Monasterio de San Pedro de Rocas

Monasterio de San Pedro de Rocas - Wikimedia commons/José Antonio Gil Martínez

The monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, also known like church Ruprestre of San Pedro de Rocas, is an old religious edificiación located in the locality of Esgos in Ourense, Galicia. It is from the year 1923 National Historical Monument and it was in the year 1999 when it was declared Good of Cultural Interest.

Built in the VI century, it is considered as one of the oldest religious buildings of all the Galician community, besides the only one that conserves great part of its original structure. This last point stands out to a great extent when we take into account that it is a monastery with artificial caves excavated in rock and used for different religious acts.

The monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is divided into several distinct parts. On one side is the 17th century rectory and the old cemetery, while on the other is the 12th century church and the bell tower, which stands out for its large stone arch 14 meters high.

Within the Ribeira Sacra area, the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the most popular places for both tourists and pilgrims coming from the Winter Way. Its great historical value merges with the natural beauty of this area, making it a landmark within the province of Ourense.