city, capital of Ourense provincia (province) in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Galicia, northwestern Spain. Ourense is situated along the eastern bank of the Miño River, south-southeast of A Coruña (Coruña, A). Its name derives from its hot springs, which were known to the Romans as Aquae Originis, or Urentae, and are now utilized predominantly for domestic supply. It was part of the Suebi (Suevi) kingdom during most of the 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries and was destroyed by the Moors in 716 and rebuilt by Alfonso III of Asturias about 877.

The Miño is crossed at Ourense by one of the most remarkable bridges in Spain, built by Bishop Lorenzo in 1230 but frequently repaired since then; it has seven arches and a central span of 150 feet (45 metres). The city has three parts: the medieval, the area of 19th-century expansion, and the modern perimeter. The Palace of Oca-Valladares, built in the mid-16th century, is an important Renaissance-style mansion that displays five coats of arms from different Galician lineages. The Capilla del Cristo, or Christ's Chapel (16th century), in the Gothic cathedral (founded 572; rebuilt in the 13th century) contains a crucifix venerated throughout Galicia. The former episcopal palace houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum. Cattle raising and agriculture dominate the economy. Ourense also has sawmills, flour mills, and iron foundries. Some light industries (metallurgical, automobile, textile) are integrated with those of the nearby city of Vigo. Pop. (2006 est.) 100,609.

provincia (province) in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Galicia, northwestern Spain. It is the only landlocked province in Spain. Ourense is bounded by the provinces of A Coruña to the north, Lugo to the northeast, León and Zamora to the east, and Pontevedra to the west. Portugal is situated to its south. The principal river system is the Miño-Sil, the fertile valleys of which produce corn (maize) and grapes for wine. The Sil is harnessed for hydroelectric power. The Ribeiro area is famous for its white wine. There is also considerable pig breeding and potato growing. Industries include chemical, automotive, and metallurgical manufacturing; tin and tungsten are mined, and granite deposits are quarried. Tourism has increased its contribution to the economy: large lakes offer sailing and fishing facilities, and Cabeza de Manzaneda (5,833 feet 【1,778 metres】) is the site of one of Spain's winter skiing resorts. The provincial capital, Ourense city, is the only large centre, and the population of the province is predominantly rural. Area 2,808 square miles (7,273 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 336,926.