In the depths of Ourense hides a small town that, more than a town, is a charming medieval town, one of those that still maintains its traditional charm intact. Cobbled streets, thousand-year-old towers and authentic granaries that have given it the title of being one of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain.
Vilanova dos Infantes is an impeccable medieval stronghold and one of the best examples of historical conservation in all of Galicia. Its historic center maintains the houses and facades as they were in the past and all the extensions that have been made have respected that stone and wood architecture with wrought iron balconies.
Among the stone mansions, the Vilanova Tower looms imposingly. This fortress was built in the 12th century, but the neighbors rebuilt it after some riots and it has become an Asset of Cultural Interest and a symbol of the town. Another monument worth visiting is the church of San Salvador, with a Romanesque style design and a carving of Christ made of wood in the 12th century, considered the oldest in Galicia.
In addition to these medieval jewels, this beautiful rural town is full of typical Galician granaries, which add that magical charm of northern Spain. One of them is dedicated to Father Silva, the founder of the famous Boys' City circus that made history in Spain for being an independent republic governed by children.
Crystal Virxe Sanctuary
However, the most captivating and mysterious place in the entire town is on the outskirts. The Santuario da Virxe de Cristal, a baroque temple from the 18th century, witnessed a horrible crime that remains unsolved. Inside, it housed a two-centimetre glass figure of the Virgin, to whom healing powers are attributed. However, in 2015 someone murdered the priest to steal it. What they currently display is a resin replica: they never found the figure or the thief.
