O Rexo, Allariz

O Rexo is a small but unusual ecoespazo (nature-and-art space) in Requeixo de Valverde, part of the municipality of Allariz in the province of Ourense, Galicia. It blends a natural woodland setting with an artistic intervention — painted trees and granite-and-slate sculptures set among the forest, a stream, and rock outcrops.

What will you see at O Rexo?

The heart of the site is an installation by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola, best known for the "Painted Forest" (Bosque de Oma) in the Basque Country. At O Rexo he applied a similar idea on a smaller scale: tree trunks painted with abstract patterns alongside a series of sculptures and compositions carved from granite and slate, scattered through the natural vegetation. Ibarrola combined the landscape's own elements — trees, stones, earth, and water — with materials typical of Galician building tradition, namely granite and roof tiles. The result is striking: walking among the trees, you come across brightly coloured trunks and geometric sculptural forms that complement the surroundings rather than overwhelm them.

How do you get to O Rexo?

The ecoespazo lies roughly 5 kilometres from Allariz's historic centre, on the road toward Xunqueira de Ambía. By car it's a short drive of about ten minutes, and the site is clearly signposted as a trailhead. Travellers without a car can combine a visit with sightseeing in Allariz and reach O Rexo by taxi or bicycle — the access road is mostly paved and runs through quiet countryside.

What else can you do nearby?

The circular Val do Rexo – A Paraleda hiking trail starts and finishes at the O Rexo car park, covering about 5 kilometres. The route runs through the Allariz Biosphere Reserve, one of the few UNESCO-designated areas in Galicia, and takes in a river valley, deciduous woodland, and the flora and fauna typical of the region. It's an easy, gentle walk suitable for families with children as well as anyone looking for a quiet break from town sightseeing.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: temperatures are mild and the forest looks its most photogenic — fresh green growth in spring, and autumn foliage that contrasts vividly with the painted trunks. Summers in Ourense province can get very hot, so an early-morning visit is advisable at that time of year. The site is open year-round and free to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for O Rexo? No, it's an open public space, free to visit all year round.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the ecoespazo itself takes about 30–45 minutes, while the full Val do Rexo – A Paraleda loop takes around 1.5–2 hours.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the route is mostly flat and easy, and the painted trees and sculptures add an extra element of interest for younger visitors.

What should you combine with a visit to O Rexo? It's worth planning the day to also visit Allariz's historic centre, with its old monastery and well-preserved old town, just a few kilometres away.