Living in Allariz: complete guide to Galicia's best-preserved medieval village

Allariz: Galicia's best-preserved medieval village

Allariz is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia and possibly in all of Spain. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1971, this municipality of just over 5,000 inhabitants treasures a medieval old town that has preserved its essence over the centuries. Located just 20 kilometres from Ourense, Allariz offers the perfect combination of rural life and access to urban services, making it an increasingly sought-after residential destination.

The Arnoia river, which crosses the municipality from east to west, has historically been the vital axis of Allariz. Its waters fed mills, tanneries and leather works, and today form a riverside landscape of extraordinary beauty with riverside walks, natural pools and bathing areas. The Roman bridge, crossing the Arnoia with its stone arches, is the most iconic image of the town and a living testimony to its historical importance.

Why choose Allariz to live

An unparalleled historic complex

Walking through the streets of Allariz is like travelling back in time. The old town is practically pedestrianised, allowing you to enjoy absolute tranquility while strolling along cobblestone streets lined with stone houses with wrought-iron balconies. The Church of Santiago, in Romanesque style from the 12th century, the Church of San Pedro, with its impressive Gothic portal, and the Convent of Santa Clara, founded in the 13th century, are the most outstanding architectural landmarks.

The old Jewish quarter, located in the narrowest and most secluded streets of the historic quarter, preserves the atmosphere of the Sephardic community that lived here during the Middle Ages. Houses with carved corbels and heraldic details on the facades are silent witnesses to a rich and complex history.

The Pazo de Fondevila, seat of the Town Hall, and other noble pazos scattered throughout the urban area complete an architectural ensemble that has earned the designation of Historic-Artistic Site. The urban recovery that Allariz has carried out in recent decades is a model to follow: intelligent pedestrianisation, respectful restoration of facades and pavements, and a firm commitment to maintaining the identity of the village.

Museo do Traxe and other cultural spaces

The Galician Costume Museum (Museo do Traxe) is one of the most important ethnographic museums in Galicia. Housed in a former convent, it holds an extraordinary collection of traditional Galician costumes, jewellery, textiles and everyday objects that offer a complete view of Galician material culture. The museum is also a centre for research and dissemination of Galician popular culture, with temporary exhibitions, workshops and educational activities throughout the year.

Allariz also has the Vicente Risco Foundation, dedicated to the memory of the illustrious Galician intellectual born in the town, and a River Arnoia Interpretation Centre that explains the historical relationship between the municipality and its waters.

The Arnoia river and natural spaces

The Arnoia river is the great protagonist of life in Allariz. Its banks are equipped with pedestrian and cycling paths that run for several kilometres, passing restored old mills, natural bathing areas and picnic zones. The river pools, formed by old mill dams, are perfect for summer swimming, with clean, crystal-clear waters surrounded by riverside vegetation.

The Paseo do Arnoia, which borders the river from the Roman bridge to the Fondo de Vila mills, is one of the most pleasant pedestrian routes in all of Galicia. Along the walk you can see former tanneries and leather works, now converted into cultural spaces, testifying to the industrial activity that for centuries took place alongside the river.

Proximity to Ourense (20 km)

One of the greatest advantages of living in Allariz is its proximity to Ourense, the provincial capital, just 20 kilometres away. This means that in less than 25 minutes by car you can access all the services of a city of 100,000 inhabitants: university hospital, shopping centres, cinemas, university, high-speed train station and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.

The road connection is excellent, via the OU-540 and OU-320. There are also regular bus services between Allariz and Ourense with several daily frequencies. For many residents, Allariz functions as a luxury commuter town: the tranquility and beauty of a medieval village with immediate access to the capital.

Centro de Saúde de Allariz

Allariz has a Health Centre offering complete primary care: general medicine, paediatrics, nursing, physiotherapy and daytime emergency care. For specialist and hospital emergencies, the Ourense University Hospital is just 20 minutes away by car.

Housing in Allariz: prices and property market

Reference prices 2026

Property type	Price range	Price per m²
House in the historic quarter	80,000 - 200,000 €	800 - 1,200 €/m²
Flat in the centre	70,000 - 130,000 €	700 - 1,000 €/m²
Modern townhouse	100,000 - 180,000 €	800 - 1,100 €/m²
Detached house with land	120,000 - 250,000 €	700 - 1,000 €/m²
Stone house for renovation	30,000 - 80,000 €	300 - 600 €/m²

Best areas to live

Historic quarter: The most exclusive option. Stone houses with infinite charm, pedestrian streets, river views. Ideal for restoration projects. Parking is the main drawback.

Station area: Quiet neighbourhood with more modern houses and better road connections. Good value for money.

Requeixo and surroundings: Rural parishes a few kilometres from the centre with detached houses and large plots. Perfect for those seeking country life with immediate access to the village.

Gastronomy and traditions

The Magosto, the chestnut festival held in November, is the most emblematic event in Allariz. The streets of the old town fill with roasted chestnuts, new wine and traditional music. It is a celebration that attracts visitors from all over Galicia and encapsulates the community spirit of the village.

Pros and cons of living in Allariz

Pros

• Exceptional historic quarter: One of the most beautiful and best-preserved old towns in Galicia, declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
• Proximity to Ourense: Only 20 km, providing access to all city services in minutes.
• Privileged natural surroundings: The Arnoia river with its pools, walks and bathing areas is a natural luxury at your doorstep.
• Absolute tranquility: Pedestrianised old town, no traffic noise, total safety.
• Reasonable property prices: More expensive than the Galician rural average, but very affordable compared to cities.
• Strong cultural identity: Living traditions, active craftsmanship, quality local gastronomy.
• Good communications: Regular buses to Ourense, easy road access.
• Welcoming community: A village where everyone knows and helps each other.
• Quality of life: Healthy environment, clean air, outdoor activities.
• Tourist appeal: Potential for rural tourism and accommodation business.

Cons

• Small population: Just over 5,000 inhabitants, with limited service offerings.
• No hospital: The Health Centre covers primary care, but hospital emergencies require travel to Ourense.
• Limited local employment: Most skilled jobs are in Ourense.
• Difficult parking in the historic quarter: Medieval streets were not designed for cars.
• Distance from the coast: Beaches are over an hour away by car.
• Rainy winters: Inland Galician climate with wet, rainy winters.

Conclusion

Allariz is one of those jewels that make Galicia a unique place. The combination of a perfectly preserved historic quarter, a dreamlike riverside setting, a strong cultural identity and proximity to Ourense creates an almost perfect equation for living. If you dream of living in a medieval village without giving up the convenience of having a large city next door, Allariz is your place. Property prices are reasonable, the community is welcoming and the quality of life is exceptional.