Roman traces, a museum in the former railway station and distinctive sacred buildings give Baños de Molgas a multifaceted character. Visitors planning a stay can explore the town through a range of themes: from the historic centre on the Arnoia to the legacy of the artist Moncho Borrajo, as well as churches and routes with their own historical connections.
The townscape between the Arnoia and Roman times
The historic centre of Baños de Molgas lies along the Arnoia River beside the OU-0108 road and dates back to a Roman settlement. Its compact, traditional buildings are characterised by stone walls and stone enclosures; characteristic plots with so-called hórreos are also part of the townscape. The Ponte Romana de Baños de Molgas, also known as the Ponte Vella de Molgas, formed part of the secondary routes of the Vía Nova XVIII, which passed through the Baños de Molgas area.
The thermal springs that supply the Balneario de Baños de Molgas were also discovered in Roman times. This connection adds another facet to the history of the settlement. The historical periods of the buildings mentioned also differ: the nearby Igrexa de Santa Eufemia de Ambía is a pre-Romanesque chapel dating from the 9th century, with Mozarabic influences; the present-day Santuario da Nosa Señora dos Milagres, by contrast, was built between 1728 and 1768.
Museum and sacred buildings
The Museo Moncho Borrajo is housed in the Estación de Ferrocarril. It spans two floors: one is devoted to temporary exhibitions, the other to the Museo Moncho Borrajo. The artist’s legacy includes photographs of friends from the entertainment industry and a collection of almost 1,000 rings. The museum thus offers a distinctive cultural attraction alongside the town’s historic buildings.
The Santuario da Nosa Señora dos Milagres was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1982. Outside the sanctuary, seven stone chapels belonging to a Way of the Cross stand at equal intervals. Beside the Fonte da Santa is a stone figure of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. Below it, water flows from the head of a pig, from which a ram drinks. Traditionally, worshippers visit the spring to lay down bouquets, draw water for a blessing or toss in coins.
On the eve of the Día Grande, a 30-kilometre procession known as the “Rosario de las Antorchas” traditionally takes place, with young people taking part. The Igrexa de Santa Eufemia de Ambía also has a historic designation: it is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
Routes and activities
The Parque de Ansuiña in Baños de Molgas lies on the Vía da Prata route of the Way of St James. O Canón do Arnoia offers a different route: it runs between Baños de Molgas and the village of A Acea. There is also a mountain biking trail at the former railway station in Baños de Molgas. The route and activity options are therefore varied: a pilgrimage route, a route between two places and a mountain biking trail.
The Santuario da Nosa Señora dos Milagres is listed as 4.3 kilometres from Baños de Molgas. By car, the route follows the OU-103; it is also possible to walk there. Check the route details before setting off. The Igrexa de Santa Eufemia de Ambía is 3.7 kilometres away; the journey takes about six minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot. Before walking, it is advisable to check the current route conditions.
Churches nearby
The Igrexa de Santa María de Almoite is 2.6 kilometres from Baños de Molgas; the listed walking route is 2.3 kilometres long. In addition to the church, its monumental ensemble includes a Way of the Cross along the surrounding wall, a peto de ánimas and a stone wayside cross at the main entrance. Together with Santa Eufemia, Almoite offers another perspective on sacred architecture in the surrounding area, but with a different ensemble: here, several elements form part of the church’s overall setting.
The route details help visitors compare the places mentioned by distance and mode of transport without conflating different measures: for Santa Eufemia, both driving and walking times are given, while for Almoite, the length of the walking route is provided. This makes it possible to consider cultural history, sacred buildings and routes as distinct focuses for a stay.
Discover more destinations: Cenlle, Casdenodres, Beariz, Turbisquedo, Lobios, Amoeiro, Gomesende, Sobreira.
For the regional travel overview: Ourense.
