We spent five days in the Parador and enjoyed days exploring in Monforte de Lemos and looking at Romanesque Churches in the surrounding countryside – highly recommended.
Read more: Exploring in Monforte de LemosThe Monastery of Santa Clara
The Monastery of Santa Clara is on the far side of the River Cabe, just across from the old bridge. We visited before, but this time we were allowed to take photographs. The Monastery was founded in 1662 by the 7th Count of Lemos and his wife. It is a closed order, and one of the most important museums of religious art in Galicia.
There are many items in the museum, but the embroidery was particularly beautiful.
Wandering in the town
It is enjoyable to just walk through the streets without any particular plan. Along the way we saw busy streets, the Praza Espana, the old market, and many lovely shops – the florists are numerous and lovely, and they smell good as you pass by!
In 2019 we visited the Escolapios (College of Nossa Señora de Antiga) and its art gallery but decided against a return visit on this trip. The art in the College is wonderful and is in the linked post.
Eating out
The Parador had busloads of tourists, and local people every night, and one evening the dining room was fully booked. So, we took ourselves down to the town to eat in a cafe with the locals.
The days exploring in Monforte de Lemos were good – interesting, enjoyable, relaxed – I felt very fortunate.
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