The Santa Cristina Monastery in the Ribas de Sil (located in the Ribeira Sacra region of Galicia in Northern Spain) is a 12th century monastery built by Benedectine monks.
The monastery was active over three centuries, and is perched high in the Ribeira Sacra hills, surrounded by forests and views.
It’s an incredibly peaceful and tranquil site.
If I had been a monk during the 12th century I’d certainly have petitioned to come to this peaceful abbey and help to farm the vineyards and chestnut trees alongside the other brothers.
It’s been a year since I visited this monastery, the nearby Santo Estevo monastery (now a parador where you can stay the night), and the vineyards of Ribeira Sacra, but this is a region that continues to call me back. I plan to return and spend more time at local vineyards and historic sites, as well as to learn more about the culture and history of the area.
How to get here
If you are coming from Ourense, it is about an hour’s drive to the Santa Cristina monastery.
*It is heavily advised not to rely on GPS in the Ribeira Sacra region. Always have a physical map with you as well and download any directions in advance.
Have you ever visited the Ribeira Sacra region of Spain? Where did you go?