
Rihonor de Castilla and Rio de Onor in two time zones
The Spanish town of Rihonor de Castilla is located in the Zamora Province of Spain. Meanwhile, it shares existence with its Portuguese counterpart, Rio de Onor, just over the Portuguese border. Spain still uses Central Europe Time, a move made by the Spanish dictator, Franco, to line up with the Nazis in Germany. However, strictly speaking, Rihonor de Castilla should be in the same time zone as Portugal.

Two sides of town and two languages

A local dialect came from this phenomenon where the blend of cultures exists in “Rihonores,” a unique local dialect that combines elements of Spanish, Portuguese and Leonese. Admittedly, the dialect is falling into disuse, but it still stands as a symbol of the town’s unique dual location and its cultural melting pot.
What attractions does Rihonor de Castilla offer travelers?

Meanwhile, the town’s heritage can be seen in its quaint stone houses with slate roofs. Moreover, it has a traditional communal mill to visit, as well as the Church of Santa Marina. To gain more insights into the town’s past, visitors can explore the Casa do Touro museum which reveals details of the bilingual town’s rich history.
Moreover, Rihonor de Castilla allows visitors to step from Spain into Portugal, while staying in town. However, like many rural towns, it has demographic challenges – youngsters tend to move away to the cities for more opportunities. At the most recent census, the town’s population was down to 32 persons, which led to concerns over the town’s long-term survival.
However, as Rihonor de Castilla attracts visitors from both Spain and Portugal, a growing interest for tourists could revitalize the town. Meanwhile, it will also safeguard its cultural legacies and surrounding beautiful nature.
Moreover, the twin towns of Rihonor de Castilla and Rio de Onor stand as living proof of the harmonious coexistence between the two nations. Here, visitors can experience the unique cultural heritage the town offers.
[…] made. The National Company for the Studies of the Strait of Gibraltar in Morocco (SNED) and its Spanish counterpart, the Spanish Society for Fixed Communication across the Strait of Gibraltar (SECEGSA) […]