Galicia Tourist Guide 2018

Water and adventure at O Xurés Park

This route runs between Bande and Lobios ; the latter has a thermal bath spa renowned for its mineral medici- nal waters. Once you have begun your tour, you will see the remains of Roman settle- ments and roadways , all surrounded by lush forests and green valleys filled with cascades and wild fauna , such as roe deers, horses and wolves. The ChurchofSantaCombadeBande is the only part of the old monastery that still stands today. Dating back to the 17th century and though somewhat smaller, on the outside,

its floor —lain out in a Greek cross and preceded by a portico— reveals a dramatic combination of volumes. Inside, you can check out the frescoes that depict the four Evangelists, as well as the Annunciation and God the Father atop a globe. Not too far away is the 1st century Ro- man military camp of Aquis Quer- quennis , which provided the impetus for the construction of a major road- way that joined Astorga and Braga. Located on the banks of the Limia River , when the waters rise it can be- come completely submerged. In ad-

dition to the archaeological remains, you can also check out the visitor's centre, where you can learn about all the peculiarities regarding its organi- zation and functionality during the Roman Empire. At the Lobios spa you can take a dip in its bicarbonate water that bubbles and fizzes at temperatures of greater than 70 degrees. Its pools overlook the Serra do Xurés mountains, and you can walk along the river trail to reach the public thermal baths. You can also explore the mills, pools and waterfalls that cascade

54