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VernVern is a Spanish town of about 7,000 inhabitants located in the province of Ourense, Autonomous Community of Galicia, 80 kilometers east of the provincial capital of Ourense. It is 22 kilometers north of the Portuguese city of Chaves. The Tmega River flows through the town. The town is linked with Madrid and Ourense by the four-lane Autovia das Rias Baixas and by the N525. The main railway line linking Ourense to Madrid passes through mountains north of the town, but the nearest station is at la Gudia, 31 km. to the east. Vern is a town of services with declining agricultural activity. There is a denominated region of wine—Monterrey—located in the surrounding area. There are also two mineral-water bottling plants in the town: Cabreiro and Sousas. Carnival here is one of the most original in Spain with masked figures running through the streets brandishing whips and making an interesting sound caused by cowbells tied to their waists (See zanpantzar for a similar tradition in the Pyrenees). Everything has a medieval air, with little influence from the Brazilian-style carnival, which has become popular in other Spanish and Portuguese cities. Vern has one major tourist sight, which is Monterrey Castle, a huge complex looming over the rather non-descript urban area. To reach the castle you drive about two kilometers in the direction of Ourense on the old highway, turning off on the right to climb two kilometers, passing a winery on the left. There is a parador next to the castle. Monterrey Castle played an important role throughout the Portuguese-Spanish wars, having been strategically built on the frontier for the purpose. It was more than a castle since included within the perimeter were a monastery, a hospital and a small town which was abandoned in the 19th century. The castle itself is more impressive from afar than at closer look, but the view from the heights is worth the drive up. At night it is lit up and you can see it for miles on clear nights, even from the hills of Chaves in neighboring Portugal. External links *Pueblos de Galicia: Vern
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