In the depths of the most rural Ourense there is a town that could very well be the end of the world, because almost no one knows how to locate Bande on the map. Perhaps, for this reason, its Roman sites, its Visigoth temples and its forts have gone completely unnoticed by mass tourism, leaving us with beautiful and ancient natural hot springs.
What to see in Bande, Ourense
Parish Church of San Pedro de Bande
The town itself is a small old town of stone houses, among which we find the parish church of San Pedro de Bande, a baroque temple from the 18th century, as well as several ovens, water mills, crucifiros and soul breastplates scattered throughout the town. However, little can compete with the jewel in the crown: Bande has a Visigothic church.
Church of Santa Comba
A 12-minute drive away, between green meadows and the waters of the Conchas reservoir, is the oldest church in all of Galicia. Santa Comba is a Visigoth temple from the 7th century, with a Visigoth horseshoe arch and paintings preserved from the second half of the 16th century. Inside there are many Roman vestiges, an appetizer for the entire archaeological complex next to it.
Aquis Querquernnis
On the banks of the swamp is Aquis Querquernnis, an Asset of Cultural Interest that houses a Roman military camp with towers, walls, entrance portals, barracks and even a hospital. Towards the north is the mansion, a lodging for travelers who passed through this Roman road.
And, beyond, the remains of a hot springs spa, which continue to gush to this day at 45ºC. Its minerals have therapeutic indications for the musculoskeletal system, surrounded by silence and forests. They are free to enter and are always open.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Bande, Ourense
In this tiny town there is only one restaurant, and that's enough for them. Orellas Bar has excellent scallops, octopus and cod, ideal for enjoying the most exquisite Galician cuisine after a relaxing and hot bath in its Roman thermal baths.
In DAP | Boticaria García, about the grandmother's mistake we make: “Leaving a canned product open in the refrigerator is a convertible with a highway to infection and deterioration.”
In Xataka | Manuel Carrasco, cleaning and detailing expert: “cleaning the car windshield from the inside as if it were the window at home is a mistake.”
