ORENSE

town, capital of Orense provincia, in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Galicia, northwestern Spain, situated along the eastern bank of the Mio River, south-southeast of La Corua. 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 later rebuilt by Alfonso III of Asturias about 877. The Mio is crossed at Orense 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 m). The town has three parts: the medieval, the area of 19th-century expansion, and the modern perimeter. Medieval family mansions include those of the Oca and the Valladares (now a casino). 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. The town has sawmills, flour mills, iron foundries, and some light industries. Pop. (1982 est.) 88,159. provincia, northwestern Spain, the only landlocked province in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Galicia. It is bounded by Portugal on the south and by the provincias of Pontevedra (west), La Corua (north), Lugo (northeast), and Len and Zamora (east). The principal river system is the Mio-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 manufacture; tin and tungsten are mined, and granite deposits are quarried. Tourism contributes to the economy: large lakes offer sailing and fishing facilities, and Mount Trevinca (6,660 feet ), the region's highest peak, is the site of one of Spain's better winter skiing resorts. The provincial capital, Orense, is the only large centre, and the population of the province is predominantly rural. Area 2,810 square miles (7,278 square km). Pop. (1988 est.) 435,823.