Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Cañón del Sil

Ribeira Sacra is an area that stretches along the banks of the rivers Cabe, Sil and Miño. The town of Monforte de Lemos was designated as the capital of the area and is also the most populous town. The first written evidence of the town's name dates back to 1124, when the royals donated a "locum qui dicitur Rouoyra Sacrata". The name perhaps refers to the many hermitages and monasteries that had already been built here at that time. The Ribeira Sacra is also known for the quality of its wines. The vineyards, which follow the course of the river, are arranged in a system of stone steps along the riverbank and date back to Roman times, as the Romans already appreciated these wines. The spectacular Cañón del Sil is a gorge that covers the last 50 km before the Sil enters the Minho. The walls rise almost vertically up to 500 m from water level.