10/30/2020 London Traveler published last year an article full of photos of Monforte de Lemos in a work titled "The medieval town of Monforte de Lemos"
“The medieval city of Monforte de Lemos is a fascinating and little-known little town in northwestern Spain, near the border of Galicia and León. There are impressive river gorges nearby and wonderful Romanesque churches everywhere. The historic Parador is a comfortable and welcoming hotel and staying here for a few days is a real pleasure.
Origins of Monforte de Lemos
The current Monforte de Lemos was originally the site of a fort that the Romans called Castro Dactonio. The settlement was destroyed by the Moors in the 8th century, but it was restarted with the establishment of a Benedictine monastery in the 9th century. The Monastery of San Vicente del Pino (rebuilt in the 17th century) is now the Parador and at the top it is probably the same hill used in pre-Roman times.
In medieval times, Monforte de Lemos was a fortified mountain town with the Monastery and the Castle at its heart. There were three gateways to the city, with three watchtowers offering far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. At the foot of the hill, the river Cabe supplied water to the town and its commerce. I got to know the medieval walls, gates, towers and streets. "
And the author begins her walk at the door of the Alcazaba and continues “In this door is also the Church of Santa María de la Régoa from the s.XVI and from the Church I followed Abelardo Baanante street to Plaza Doctor Goyanes. There are records of Jewish families who lived in this area before they were persecuted out of Spain. (This detailed article is fascinating and makes me wish I could go back and follow the information!) From the square, the road leads to the Old Bridge over the Cabe River. The Santa Clara Convent, founded in 1622 by the wife of the VII Count of Lemos with the wonderful Museum of Sacred Art, is just beyond the bridge.
The prison door
Back in the old town, Santo Domingo street leads to the Prison Gate. The Door of the Old Prison of the 13th century was here on Zapaterias street but nothing remains. From the prison gate I followed Calle de las Flores around the hillside. This street and Calle Falagueira are fascinating roads in a historically Jewish area. Small alleys go up the hill, in what looks like a field, to exit to the door called Porta Nova. Porta Nova is located at the far end of Calle Falagueira and, at the end of the 15th century, Count of Lemos rebuilt the gate. The synagogue was apparently located near the Gate. From Porta Nova I climbed the slope to reach another gate, next to the Doge's Palace and the Monastery / Parador.
I hope you see that this is a wonderful place to spend a few days.
More information:
History of Parador and the city
Jews at Monforte
Monforte monuments
You can access the complete information of London Traveler here.