Ribadavia

Ribadavia is a city in northwestern Spain, in the province of Ourense, in the center of Galicia Autonomous Region on the Miño inflow Avia. Major industries are the production of wine ( Ribeiro ) and the production of coffins.

Geographical Description

The inhabitants of the municipality Ribadavia spread across seven district municipalities. The district capital is Ribadavia and this district belongs to the Ribeiro area, where the famous and mythical wine is gewinzert, which was praised by kings and poetry writers from time immemorial. Today, the wine is marketed under the name Denomination of Origin Ribeiro.

This small municipality, with an area of ​​25 km ², is located on the right bank of the river Miño, namely at the mouth of the river Avia, which rises in the mountains of Avión, forming a low-lying valley. The past of Ribadavia reflected in its churches, chapels, sanctuaries, monasteries, noble head offices etc Today, the district is one of the major economic centers in Galicia. The wineries on this bank of the Miño winzerten the best and most expensive wines of Spain in the Middle Ages. In this district there are two elements that forms a landscape of deep valleys and well-defined slopes and escarpments, one of the hallmarks of the Ribeiro area. In the west the foothills of the mountain range Serra do Faro de Avión, with mountains as Franqueirán or Couto de Feixa raise. To the east of the Miño flows as the main inland by the district. After leaving the dam the river Miño crosses the deep valley between the mountains of Foz and Castrelo do Miño, continues south on the river Avia and then winds through a wide valley. Here lies the most fertile part of the community district. The climate has certain territorial differences that clearly distinguish the Ribeiro area compared to the rest of the north-west of the province of Ourense climate. It is characterized here by two factors: the heat and drought of summer is reflected in the temperatures and in the low rainfall; on the other hand, the oceanic influence to the river basin of the river Miño is noticeable.

History

Allegedly Abobirca the first name of the village of Ribadavia. This word, which supposedly comes from the Celtic and ' village on the subscription ' means was the former name of the Avia. The village was originally on the left bank, was later moved to the right bank and then renamed in medieval Rippa Avie, which comes from Latin. The first written records date back to the Middle Ages. Prehistoric remains are fortified settlements such as Castro do Castelo or the Castro in Sanín and Esposende. In addition, it has been found here several ceramic pieces and everyday objects from the pre-Roman and Roman times. Fernando II (1157-1188) granted the town a city charter in 1164. In the 10th, 11th and 12th century, when many monasteries and religious pins were built or founded that contributed to the economy of Galicia, the district Ribadavia was officially affiliated to the kingdom of Castile due to its military importance. This is evident by the numerous defensive in this area: castles such as Santa Cruz, Sands, Novoa, etc, of which there are hardly any remains today. King García here laid down his residence and made Ribadavia 1065-1071 the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. The strategic location of this town was supplemented with effective defenses. At that time also flourished in the new noble families that contributed to the economic recovery. The ruins of the castle of Ribadavia report of power and splendor of the former medieval battles between landowners to the fertile land of the area. From this period the monasteries in Melón, San Clodio, Oseira and also in Celanova who sponsored the wine and thus the Ribeiro area was transformed into one of the wealthiest areas in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula come. In addition, Jews were allowed to settle in these centuries in Ribadavia in the district Porta Nova, where probably once was a synagogue. In the 14th century, half of the residents of this town Jews, the wine trade, the professions and crafts devoted to and promoted the prosperity of the region.

Jewish Life in Ribadavia: early 11th century the first Jews settled in Ribadavia, over the centuries, the Jewish community grew strongly. In 1386 it had around 1,500 members. Most of the Jews who worked in the wine trade, from the 12th century until the brutal expulsion from Spain by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Nowadays only the street names and buildings in the former Jewish quarter remind them of their presence.

The Catholic Monarchs granted Bernardino Samiento the earldom as a reward for his services during the war against the Moors in Granada. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the borders were opened, and the wine sales was operated until the 17th century at international level. Wine was exported to a main product of the ports in northern Spain and has been to America, England and Flanders. But transport problems due to the lack of connection network led to a rise in price of the wine and thus to a crisis. As appeared new, cheaper wines on the market, the market share reduced further. In the 19th century this area was plagued by various plagues, after which American vines were introduced, which were more resistant and productive. Only in the course of the 20th century they reached the desired production quantities and quality, which is currently recognized by all the wine experts. Ribadavia centuries was marked by lawsuits, armed conflicts and hostilities between nobles and church officials. Why was his country and the vineyard has always been the economic engine that fueled the district.

Attractions

Who visited Ribadavia should definitely visit the monastery of San Domingo, reportedly the second most important monastery in Galicia. Here until the 19th century, studies have been made; currently the place serves as a home for the elderly. The church of this monastery has gothic masonry. In the vicinity is the classical chapel Nosa Señora do Portal, which is dedicated to the patron saint of Ribadavia. The monastery of San Francisco was completed at the beginning of the 17th century, was at the beginning novices monastery and later secondary school, currently it is inhabited by a Franciscan community. More art in Ribadavia: The Romanesque church of Santiago has an ornate gate. The San Xoán church belonged to the Order of Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem, who assisted her in hospital until the 16th century pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela and they also defended against attacks on their journey and protected. The Jewish Quarter in the city 's Porta Nova dates from the 12th century, with streets and arcades in original condition. Outside the town is the small Romanesque church of San Xes de Francelos, with parts dating back to the 8th century. The facade contains scenes from the Gospel, architectural elements and decorations in pre-Roman style. A small window consisting of a simple network, since 1951, is a listed building. Other buildings are the churches of Santa María de Oliveira, Santa Maria Madalena and the chapel of San Lázaro, who was a leprosy camp in the Middle Ages part. Secular buildings are the coats of arms Casa da Inquisition, which houses Casa do Carballo in Ventosela or Casa de Coenga. Not to be forgotten is the noble head office Pazo de QUINTANS in the community Esposede, the historic City of Ribadavia along the steep streets, old pubs where you can enjoy the best wines, surrounded by ancient walls, often decorated with coats of arms and emblems of the old aristocratic families.

Leisure activities

Nature lovers can take a trip on a catamaran on the Miño, along an idyllic radiating landscape that is overgrown. You can also rent boats to ride on the river Miño, or make trips by bike or on horseback. This village is surrounded by mountains, where you can do numerous walks. So you can also best the most interesting places and landscapes of this area to get to know. There are trails that run through the mountains, such as the path known as Ruta dos Montes do Faro; and others a step back in time as the Ruta dos Castros (the path of fortified pre-Roman settlements ), or the way of art known as Ruta do Románico. For most visitors, the Ruta do Viño appears ( the wine route ), the most interesting of all. On a total of 33 km of this road leads the visitor through the most affluent areas of the Ribeiro area. In this district there is also the possibility to go fishing in the river Avia, where there is a trout preserve.

Festivals and Events

In Ribadavia is celebrated on January 20, the feast in honor of St. Sebastian. Reward is also the carnival in this district. In April we celebrate in the community Sanín the feast in honor of St. Peter Martyr. In Francelos will take place on June 28, the fish and eel feast ( Festa do Peixe e as Anguia ) instead, and in the second half of July in Ribadavia the Mostra de Teatro, a kind of theater show. On September 1st, we celebrate the Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia ( solid history), with a costume parade as the highlight. This tradition was maintained until 1868, was recently brought back to life. From September 7 to 10, there are also festivities in honor of the patron saint of this town, the Virxe do Portal. In Ribadavia there on the 10th and 25th of each month a market, and on September 8 the fair. From 28 April to 1 May, the city is dedicated to the wine, with the Feira do Viño de Ribeiro ( Feast of Ribeiro wine ).