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• The Ribeira Sacra can become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2026.

Ribeira Sacra commemorates this year the 900th anniversary of the first official mention of its name, ‘Rovoyra Sacrata’, which appeared in an official document nine centuries ago. With a rich history and an impressive cultural and natural heritage, this region is preparing for a new challenge: UNESCO will evaluate its candidacy to become a World Heritage Site under the title ‘Paisaxe da auga: Ribeira Sacra’.

After being recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 2018 and having received the status of World Biosphere Reserve in 2021, Ribeira Sacra is in the final stretch to obtain one of the most prestigious recognitions globally. The team in charge of the candidacy is finalizing the details of the file that will be presented to UNESCO in September, complying with all the necessary guidelines to be favorably evaluated in 2026.

The celebration of this anniversary was attended by representatives of the 26 municipalities that are part of the Ribeira Sacra, as well as authorities from the provinces of Lugo and Ourense. Luis Menor, president of the Ourense Provincial Council, highlighted the challenge of promoting tourism development in the region without compromising its natural, cultural and heritage values, while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Ribeira Sacra candidacy began in 2017, with the aim of obtaining maximum recognition from UNESCO. Since then, eight million euros have been invested in the conservation and valorization of more than 40 heritage assets. This has allowed more than 90 interventions to be carried out in buildings and sites of architectural and archaeological relevance, including churches, monasteries, museums, forts and Roman sites, among others, thus strengthening its position as a cultural and natural treasure of Galicia.