Verín facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Verín
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Verín as seen from the Castle of Monterrei
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Galicia |
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| Province | Ourense | |
| Comarca | Verín | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 94.1 km2 (36.3 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 373 m (1,224 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 13,817 | |
| • Density | 146.83/km2 (380.30/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | verinense, verinés, -a | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
Verín is a lively town and a municipality located in the southeast part of the province of Ourense. It is part of the autonomous community of Galicia in Spain. About 14,433 people live in this municipality.
The town is about 70 kilometers east of Ourense, which is the capital city of its province. It is also just 15 kilometers north of Chaves, a city in nearby Portugal. The Tâmega River flows right through Verín, adding to its natural beauty. Long ago, in the Middle Ages, this town was known as Santa María de Verín.
Contents
Getting Around Verín: Roads and Transport
Verín is well-connected to other major cities. You can easily reach Madrid and Ourense using the A-52 highway, also known as the Autovia das Rias Baixas. The N-525 road also links to the town.
While a main railway line goes through the mountains north of Verín, the closest train station is at La Gudiña. This station is about 31 kilometers to the east.
What Does Verín Do? Economy and Industry
Verín is mainly a town that provides services, like shops and businesses. Farming used to be a big part of its economy, but it has become less important over time.
Famous Local Products
The area around Verín is well-known for its delicious wine. This region is called Monterrei. You can find many vineyards here.
Verín is also famous for its natural mineral water. There are three bottling plants in the town: Cabreiroá, Fontenova, and Sousas. These plants bottle water from local springs.
Verín's Amazing Carnival Celebration
The Carnival in Verín is one of the most unique and exciting festivals in all of Spain! It has a very special tradition.
The Cigarrón: Masked Figures of Carnival
During Carnival, you will see masked figures called Cigarróns running through the streets. They carry whips and wear cow bells tied to their waists. The bells make an interesting sound as they move. This tradition is similar to the zanpantzar in the Pyrenees mountains.
The Carnival in Verín feels very old and traditional, almost like it's from the Middle Ages. It hasn't been influenced much by the Brazilian-style carnival that has become popular in other cities in Spain and Portugal.
Exploring the Castle of Monterrei
One of the most important places to visit near Verín is the Castle of Monterrei. This huge castle complex stands high above the town. It's a truly impressive sight!
How to Reach the Castle
To get to the castle, you drive about two kilometers from Verín on the old highway towards Ourense. Then, you turn right and drive another two kilometers uphill. You'll pass a winery on your left as you go. There's also a special hotel called a parador right next to the castle.
The Castle's History and Views
The Castle of Monterrei was built in a very important spot on the border between Spain and Portugal. Because of its location, it played a big role in the wars between the two countries long ago.
It was more than just a castle; it was like a small town inside its walls. It included a monastery, a hospital, and even a small village. This village was abandoned in the 1800s.
The castle looks even more amazing from a distance than up close, but the view from the top is definitely worth the trip! On clear nights, the castle is lit up, and you can see it for many miles, even from the hills in Chaves, Portugal.
Notable People from Verín
- Eloy Luis André - A smart person who was a psychologist, philosopher, educator, and writer from Galicia.
- Pedro Vásquez - A Catholic priest from the Dominican Order who was a martyr in Japan.
See also
In Spanish: Verín para niños
