Ourense

Ourense grew beside the Miño and the hot springs known as As Burgas. Its bridge across the river, rebuilt repeatedly upon Roman foundations, helped make the city a center of commerce. The cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin and the bishop's authority shaped its medieval life; the bishops held jurisdiction over the city from 1122 until 1628. The fortress of Castelo Ramiro overlooked the approaches to Ourense, allowing the bishops to control the movement of people and goods. In 1486 the Catholic Monarchs ordered it demolished. The city also saw the claims of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, who proclaimed himself king of Castile there in right of his wife, and the upheaval of the Irmandiño revolt.