to the route that focuses on the river journey. Check the timetable before your trip.

For information in Luíntra, the Nogueira de Ramuín Tourist Office is located at Estrada de Esgos 2.

Discover more destinations: Mosteirón, O Barco De Valdeorras, Vilamartín de Valdeorras, Bubaces, As Ferreiras, A Veiga, Celanova, Laza

For the main travel overview: Ourense.