Camino Frances Guide

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French Road Stage 1: S. Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles The Hostels Hostel Itzandegia Roncesvalles (Navarra) Tel: 948 760000 Hostel Le Chemin vers l'Etoile Saint Jean Pied de Port (France) Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 20 71 Refuge Orisson Uhart-Cize Tel: To call from Spain: 00 33 5 59 49 13 03 In France: 05 59 49 13 03 L'esprit du Chemin Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 24 68 Hostel Accueil Pelerin Saint Jean Pied de Port (France) Tel: 0033 559 370 509 Hostel Ferme Ithurburia Honto (France) Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 11 17

description

A guide to the Camino Frances with information supplied by Fundacion Eroski, edited and translated by Greg Dedman.Please feel free to sned me any updates you may have, I know the translation is a little weird in places, but i've done my best :)You can download this document to your blackberry, iphone or most handheld devices to take it with you if your walking the Camino, no need for large guide books :)

Transcript of Camino Frances Guide

Page 1: Camino Frances Guide

French Road Stage 1: S. Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles

The Hostels

Hostel Itzandegia

Roncesvalles (Navarra)

Tel: 948 760000

Hostel Le Chemin vers l'Etoile

Saint Jean Pied de Port (France)

Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 20 71

Refuge Orisson

Uhart-Cize

Tel: To call from Spain: 00 33 5 59 49 13 03

In France: 05 59 49 13 03

L'esprit du Chemin

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 24 68

Hostel Accueil Pelerin

Saint Jean Pied de Port (France)

Tel: 0033 559 370 509

Hostel Ferme Ithurburia

Honto (France)

Tel: +33 (0)5 59 37 11 17

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Hostel of Luzaide/Valcarlos

Valcarlos (Navarra)

Tel: 948 79 01 89, Better to call City Hall

(948 79 01 17)

Information on the stage 1: S. Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles

As an alternative to Roncesvalles, the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port has become the starting point preferred to start the pilgrimage by the French Road. The opening day challenges to the pilgrim with a drop of more than 1250 meters but was rewarded with a landscape atlantic exceptional and the attractiveness of transferring to foot the border between France and Spain.

The itinerary

The French Road - the Way par excellence, the mother of all Roads to Santiago - it started in the medieval bridge over the river levels. So we get access to the rue d'Espagne, district of merchants and craftsmen who has barely changed his appearance over the centuries. Going through the streets of a tip to another to transfer the walls broken of the old wall and reach a pole of wood. Nailed, next to a shell and the mark red and white of GR 65, there is a sign that indicates Chemin

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de Saint Jacques de Compostelle. A terrible repecho welcomes us below and should tackle very slowly, thus facilitating the progressive warming at a stage that is going to demand much effort and to be taken very quiet. Rising by the asphalt road, between intermittent neighborhoods of houses as Iruleya and Erreculus and surrounded by green grassland, arrive to the core of Honto (Km 5).

After the latest houses, the track gives us a small truce and its place a path that wins the game to the slope with a succession of curves of herradura. After her, and again with their feet on the asphalt, turn next to a source and a table of guidance. Is deployed in an excellent mirador since the obtained an overview of Saint Jean Pied de Port and the soft mountainous terrain of this part of the french Aquitaine (6.4 Km). A kilometer above came up to the hostel Orisson, an alternative to spend the night. Especially for the traveller who initiated the stage to the late afternoon. We continue to move by the narrow mountain road, certainly in the company of sheep of race Manech and robust horses insensitive to the rigors of the climate. Some four kilometers later, some 100 meters and left hand, can be distinguished on a rocky ridge the size of the Virgin of Biakorri, adorned with flowers, necklaces, crosses, shells and other objects ofrendados by pilgrims (Km 11.3).

After 20 minutes of progress turn the diversion that low until the location french of Arnéguy and two kilometers later, finally, we come to the key point of the day. Along the berm right there is a milestone of stone with a sign of carved wood with an inscription Roncevaux/Orreaga (Km 15). Mean abandoning the asphalt road and continue on the soft floor of prado pyrenees. Our feet will be grateful. Turn immediately next to a cross and ascend to a hill, leaving to our right a relief stone shelter. Only 000 meters more remaining to enter Spain and reach the collado of Bentarte, where we find the source of Roldan, who reminds the journal of Charlemagne defeated next to its army in the year 778 by the vascones (Km 16.5). In short, a triple signal of wood tells us, among other options, which continue down the right toward Roncesvalles. By a hayedo and a forest trail more unprotected reach the collado Lepoeder, the peak of the stage to 1430 meters in height. (Km 20.5).

Here are two options to continue well identified in a pole of wood. On the left is the shortest (3.6 kilometers to Roncesvalles), however with the handicap of having to descend steep slopes. The choice of the right is 400 meters longer, but more soft and passes through the high Pass. Matter of taste. We choose the longest and descend on the asphalt road and tackling from time to time. The views are grandiose and lead us to discover the landscape of the stage of tomorrow: forests of beeches and Roncesvalles giving way to Burguete and to the valley of Erro. We came to pass, where the beaked chapel of San Salvador, built in memory of a former monastery that made it sound its bell to guide the pilgrims medieval (Km 24.1). The stage only a breath and, after passing along to the Center of Migration of Birds, our itinerary is internal to the hayedo to reach Roncesvalles, represented by the Collegiate gothic of Santa Maria (Km 25.7).

The difficulties

Continuous ascent from Saint Jean Pied de Port until the Collado Lepoeder: The first 20.5 kilometers are a continuous ascent that demands much effort. It is obliged arrive in a good physical state to this first stage and take with much tranquillity. We must remember that the path of Santiago is a career of substance and not of speed. Not the ends the stronger but the more cautious.

Problems with the signalling?: The signalling is good, but this stage holds the record for people who are lost, especially in winter, with snow or fog. In winter and in case of expected bad weather is best opt for alternative route that amounts on the road. Remember that when you reach the milestone of stone that says Roncevaux/ Orreaga (Km 15), is to abandon the road and involved monte through.

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Comments

To get to Saint Jean Pied de Port the best option is to take the bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles.

The schedules are as follows: 1 July to September 1: from monday to friday leaves at 10:00 and 18:00 hours. On Saturdays at 9:30 and 16:00 hours. On Sundays and public holidays there is no service. The rest of the year: from monday to friday leaves, only, at 18:00 hours. On Saturdays at 16:00 hours. On Sundays and public holidays there is no service. Paying a supplement will allow carry the bicycles. For more information: Coaches Konbu. Phone: 948 30 02 87. Once in Roncesvalles, there is a taxi service waiting for the pilgrims who want download to Saint Jean Pied de Port. If anyone traveling on Sunday can take a taxi from Pamplona. The telephones of Teletaxi are the 948 23 23 00 948 35 13 35.

This mountain stage presents an alternative almost obliged in winter or in bad weather. Follow the road which amounts to pass by Arnéguy and Valcarlos. It is well signposted and take after leaving the rue d'Espagne. Rather than follow the route that we are proposing it should be diverted to the right. Although no doubt, the hospitaleros Saint Jean Pied de Port have on information.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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What to see, what to do

SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT: Saint Jean Pied de Port, in spanish San Juan Foot of Port, owes its name to its strategic location at the foot of the border mountains with Spain. It was founded in the 12th century and since 1234 was the capital of Ultrapuertos, one of the six merindades of the Kingdom of Navarra. At the end of the 16th century became part of France and today is a canton located in the department of the Pyrenees-atlantiques in the French region of Aquitaine.

Saint Jean Pied de Port still follows an aura medieval thanks to its citadel positioned in the high, the narrow cobbled and commercial la Citadelle and d'Espagne, the whole formed by the church and the bridge over the river levels, and the transit of the thousands of pilgrims who come walk from the center of Europe or come from Spain to start the pilgrimage.

Ciudadella: With the dimensions of 600 x 150 meters the fortified citadel of Saint Jean Pied de Port was designed by the military engineer Vauban during the 1600S. He instead of the old medieval castle and from their locations have views of the locality and the mountainous landscape that surrounds it.

Puerta de Santiago: Located in the upper part of the location enters the pilgrims from the north and center of Europe in the Rue de la Citadelle, one of the streets renowned historical center. TO Saint Jean Pied de Port arrive united already hikers european routes Tourangelle, Lemovicense and Podense, not the road to Toulouse penetrate in Spain by the Port huesca Somport and join the other pilgrims in Bridge the Queen.

Church of Notre Dame du Bout du Pont: Temple gothic fortress located, as his former french name indicates, in a place of medieval bridge over the river levels. Now known as the Church of the assumption. Account with a great nave with two lateral roads and two ensembles and presents a set of pillars and columns in red stone. Terraced to its structure is in the Door of Notre Dame, which down the Rue de la Citadelle gives access to the Rue d'Espagne, a former district of merchants and artisans.

PASS: After crowning the collado Lepoeder, end of the continuing climb of the first stage, starts the eager decline in four kilometers that leads to the high Pass. Here, more than 1,000 meters, has been the beaked chapel of San Salvador, opened in 1965 and that recalls the existence of a former monastery which gave assistance to the medieval pilgrims.

RONCESVALLES:

Colegiata de Santa Maria: Clear example of french gothic in Spain, the church of Santa Maria began to be built between 1215 and 1221 under the patronage of the king navarro Sancho VII The Strong. Because of its state of neglect and deterioration over the centuries later was rebuilt much of the temple during the 1600S. Consists of a plant of three ships and in the presbytery stands the sculpture of the Virgin of Roncesvalles, carved in wood and bathed in silver in Toulouse in the 14th century. In the whole of the Collegiate also stresses the cloister, plant square and lifted during the first half of the 17th century.

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Santiago Chapel: Small gothic construction of the thirteenth century. He was parish until the 18th century and was restored in the twentieth century.

Chapel of the Holy Spirit: Also known as Silo of Charlemagne, is the oldest of Roncesvalles. It is the 12th century and it has given burial to pilgrims.

The monument

Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles

Dedicated to Santa Maria. Church enshrined in the year 1219.

Gothic style french. Basilica Plan, divided into three ships without cruise, separated by arcos ogive.

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French Road Stage 2: Roncesvalles - Zubiri The Hostels

Hostel The Stick of Hazel

Zubiri

Tel: 948 30 47 70 / 666 499 175

Hostel Zaldiko

Zubiri (Navarra)

Tel: 609 736 420

Hostel of pilgrims from Zubiri

Zubiri (Navarra)

Tel: 628 324 186

Information on the stage 2: Roncesvalles - Zubiri

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After a day of mountain devoid of kernels inhabited, the second stage promises a dash differently. Until Espinal, passing before by Burguete, the profile is flat and alternating wooded tranches with extensive areas of meadows populated by livestock. Then jumps to the scene valley of Erro demonstrating its beech and oak and of its changing terrain: moves up Mezkiritz and descends to Bizkarreta and Lintzoain to deal with the port of Erro. For a final, magical and vertiginous drop between boxwood, gates we are open and close and steps are up to the doors of Zubiri and the valley of Esteribar.

The itinerary

Since the hostel Itzandegia went out to the N-135, and, after a short stretch, take a path that is born along the berm right and that runs along a forest of beech and oak. After 100 meters can be seen across the road and, through the branches, the cross of the Pilgrims, a cruise gothic that he was transferred to this place in the year 1880 by the Prior don Francisco Polite. The bucolic walking ends to arrive next to the ships of the polygon Ipetea, point where turn left to exit the N-135 and enter into Burguete. The street San Nicholas and the road are all one, so it went through the people, since there is no lay between the robust houses blasonadas and asphalt (2.8 Km).

After the church of San Nicolas, torcemos right next to a bank branch to cross a bridge on a stream that low toward the river Urrobi. Continue by a track, flanked by some vessels and extensive prairies populated by livestock and clumps of deciduous. After circumvent several channels of water vados rudimentary stone and fix a repecho, went to a asphalted road from the appreciated the red roof tiles of Spinal and by the that down until this first people of the valley of Erro. We move in the town to exit the N-135 at the height of the modern St. Bartholomew's Church. Turn right and we carry on the sidewalk almost skimming the facades white of two and three storeys. Just after a pedestrian turn left and tracks of different floor climb up the high of Mezkiritz, where next to the road there is a tombstone with the image labrada of the Virgin of Roncesvalles (8.2 Km).

When crossing the road your eye!, because we can then take the path that is not. There is a leading to the High Errebelu but we must continue the indicated by the cairn santiago. A metal cancels encourages us to enter the hayedo and descend by him. Surrounded also boxwood, holly trees and ferns move toward the next population. A final stretch, something slippery if it has rained, leaves us next to the road but in its place we take a path artificial stoned that arrives to Bizkarreta, order to stage in the 12th century thanks to the existence of a hospital in pilgrims. (Km 11.4). The left next to the "tiendica of Biskarret" and we went to Lintzoain, distant nearly two kilometers (13.3 Km).

Once in Lintzoain turn next to the pediment and torcemos at the right to take a carretil cement very steep to tackle with wheezing. It remains on track of gravel - a cairn is responsible for reminding us of the four kilometers remaining until the high of Erro - and continues through a narrow path. The first ramps are the most tough but the pending yields and the way widens. There are even good tranches in clear decrease, such as that leads us up to the same high of Erro, where we crossed the N-135 (17.8 Km). Take a track and to the 700 meters we leave it to one side the sale of the Port, the former posada that today is in a state regrettable and makes the times of stable. After the fall is more evident, leads us to open and close a couple of sidescuttles and surprise us with some tranche of steps. At the end we stand on the bridge of the anger over the river Arga, construction by the who agree to Zubiri and to the valley of Esteribar (Km 21.5).

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The difficulties

Road N-135: We have to pay attention because there are several times that crosses the N-135. In addition, there must be careful in step by Burguete because there is no berm.

Drawing rompepiernas: After Spinal the profile hardens, but abound over the slopes that the price increases. The ascent of the high of Erro does not imply any difficulty. The departure of Lintzoain frightened the first ramps but then becomes much more bearable.

Comments

In the 21.5 kilometers separating Roncesvalles of Zubiri there is no hostels of pilgrims intermediate. However, Burguete, Espinal, Bizkarreta and Lintzoain have private accommodations.

If we very early in Roncesvalles cannot breakfast on Burguete. There is a cafeteria after the church. In Spinal and Bizkarreta there are also stores where to buy food. In Zubiri there is a bar next to the polideportivo that serves lunches and dinners for the pilgrim.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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What to see, what to do

AURITZ/BURGUETE: "To reach the end of the cuesta, across the rooftops red and white houses of Burguete, scattered by the llano". This appointment is of Ernest Hemingway, American writer immortalized Burguete in his work Fiesta. As reflected in his novel of 1926, in addition to live with passion the 'Sanfermines liked to come to Burguete to fish and relax the bustle of the city. Burguete is a town of step vertebrate around the street San Nicolas, populated to left and right by houses blasonadas of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Church of San Nicolas de Bari: The renaissance facade was carved in 1699 by the beratarra Juan de Miura. Inside the temple stresses the altarpiece baroque.

VALLEY OF ERRO: Past Burguete, el Camino de Santiago penetrates the domains in the valley pyrenees of Erro. From among its 12 population nuclei, the route santiago enters the inner cities of Aurizberri/Espinal, Bizkarreta/Gerendiain and Lintzoain. In the port of Erro, divide between the climate Atlantic and the sub, abandons the valley to descend to the valley of Esteribar.

Aurizberri/Espinal: Espinal, founded in the year 1269 by the king Navarro Thibaut II (1253-1370) is the location bigger del valle de Erro. Like Burguete, is a town of services divided by the N-135. Its St. Bartholomew's church was built in 1961.

Bizkarreta/Gerendiain (Biskarret): Back in the 12th century, the former Biscaretum had a hospital in pilgrims but today it is not trace remains of what. The church of San Pedro, reformed profusely at the end of the eighteenth century, still retains its home romanesque 13th century.

Lintzoain: Lintzoain is the geographic center of the valley and its administrative capital. His church of San Saturnino stone rosacea is romanesque 13th century and was reformed in the XVI. Houses two altarpieces later centuries XVII and XVIII. Is located on top of the people and it must be diverted about 150 meters to visit.

ZUBIRI: Zubiri, people of the bridge in basque, is the first location of the valley of Esteribar on the path of Santiago. It is also the larger kernel and the administrative capital of the valley. In Zubiri, the pilgrim has the first encounter with the river Arga, channel that he will be accompanied during two stages more to bridge the Queen. Precisely, on this river rises a medieval bridge two eyes known by the nickname "of Rabies", since by a tradition was forced to animals to pass by the central pillar to heal of this disease. The church of St. Maarten is from new plant already that the former was used during the carlist war as barracks and was destroyed in 1836 during the conflict.

The monument

Bridge of anger, Zubiri

Medieval Bridge of 2 eyes of half a point and polygonal dams on the river Arga.

There was a belief that the animals that gave them a lap around the pillar healed of rabies.

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French Road Stage 3: Zubiri - Pamplona/Iruña

The Hostels

Hostel of Larrasoaña

Larrasoaña (Navarra)

Tel: 661 100 774

Hostel of the Trinidad of Arre

Arre (Navarra)

Tel: 948 332941

Hostel of Jesus and Mary

Pamplona. (Navarra)

Tel: 948 22 26 44

Hostel House Paderborn

Pamplona. (Navarra)

Tel: 948 211 712

Hostel municipal Villava

Villava (Navarra)

Tel: 948 11 15 77

Hostel Municipal Huarte

Huarte/Uharte

Tel: 948 074329

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Information on the stage 3: Zubiri - Pamplona/Iruña

As a bridge to bridge and tire because brings me the flow. The Rabies Zubiri, of the bandits in Larrasoaña, Iturgaiz in Irotz and Magdalena in Pamplona. All on the Arga, river to irrigate the valley of Esteribar and leads to the first city in the way.

The itinerary

We must go back on the steps of yesterday and crossing again the bridge of rabies. After a kilometer arrived at the edge of a road, just opposite the factory of Magna, a company founded in 1945 taking advantage of the reservoir of geological magnesite. Climb the road, surrounding the perimeter of the company and, subsequently, descend a flight of stairs to leave the industrial area. On a path stoned arrived at Ilarratz and 800 meters after a Eskirotz, two small populations of just 20 neighbors (Km 3.7).

Later, a few two kilometers, is Larrasoaña, people signal of the route jacobea vertebrate in the street San Nicolas. Should its origin to the foundation of a monastery in the century X. Coming from Zubiri itinerary does not penetrate at this location, since it is separate from the path by the river Arga and the bridge of the bandits. A short climb leads to the next nucleus of the valley of Esteribar: Akerreta. At the top of the town is the church of the Transfiguration, which still retains elements as medieval tower, the home and the baptismal font (6.1 Km).

We turn next to the hotel rural and after a portillo and a stretch of gravel arrived until a local road, we crossed. The next tranche does not disappoint at all. Guarded between trees and scrub going

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in search of the river Arga and deal a rapid decline until the same shore, reaching almost to rub the water. Glued to the channel came to the bridge of Zuriain (9.2 Km). After he went to the N-135 and continue to care for their lay for a few hundred meters. Past the danger we take the diversion of Ilurdotz and return to cross the Arga to go up Irota (Km 11.2).

Leaving aside his church of San Pedro we by track until the bridge of Iturgaiz, romanesque and rehabilitated the last century. Here comes the track that shapes the paseo river Arga, a travel ameno frequented by walkers and cyclists that leads us to a picnic on the other side of the N-135, via that saved by an underpass (Km 12.9). Tables, barbecues and even services encourage the rest. If we crossed the river cannot continue to Pamplona for the same walking. If we continue to face continue on the traditional route. This leads us to climb by a path and to move by the former lordship of Arleta, today a set of houses ruined. We said goodbye del valle of Esteribar and later avoid crossing a ringroad thanks to another underpass. Down so until the river bridge Ulzama and the hermitage of the Trinidad of Arre, still looks its Romanesque apse (Km 15.8).

We get access to the main street of Villava, cradle of Miguel Indurain, and get through it this town in Navarre. At the exit cross the road and continue straight, turning several roundabouts, until link with Burlada, population, which also crossed through its main street. (Km 17.2). To the height of a mechanic turned to the right to cross the road next to Nurseries Arvena. After crossroads, attentive to the signalling jacobea of pavement, we few meters toward the right and doubled to left into a walk. It is the path of Burlada or paseo de la Magdalena that will lead us, always in the face, until the doors of Pamplona, the first city in the way. Kilometer and a half later crossed the bridge of the Magdalena and continue on to the right toward a step governed by traffic lights. Continues next to the walls to pass a drawbridge and the portal of France, which leads us to continue straight through the streets del Carmen and the Navarrería. Sharpening the hearing in search of a signal to guide us deviate left on the streets of Curia and then right by the Company street, where is the hostel pamplona (Km 20.4).

The difficulties

Decline rapidly and pronounced between Akerreta and Zuriain: A kilometer after Akerreta there is a quick depression, with steps including, until the same river Arga. If there are mud can be very slippery.

N-135 to the departure of Zuriain: They are only a few hundred meters, but we have to go with care by the berm. It can also be progress following some films.

Comments

Up to Villava, almost 16 kilometers, there is no place where supplies. In Zuriain, after crossing the bridge, yes that there is a machine of water and soft drinks but does not ensure stocks. The entry of Pamplona, just past the bridge of the Magdalena, a detour to the left leads to the hostel House Paderborn.

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Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

VALLEY OF ESTERIBAR: The Path of Santiago crosses this valley from north to south along 14 kilometers from Zubiri until Arleta. Known in the Middle Ages by the nickname of valley of the Hunters, Esteribar is composed of 28 locations and several depopulated.

Larrasoaña: Founding to the vera of a monastery, Larrasoaña is a care people of remarkable jacobea tradition. In the 11th century already had a hospital of pilgrims and in the XII received the jurisdiction of the francs: artisans foreigners, generally french, who made the current configuration urban on both sides of the Road. Highlights their houses blasonadas as well as the parish church dedicated to San Nicolas de Bari and hermitages of San Blas and Santiago.

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TRINIDAD OF ARRE AND VILLAVA: The medieval bridge of six arches on the river Ulzama gives access to the romanesque hermitage and the convent of the Trinidad of Arre, former hospital of pilgrims to the 11th century. The convent opens the doors of Villava, the hometown of Miguel Indurain where you can contemplate an original monument to the five times winner of the Tour de France. Has all the infrastructure necessary commercial: supermarkets, bars, pharmacies, restaurants, etc.

PAMPLONA: The best is lost in the Old Town and browse its bustling streets, many times trampled by the bulls in the famous bullfights San Fermin. You can browse the low kilometer that separates the corrales de la Cuesta de Santo Domingo and reach the bullring, passing through the Town Hall Square and going up the Estafeta street, where you can taste rich skewers. The plaza del Castillo, the plaza de San Jose next to the Cathedral and the street The Redín stops are mandatory.

Santa Maria Cathedral: The Cathedral presents a gothic particular substitute from the original romanesque, which has nothing to do with the facade neoclassical of Ventura Rodriguez, after which it hides a beautiful cloister where it will stop in the Doorway Precious part of the Chapel of Barbazán.

The monument

Cathedral of Pamplona

Built on a romanesque during the 14th century and XV. The facade is neoclassical of Ventura Rodriguez. In one of the towers is the bell Mary, the second largest in Spain with an approximate

weight of 12 tons.

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French Road Stage 4: Pamplona/Iruña - Bridge the Queen/Gares

The Hostels

Hostel of the Parents Repairmen

Bridge The Queen Tel: 948 340050

Hostel Family Roncal

Cizur Menor (Navarra) Tel: 948 18 38 85

Hostel Usda

Obanos ,Tel: 676 56 09 27

Hostel Santiago Apostol

Puente la Reina (Navarra) Tel: 948 34 02 20 / 660 70 12 46

Hostel Jakue

Puente la Reina (Navarra) Tel: 948 341017

Hostel of Cizur Menor

Cizur Menor (Navarra) Tel: 616 65 13 30

Hostel Path of Forgiveness

Uterga (Navarra)

Tel: 948 344 598 / 948 344 661

The hostel of Zariquiegui

Zariquiegui

Tel: 948 35 33 53 / 679 23 06 14

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Information on the stage 4: Pamplona/Iruña - Bridge of the Queen/Gares

Transferred the city, along with the small river Sadar, the route crosses the Cendea of Cizur between land and cereal reaches the heights of the sierra of Forgiveness, a natural barrier between the Basin of Pamplona and Valdizarbe. In the fall Uterga and Muruzã give way to Obanos, confluence of the paths of Somport and Roncesvalles and springboard to bridge the Queen, population indissoluble pilgrimage to Santiago.

The itinerary

Two dozens of kilometers separating Pamplona to bridge the Queen. Down the street of Curia until Merchants, key point during the bullfights de las fiestas de San Fermin, came up to the plaza Consitorio next to the facade of the Town Hall, mixing baroque and neoclassical built in the year 1752. We continue by San Saturnino and travel from tip to tip the main street. After a pedestrian walkway is moving up the avenue of the Army to enter the return of the Castle, beautiful park grown around the defensive bastion of the Citadel. Later, the signalling forced to leave the green zone for access to the street Source of Iron, which crosses the avenue Sancho the Strong and low until the University of Navarra. Abandons this private institution by the bridge Acella on the river Sadar (Km 3).

By a andadero, after two kilometers, it is in slight pending Cizur Menor, population of the Céndea of Cizur. Céndea is a term used in Navarra to designate the whole of several villages that make up only one city hall. The entry, on the left, is the church of San Miguel and on the right away, the parish church of San Emeterio and San Celedonio. We will leave Cizur between riads and single-family, developed thanks to the collapse of urban cities and the longing to flight to calmer. Dramatically, the fields of cereal and tracks concentration to be hogging landscape and begun to win height with tranquillity. We will arrive at a small raft of water in the place of Guenduláin, old dominion uninhabited to the right of Way formed by the palace and the church. (Km 9).

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A few kilometers above is Zariquiegui, last population of the Cendea of Cizur on the path of Santiago. We receive the porte geometric and grandiose San Andres, temple, which still retains a sober Romanesque facade. Among some glimmer of houses blasonadas we the latter part of the rise. Leave the tracks and we take a path more interesting than opens the way between boxwood and thorns. We will come to the source of Gambellacos, commonly known by the name of the Reneging. The legend has it that in this same place, the devil offered water to a pilgrim thirsting to change that renege of God, the Virgin and Santiago. The pilgrim, means dying, despise the drink and prayed until the devil was and appeared the source satisfied. Also satisfied us, we spent the last effort until the high located in the Sierra of Forgiveness, natural barrier between the Basin of Pamplona and Valdizarbe (Km 13.4).

It is a good place to leave the backpack, eat something and made some photos next to the original work done in chapa by the artist Vicente Galbete, which shows a caravan of pilgrims from different eras representing the evolution of the path of Santiago along its history. Under the buzz of the wind turbines and after a well-deserved rest descending on uncomfortable loose stones and between oaks and oaks. Uterga, first Valdizarbe, is the next town that we step (Km 16.8). Two kilometers and 700 meters later came to Muruzã, people we are facing down the street Esteban Perez of Tafalla, where the parish church of San Esteban. In Muruzã also can admire the baroque palace of the same name, today reconverted into cellar (Km 19.5).

Resume progress toward Obanos, conquest after a slope marked by scallops. Officially the Town Hall square, next to the church of San Juan Bautista, exercises of union between the pilgrims who come from Somport by the ramal aragonese and which we continue the trace by that of Roncesvalles (Km 21.3). Turn under the arch pointed to the door of Obanos and down to the road, which crosses to continue to the vega of the river Theft until the entry of Puente la Reina. Under the church of Santiago finished the two dozens of kilometers that foresaw for today (Km 24).

The difficulties

Ascent to the Forgiveness: From the outskirts of Cizur Menor profile is clearly ascendant until crowning the high of forgiveness. Has repechos hard but in general it is a rise calmly and comfortable.

Comments

Since Cizur Menor to Uterga no places where to buy, although sources where to refuel, as in Zariquiegui. In Uterga is the hostel Path of Forgiveness, who is also hostel and restaurant.

In Muruzã exists the possibility of diverted to visit the romanesque hermitage of Eunate. It is not well indicated, so to speak to it, once on the street Esteban Perez of Tafalla, it must be turn left by the main street or on the street Garden. Is passed along to the palace of Muruzã and continues to face by a track signposted. Since the hermitage is followed by the route of the Road Aragonés until the same Obanos. The diversion represents an extra about three kilometers.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 20: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

CIZUR MENOR: Belonging to the Céndea, Cizur is a town residential on the outskirts of Pamplona distinguished by its good grills.

Church of San Miguel: Beautiful example of Romanesque building. This church was part of a larger complex of the Order St John. Restored in 1989 is unique ship and maintains its Romanesque facade. Was ceded to the Order of Malta in 1998.

VALDIZARBE: Geographical Area bordering with the Region of Pamplona and composed of a dozen populations. Crosses this valley both the route that comes from Roncesvalles as the Somport. The route of French Road enters Valdizarbe by Uterga and continues by Muruzã and Obanos (where the French Road and the Aragonés) to finish in Bridge the Queen.

UTERGA:

Church of the Assumption: Surrounded by trees and with atrium porticos entry, the church is gothic and shows the capitals of your home scenes of the children of Jesus.

MURUZÃ:

Parish Church of San Esteban: Transition between the Gothic and Baroque, houses the retablo de los Santos Juanes, the end of the XV or principles of XVI.

Palace of Muruzã: Baroque Palace from the beginning of XVIII was manor house of the family Perez of Rada. Currently housed the bodegas Palacio de Muruzã that bottled their own wines.

OBANOS: In the center of the plaza de los Fueros of Obanos, next to the church of San Juan Bautista, come together the pilgrims who come from Roncesvalles with those of Somport. There has been speculation about whether it is Obanos or Bridge the Queen the point where confluían the two pilgrimage routes. The signalling journal climbs to Obanos, although there are pilgrims that instead of access this population, revolve on the left to reach the road NA-6064 and directed by it directly to bridge the Queen.

Obanos is characterized by the beauty of their streets and from their homes. We can observe a varied civil architecture, with gothic elements in quarrying and brick. Stress and the houses Muzquiz, Zabalegui, Tximonco and Don Fidel.

Church of San Juan Bautista: Built in 1912 and restored in 2007, this church replaced an old gothic construction. The Gothic temple maintains, among other things, the covers the 14th century, the tower, the baptismal font and sculptures of altarpiece of the 17th century. In the sacristy there is a size romanesque de la Virgen de Arnotegui.

PUENTE LA REINA: Its Romanesque bridge over the river Arga, commanded build for the passage of the pilgrims for the queen Doña Greater, gave name to the people.

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Church of the Crucifix: After the hostel of the parents repairers, la ruta jacobea passes under the porch that unites this church with the convent. Santa Maria orchards, as was known in their origins, was built at the end of the 12th century. The ship romanesque main was added in the 14th century another gothic, who keeps a size germana of Jesus Christ crucified. The home is richly decorated with various reasons.

Santiago Church: To browse the main street is impossible not to pay attention to its tower, which seems touch the sky. It was built at the end of the XII but their appearance as forged with the remodeling of the 16th century. It should stop at the home polilobulada that gives the main street and cope with the gothic carving of Santiago Beltza.

The monument

Romanesque bridge to bridge the Queen

Built in the 11th century. Composed of 6 arches of half a point.

The queen doña Greater commanded build to facilitate the passage of the

pilgrims for the river Arga.

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French Road Stage 5: Bridge the Queen/Gares - Estella/Lizarra

The Hostels

Hospital of Pilgrims

Estella (Navarra) Tel: 948 550200

Hostel Maralotx of Cirauqui

Cirauqui (Navarra)

Tel: 678 635 208

Hostel the cellar of the road

Lorca (Navarra)

Tel: 948 54 11 62 / 948 54 13 27

Hostel of Villatuerta

Villatuerta

Tel: 948 53 60 95

Hostel parish San Miguel

Estella

Tel: 948 55 04 31 / 690 081 584

Hostel of ANFAS Estella

Estella (Navarra)

Tel: 680459798 / 695895551 / 948554551

Hostel of Lorca

Lorca (Navarra)

Tel: 948 54 11 90

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Information on the stage 5: Bridge of the Queen/Gares - Estella/Lizarra

A dawn reddish on the cobbled street, the Romanesque bridge that survives the stakes of the river, landscapes of cereal and vineyards, a path charged of pilgrims who moves toward a medieval village, a Roman road, a river of salt water or a holy benefactor. All of them postcards that provides the Way to whom awake and asleep next to him.

The itinerary

The vast majority will accommodation in the hostels located at the entrance to bridge the Queen, so you awaken of sleep by the streets of the Crucifix, passing under the arch that unites the church with the convent st john, and crossed the national to enter the main street. On the right rises the church of Santiago with its rich home of the early 13th century. At the end of the street the monumental Romanesque bridge on the Arga gives its name to this town. It is confident that it was built for the passage of the pilgrims although it is not so that was ordained lift by the queen doña Greater. Feed the History hybridising and turn left hand to pass the national and dismiss Bridge the Queen for Zubiurrutia, the neighborhood of the nuns where there is a convent of the Comendadoras of the Holy Spirit. We during a couple of miles the course of the river Arga by its margin right and we are going away from its channel for hauling provisionally toward the northwest. The change of address entails face a tough costs under a speck of pinar replanted who dies next to the A-12, the highway the Way. Entering the region of Val de Mañeru and came to the people that gives its name to the valley (5.2 Km).

People of wine, Mañeru is experiencing its most southern (street of Hope and plaza of the Fueros) and abandoned by the Forced street. The departure we see appear on the horizon one of the postcards of the Road. Has it all: a path surrounded by cereal and vineyards and busy by pilgrims who moves toward a village of medieval trace located on a hill. The location in question is Cirauqui

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and to get to the center must be sweating at the lindo by its network of steep streets. By one of the doors of the old wall is accessed to the streets Santa Catalina and Portal and the Town Hall. Diverted from the route, after a set of stairs to his right hand, is San Roman, church of feature home romanesque and reminiscences arabs (Km 7.8).

Penetrate the City Hall by one of its arches, where tend to leave a stamp to mark the credential, and descend to the outskirts of the people to tread a cutting of the past. It is a tranche of Roman road and a bridge of the same time, transformed in the 1700S, which crosses the waters of the regatta of Iguste. After a picnic comes another bridge devoid of historical comments that allows the safe passage on the highway A-12. The day continues by track or on remnants of intermittent road and a bridge of a single arc on the regatta Dorrondoa (9.4 Km). Two kilometers later we brought in a local road, turn under the viaduct of the channel of Alloz, built in 1939, and we have just on the shore of the Salado river. The Codex Calixtinus the 12th century is released this river with fury: "by the place called Lorca, by the eastern zone, the river runs called Salado: Be careful with drink at him, neither you nor your horse, because it is a river deadly!" (Km 12.1).

Save the waters, yes rich in salts but non-lethal, by the medieval bridge of arches ogive and leave the river and the poetry to face a demanding kilometer to Lorca, location of the valley of Yerri (Km 13.3). The entry we receive the prominent apse of the church of San Salvador. The main street we guide to tip to tip and on the outskirts our itinerary coincides a stretch with a path local to be addressed to the cross of Maurien. Always tracks concentration came up to a underpass under the highway and you in Villatuerta. Are the urbanizations of new construction which depict his address to continue until the Romanesque bridge of the river Iranzu, which divides this part more new to the core more historical (Km 17.8).

By the rúa New, next to the town hall, climb up the plaza where the gothic church of the Annunciation, with porte de cathedral. In the courtyard of entry there is an image of San Veremundo, patron of Villatuerta and great benefactor of the path of Santiago as their peers Santo Domingo of the Road and San Juan de Ortega. On the street Path of Estella continue the andada toward the silhouette of the hermitage of San Miguel. It is left to the left and descends to a picnic at the foot of the NA-132. Tragically, in this place died the Canadian pilgrim Mary Catherine. A milestone of stone crowned by a virgin and a plate the always remember. Rest in peace. Crossed with great care the road and down by a path to a modern bridge and curved on the Ega (19.5 Km). The course of this river will lead us to the gates and the origin of Estella, the rúa Tanners before giving way to the Rúa, where is the pilgrims hospital (Km 22).

The difficulties

Slides:The route has numerous slides but no account with a drop accused, ranging between 340 meters on the shores of Arga and 495 to the departure of Lorca. As important repechos can highlight the accessing Mañeru, Cirauqui and Lorca.

NA-132: Eye when crossing the NA-132 between Villatuerta and Estella. The step is near a curve and is a road with a high density of traffic caused by the access to the site.

Comments

There is a good density of shelters during the stage and all populations have services where supplies.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

MAÑERU:

Parish Church of San Pedro: Temple neoclassical at the end of the eighteenth century. Its slender tower has two distinct parts: the lower is the XVI and superior, where are housed the bells, is baroque XVIII.

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CIRAUQUI:

Church of San Roman: Is gothic but still retains its most characteristic element: the cover romanesque 13th century. It is polilobulada and absence of eardrum.

VILLATUERTA:

Parish Church of the Annunciation: The departure of the people stresses this gothic construction that keeps the size of San Veremundo, patron of Villatuerta be pulled out in a procession each month of March.

ESTELLA: In the year 1090 a political decision of the king Sancho Ramírez (1076-1094) converts to Estella in a city in the path of Santiago. Despite the fact that the ruta Jacobea not be stopped on the shores of Ega, Sancho Ramírez achieves that it is to give to the new Estella (a village known earlier by Lizarra) the venue, some legal norms advantageous especially for the villagers francs, main engines of economic growth of cities. The francs, free and generally engaged in trade and the craft, were expanding by Estella forming new burgos or neighborhoods, such as San Miguel. In the 12th century, the boom of the Road and the influences artistic european that dropped by him favor a good constructive stage, with examples such as:

San Pedro de la Rua: A staircase editions, between the streets Rúa and San Nicolas, leads until this century romanesque church XII. Its main front, the north, presents ten arcos lobulados of arab influence and rich ornamentation. The cloister still maintains two wings built around the year 1170. Unfortunately, the other two collapsed with the demolition of the castle of Zalatambor, ordered by Felipe II in 1572.

Palacio de los Reyes of Navarra: Located opposite the church of San Pedro. The pilgrim passes next to the palace, which has a facade composed of a gallery of arches of half a point and four windows of arquillos. In one of the columns is the famous capitel of the fighting between Roldán and the giant Ferragut. Of the residence of the crown of Navarra has gone to accommodate the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum, which brings together the work of this painter and organizes exhibitions.

The entry of the Road by Estella, on the streets of Tanners, you can see the church of the Holy Sepulchre, from the romanesque late and the gothic and parish until the year 1881.

The monument

San Pedro de la Rua Estella

Romanesque 12th century. Consists of three ships with semicircular apses.

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French Road Stage 6: Estella/Lizarra - Torres del Rio The Hostels

Hostel House Mari

Torres del Rio (Navarra)

Tel: 948 64 84 09 / 699 572 950

Hostel of the Source House of Austria

Los Arcos (Navarra)

Tel: 948 640797

Hostel parish Santa Cruz

Villamayor de Monjardín

House Alberdi

Los Arcos (Navarra)

Tel: 948 640 764 / 650 96 52 50

Hostel House Mariela

Torres del Rio (Navarra)

Tel: 948 64 82 51 / 948 64 84 33

Hostel Arcadi and Nines

Sansol

Tel: 618 19 75 20

Hostel Saint Cyprian of Ayegui

Ayegui, Tel: 948 55 43 11

Youth Hostel Oncineda

Ayegui

Tel: 948 55 50 22

Hostel Isaac Santiago

Los Arcos (Navarra)

Tel: 948 44 10 91 / 948 64 02 30

Hostel Home Monjardín

Villamayor de Monjardín (Navarra)

Tel: 948 53 71 36

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Information on the stage 6: Estella/Lizarra - Torres del Rio

Before the walls of the monastery of Irache a source of water and wine offers the best antidote to the twisty tranche which leads to Villamayor de Monjardín. From here, until the Arches, vineyards and olive groves are the only allies to avoid falling into the soliloquies produced by the tracks of concentration and the absence of intermediate populations. The extra to Torres of the River is an alternative but it should take into account that the Arches account with many more seats for accommodation and all the services

The itinerary

In the face by the streets the Rúa, San Nicolas and way of Logroño. Starting by the first corners that gave life to Estella, populated by francs thanks to the immunity granted by the king Sancho Ramirez in 1090. Among the Rúa and San Nicolas, a hand the Palace of the Kings of Navarra, the 12th century and facade arcades, and the other modern staircase that leads to San Pedro de la Rua, church of bella home and better cloister, which seems overcome the laws of gravity. It takes to the streets of Zalatambor and we face after the roundabout. After the petrol deviate slightly right and continue until Ayegui, old dominion church that has its own town hall and that is assembled physically with Estella (Km 2).

The traditional route descends to the source of wine and the Monastery of Irache. The battery mana water and also came from 1991 and allows cool before reaching the monastery of Irache, placed under Montejurra since the 11th century. Meets all styles potential and is now uninhabited. To set him back reached a point where there are two options for further: the first,

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more forest and in the face, is on the slopes of Montejurra and passes through Luquin; the second, toward the right, is the more traditional and visit Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardín. Both variants are mixed together before The arches. We chose the traditional, which leads us to cross the N-111 and pass through a vial of service between the Camping Iratxe and urbanization of the same name (Km 4). A tunnel gives access to a road surrounded by fields of work that later penetrates between masses tight of ilexes. The path is aborted fleetingly to cross the road of Igúzquiza but we adapted again to it and we until Azqueta, locality with bar recent where she lives Pablo Sanz Zudaire, nicknamed Pablito the of the Poles. Mythical on the Road, Pablito builds and offers since 1986 poles of hazel the pilgrims who are close to his home (Km 7.4).

Who knows if with a new bordon leave Azqueta and, past some naves, turn left to win the game to the gap between vineyards. The edge of the road there is a cistern medieval known by the source of the Moors, thought to quell the pilgrims medieval, and later is already Villamayor de Monjardín (Km 9.2). Top, at the summit of mount Monjardín, are the remnants of Castillo de San Esteban de Deyo. In the village stresses the church of San Andres, romanesque 12th century and with baroque tower of the XVIII. Was restored between 1973 and 1984, and its greatest treasure is a former processional cross silver that already has mirror in the cathedral of the location polish Torun. Villamayor also is famous for its wine cellar and are their own vineyards which are responsible for guided by the valley that one day was known as San Esteban de la Solana. Two kilometers later, we reached the crossing the road of Urbiola, with source for walks well and overcome the next ten kilometers without populations intermediate and through long and monotonous tracks of concentration (Km 11.3). Some texts of R. Ábrego encourage this tranche alone. In a panel, one of them informs us that in a nearby, in 1873, the general liberal Sunday Moriones and his army were defeated by the carlist (Km 13.3).

And a half hour after entering the Arches by the paraje de Saint Vincent and the main street. The people retains much of its historical legacy and the former hospitals of pilgrims from Santa Maria, Saint Bridget and San Lazaro had past the witness to a good number of hostels more modern. It is up to the plaza arcades de Santa María where the church of the same name, a monumental building in which are gathered from the romanesque late to baroque. The plaza invites the rest, deserved and needed to deal with the final stretch of stage (Km 21.2).

Pass the portal of Castilla and immediately cross the road and the river Odrón. Past the latest casas de Los Arcos returned to another track agricultural that moves in a straight line, parallel to the N-111, during three kilometers. At this point, difficult to describe but signposted deviate to right hand by a path (Km 24.8). Continue by her until the regatta of San Pedro and the road of Sansol, we take to reach this locality (Km 28). The left next to a villa already in the light of Torres of the River. A rapid decline, under the bridge of the road, brings us to the doors of this population final stage. Costs climb up the steep streets and give with the church of Holy Sepulchre, octagonal temple of the 12th century that maintains a tower terraced that could be used as a beacon to guide the pilgrims who preceded us centuries ago (Km 29).

The difficulties

Ups and Downs until Villamayor de Monjardín: Is the most rugged. From Villamayor the terrain is very favorable.

Comments

Between Estella and Logroño there are 49 kilometers they are usually run in two days. Playing choose as divide them. The more practical option is to conclude in the Arches, population with the highest density of hostels, with all the services and with several hotels. In the summer, before the

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large influx, also empower the sports of The Arches to accommodate more pilgrims. Prolong the stage until Torres of the River is an alternative that reflect to shorten the route of the stage ending in Logroño. Unfortunately, Torres does not yet have sufficient capacity to accommodate many pilgrims and should call in advance to learn about the availability of seats.

It should provide food in Estella. Azqueta, in the kilometer seven and a half, has a bar since 2008. It should not be entrusted and should collect water in the source that there are two kilometers after Villamayor de Monjardín. Is the last until the arches.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 31: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

VILLAMAYOR DE MONJARDÍN:

Castillo de San Esteban de Deyo: Sancho Garcés, a bust yours remembers him in the plaza de Villamayor, occupied in the year 905 the throne of the Kingdom of Pamplona. This king reconquered land near Pamplona still in the hands of the muslim dynasty of the Banu Qasi. One of the seats won was Monjardín and its Castillo de San Esteban de Deyo. It is believed that in this fortress located on mount Monjardín is buried next to his only Son Garcia Sanchez. The castle began its decline after the annexation of Navarra by Castilla in the 1512 but still retains the hermitage, the cistern and other units. Until the early 1900S also hosted the valuable processional cross silver that today can be seen in the church of the people.

Church of San Andres: Restored between 1973 and 1984, is romanesque 12th century and tower is baroque XVIII. Stresses the home romanesque and the door of fittings medieval but its greatest treasure is a silver cross that already has mirror in the cathedral of the location polish Torun. Thanks to the whim of a bishop of this city that was shocked to see it in a visit to Navarra.

THE ARCHES: Los Arcos was romanised and his term, it is believed, was nailed in the military district of the city of Curnonium, cited by Ptolemy in its Geography Ibérica. Conquered by Muslims and reconquered by the king Sancho Garcés in the 10th century Los Arcos received the jurisdiction of the hands of the king navarro Sancho VI the wise in the year 1175. For those dates to the area dominant de Los Arcos belonged the nuclei of Torres del Rio, Sansol, Armañanzas, Eregortes and Villanueva. The jurisdiction and the pilgrimage to Santiago led in the Arches an era of bonanza: the beginning of the works of the church of Santa Maria, the construction of hospitals, the fairs and markets, etc. During nearly three centuries, between 1463 and 1753, Los Arcos was a population belonging to the Kingdom of Castile.

Santa Maria Church: After passing through the plaza of the fruit is turning to the plaza de Santa Maria where this monumental church. Began to be built at the end of the XII and did not stop to reform and extended until the 19th century, circumstance that treasures from the romanesque until the neoclassical, passing through the gothic, plateresque and baroque. Deserves the home plateresque, the altarpiece baroque, the cloister in flamboyant gothic and the tower of four bodies of the XVI. In the dressing room of altarpiece is the size of Santa Maria de los Arcos, black Virgin of blue eyes.

Puerta de Castilla: Former main door of the medieval wall. He was reformed for the last time in 2007.

SANSOL:

Church of San Zoilo: Something to desmano for the pilgrim already that the church is located in the top of the people. It is baroque XVIII and retains a gothic carving of XIV. next to the tower there is an excellent lookout towers on the River.

TORRES OF THE RIVER:

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: The street race leads sprinting with one of the architectural jewels of the path: the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Their presence nubla attributes of the population and the parish of St. Andrews of

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XVI. Monument from the year 1931, the Holy Sepulchre is a romanesque the 12th century which stands for an octagonal and vault caliphal eight arches. The altar presides over a romanesque carving wood of Christ crucified. The key importance of this church went unnoticed until the early 1900S and was the author and american traveler Goddard King who repaired in her during pilgrimage to Santiago.

You can visit calling Mari Carmen at 626 325 691 between 9 and 13 hours and in the afternoon between 16:30 and 19:00. The entry costs one euro.

The monument

Santa Maria de los Arcos

Presents various styles, from the romanesque late to Baroque.

Latin cross Plant of a single nave.

French Road Stage 7: Torres of the River - Logroño

The Hostels

Hostel parish of Santiago

Logroño

Hostel of pilgrims from Logroño

Logroño (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 248 686

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Hostel Parish of Viana

Viana

Tel: 948 64 50 37 / 646 666 738

Hostel of Pilgrims Door Revellín

Logroño (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 70 08 32

Alberguería Andrés Muñoz

Viana (Navarra)

Tel: 948 64 55 30 / 609 141 798 (Telephone to call from November)

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Information on the stage 7: Torres of the River - Logroño

Logroño is near, almost to the scope of bordon, but before the Way embauca to the pilgrim to move between ravines until Viana. Farewell Navarra, travelled from north to south and east to west during 142 kilometers, and provides La Rioja.

The itinerary

Abandoning Torres of the River by the top and their latest streets give way to a track that in turn gives in to a path later. It ends by harden and emulates the delineation of the NA-1110 (former N-111), road we crossed in full rise to achieve the hermitage of the Virgin of Poyo (Km 2.7). The shrine, in ashlar and very sober, was built in the 16th and renovated during the baroque and the nineteenth century. Down again to the NA-1110 and we up out of the curve, where we took a trail that climbs up a secondary road that goes toward Bargota (Km 3.6).

We faced by the road and leave 100 meters after onto a track. Thanks to her we can descend more comfortable the ravine of Cornava, a drop of more than 125 meters fruit of the erosion of the water. It is not all clay, here grow pine trees of reforestation and some fruit trees and the fund of the ravine there geometric plots of the vineyards and olive groves nurtured by the semi-arid land. Arrivals to the fund de la hoya continue between slides and paying attention to the crossings. Our route is modeled the NA-1110 and that is why it is not surprising that we finish walking by this she (7.5 Km). After a kilometer of asphalt left by the left and continue in parallel to the track until the entry of Viana. Move to the center of the population by the street On Christ, the Battery, the portal of the Trinidad, the plaza Coso, where is the Balcony of bulls and, finally, the main street

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that leads to the plaza of the Fueros. Here are dan appointment, face to face, the Municipality of Viana and the church of Santa Maria, gothic of superb dimensions and proud of their original home renaissance (Km 10.5).

Leave Viana along to the college Ricardo Campano and by a track between huertas we are going to cross the NA-7220. Later we will do the same with NA-1110 and we also by track until the hermitage of the Virgin of Caves (Km 13.3). If someone needs a rest should know that behind the hermitage there is a pleasant wooded area with tables and source. The day passes between crop fields and, in reaching the height of a signal that indicates the Observatory Bordon, Laguna Rods (14.6 Km), turn right for taking briefly in a pinar. After cross the road, eye, and we carry on the slope next to another mass of pines until closer to the trash del Ebro, where the limit provincial. Navarra, which has accompanied us at 142 kilometers, cedes the shift to La Rioja. A border stone with the old registration -province of Logroño- confirms (Km 15.9).

From here will be a andadero the guide us up to the capital riojana. Entering Logroño by the stone bridge on the Ebro river, in 1884 but built on reforms of primitive was lifted in the 11th century by Santo Domingo de la Calzada and San Juan de Ortega. After the vado passed the roundabout and tour to the right down the street Rúa Old, where we expected the hostel (Km 20).

The difficulties

Top rompepiernas: The first three kilometers and a half, until you cross the road of Bargota, are a continuous rises and falls quite annoying, more in early stage. The decline by the ravine of Cornava also burden long legs.

NA-1110: eye to the crossings of the road NA-1110 (former N-111). Although the density of traffic has declined due to the construction of the highway, it is still frequented by the neighbors of the area.

Comments

There is only an intermediate location, Viana, who has all the services, including a hostel of pilgrims.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 36: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

VIANA: Viana is the last town of Navarra in the path of Santiago. Founded by Sancho the Strong in 1219 through the grouping of small villages in order to defend Navarra de Castilla.

The City Hall: The town hall is located in the plaza de los Fueros. Was completed to build in 1692 and its facade responds to the fees classics of french baroque. In its portals is the office of tourism. This information point opens, from Holy Week until October 12, from 9 to 14 and 17 to 19 and closed on Sundays in the afternoon. The rest of the year opens from 9 to 14 from monday to saturday.

Santa Maria Church: Of superb dimensions, Santa Maria is gothic. It was built between 1250 and 1312 and expanded between the 16th century and XVIII. The home of the epistle, of the main street and next to the that lies the burial of César Borgia, is renaissance and sowed precedent for future constructions.

LOGROÑO: It is the second major city of French Road, which owes its development and urban growth. Regained the territory, Sancho el Mayor traces at the beginning of the 11th century the new route of the Road, which ab then crosses the Ebro by Logroño. At the end of the XI (1095), Alfonso VI de Leon gives him the Jurisdiction. Logroño is essentially a city of services with a famed commercial network. The old town is replete with bars (street Laurel, greater market) and shops (Portals) with a good hospital setting. The place emblematic of Logroño is the espolón with its beautiful gardens bursting with people chatting without haste, all of them under the majestic statue of general Espartero with his horse and its attributes.

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Bridge on the Ebro: To enter Logroño have to cross the Ebro river, the largest river of the Iberian Peninsula. It was built in the 11th century a bridge, attributed to Santo Domingo of the Road and San Juan de Ortega, in a vado natural river. In the year 1884 was completed the works to the reformed entirely.

Santa Maria Cathedral Round: The day 15 August 1959 until then Collegiate Church of "Holy Mary of the Round", by special granting of Pope John XXIII, received the title of Cathedral. The home is rococo and its twin towers of style riojano bearing the names of St. Peter and Paul.

The monument

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Round of Logroño

Church of the 15th century, enlarged in the XVIII. In 1959 received the title of cathedral.

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French Road Stage 8: Logroño - Najera

The Hostels

The Pitcher

Navarrete (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 44 11 80

Hostel Cellar Fernando J. Rodriguez

Sotés

Tel: 670 053 229

Hostel of pilgrims from Navarrete

Navarrete (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 44 07 76

(No Photo)

Hostel San Saturnino

Windy (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 44 18 99 / 657 823 740

Hostel of pilgrims from Najera

Najera (La Rioja)

Tel: do not have. Tourist Office: 941 36 00 41

(No Photo)

Hostel of Pilgrims Sancho III - The Judería

Najera (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 36 11 38

(No Photo)

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Information on the stage 8: Logroño - Najera

The park in San Miguel and the natural environment of the reservoir of the Grajera sealed the stay in Logroño and open the doors to the gentle landscape riojano, soaked in vines and fruit trees. Navarrete, pottery tradition, and later Windy and the high of San Anton cede the witness to the river valley Najerilla. Here is built Najera, plaza coveted during the reconquest and dominated by the Castillo hills and Malpica.

The itinerary

Like a fish out of water, so you feel the pilgrim in the cities of the Road. The capital riojana is not, and much less, of the worst. The street Ruavieja links with Barriocepo and it directs us to the plaza de Santiago, where stands the church homonymous (here sealed and facilitate the credential) that looks in its facade a carving of Santiago Matamoros. Later, passing under the arch known as door of the Road, we come up to the source circular where born the calle Marques de Murrieta. More than one kilometer from sidewalk, business and pedestrians stressed lead us until the train tracks and 300 meters below, next to a concessionaire of Nissan, turn on the left to continue until the park of San Miguel. Scenario of coolers of the weekend, day offers a face more friendly and less noisy. Between gardens came up the tunnel to the ring and immediately to the paseo - so-called here via verde - that leads to the park of the Grajera (3.5 Km).

A tranche of the promenade is flanked by cypresses and reminds the images of the Appian Way, famous calzada departing from the very forum of ancient Rome. Past an area of children's games and a sports area is the dam reservoir of the Grajera, built in 1883 on a gap in order to accumulate the river water Iregua and irrigating huertas located south of Logroño. Today is a recreational environment enviable where fish, walking, snack or, simply, rest (5.8 Km). After the dam is shortly to the classroom teaching environmental and transferred the limits of the park by a asphalt road which moves between soft lomas populated vine. Leaving aside the diversion of the golf course (Km 8) began a demanding repecho we offer magnificent views: in the foreground

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vines, a mass arboreal surround the reservoir in the second term and to the fund Logroño. With this pleasure visual reached the high (9.2 Km) and descend toward Navarrete next to a metal fence sewn by crosses that van leaving the pilgrims. The silhouette of a toro of Osborne also accompanies us in the fall and already in the llano, crossed finally on the AP-68 to reach the ruins of the hospital of pilgrims from San Juan de Acre, founded in 1185 by Dona Maria Ramirez. A straight line separates us from Navarrete, the people of potters called on the cerro Tedeón. The calle La Cruz surrounds the town and rises to the church of the assumption. Navarrete has sufficient establishments where satisfy the appetite, which already surfacing after three hours of march (12.7 Km).

next to the church start machinery by the calle Mayor High and the plaza del Arco to turn to the left by the street Arrabal and continue to face down the street San Roque. Past the cemetery, which displays the home and the windows of the hospital in San Juan de Acre, take a path to be arrima to vines, olive groves and fruit trees that populate the huertas private. The way dies next to the Cooperative Wine Sotés (16.1 Km), where we cross the road going to Sotés to take a asphalt road which leads to the edge of the highway. Parallel to the A-12 move up to the detour that leads to Windy (Km 18.1). Here we have the opportunity to move toward this town- with shelter and several bars - or continue straight. Choose the visit to Windy and travel kilometer and 300 meters of track clayish that separates us from her (Km 19.4).

We came to the LR-341 and the Road continues for its berm without access, paradoxically, the town of Windy, on which stands the church of San Saturnino. In short, next to the cellar Vallformosa, a path stony guide us toward the high in San Anton in short and easy climb (Km 21.2). From this atalaya sight is clears and shows us the valley of Najerilla, ground clayey covered, as not, of branches twisted arranged in separate terraces of scrubland. The panorama also discover Najera, apparently close but really distant. Down until the step that saves the N-120 and continue toward a repeater telephony, located in the Poyo Roldán, enclave where took place the legendary fighting between Roldán and the giant Ferragut. We are also goes to the step a guardaviñas, construction circular that served as a refuge for farmers and used by the guards field to guard the harvests (Km 25).

Najera continues without submitted and after a factory in arid crossed the river Yalde by a small wooden bridge and concrete (Km 26). We move away from the river and after mile finally, now yes, we crossed the N-120 (caution) to enter into Najera. However we still have two kilometers of voyage urban. We spent together with the sports center and continue through the avenues of Logroño and San Fernando until the bridge over the river Najerilla. After crossing there that twist to the left and progress by the paseo parallel to the river to the hostel (Km 29.6).

The difficulties

High mileage The journey from this stage is the longest Saint Jean Pied de Port but should not present any difficulty at this stage of the Road. The two high-ranking of the day, the subsequent to the reservoir of the Grajera and the San Anton, are mere tacks. Becomes more hard the tranche of soft decline between San Anton and the final stage, as it sees Najera during two endless hours.

Comments

Navarrete, Windswept to 12.7 and 19.4 kilometers of Logroño respectively, have shelter for those who want divide the stage.

If someone decides to start the Way to Santiago in Logroño can get the credential in the hostel municipal, managed by the Association of Friends of the path of La Rioja, situated in the street Ruavieja, 32. You can also obtained the credential in the church of Santiago, crossing point the way the city.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

Reservoir and park of the Grajera: A green route allows the pilgrim linking comfortably from the park of San Miguel until the Grajera, conditioning around to the reservoir built in 1883, pastime of the sport fishermen and habitat of several species of ducks and birds of prey of the wetlands. The park was inaugurated in 1992 and, in addition to the reception areas, restricted and own dam, has a golf course.

I

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N NAVARRETE: People with aspect of stronghold, fabric and medieval houses blasonadas settled on the cerro Tedeón. Scene of multiple battles between castellanos and navarros, Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, granted him the Jurisdiction in 1185. Is famous for its pottery workshops. Not in vain, the craft of potter goes back by these lands to the prehistory and, despite having become an industry, there are still small workshops of production more craft. Before entering Navarrete is, almost by way of exposure, the plant in what was the church-hospital of pilgrims San Juan de Acre. The hospital was founded in 1185 by Dona Maria Ramirez and the church of transition between romanesque and gothic was built later. The home gothic hospital was transferred to the cemetery of Navarrete and decorates today the entrance to the campo santo.

IN WINDY: Village located between las vegas of the rivers Iregua and Najerilla. Church of San Saturnino: Its square tower of the 17th century offers the best atalaya for recreated with reds fields argillaceous covered with vines that surround Windy. The original construction dates from the 16th century and this time maintains its home gothic.

IN NAJERA: Located near a castro romano, your name Naxara comes from arabic and means "among the rocks", Sancho el Mayor converts it into capital of the Kingdom of Navarra and passed by the Way to Santiago. The city revolves around the monastery and the church of Santa Maria the Real founded in 1052 by Don Garcia which turned into a pantheon family. This slender temple of three ships is gothic work of the 15th century and has a beautiful chorus of XVI and various tombs of kings of Navarra, Castile and Leon in addition to the Don Diego Lopez de Haro, founder of Bilbao. The cloister of the Knights is plateresque and is equipped with beautiful truss in stone. In July are held in this monumental the spectacular Chronicles Najerienses. Najera is head of your region by what has extensive services and business for the pilgrim, the region is famous pelotaris and countless factories of furniture.

The monument

Monastery of Santa Maria the Real Najera

Gothic Church rebuilt in the 15th century. Composed of three ships with starry vault and a cruise with vault crucería.

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French Road Stage 9: Najera – Santo Domingo de la Calzada

The Hostels

House of the Holy

Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 343390

Hostel of the Cistercian Abbey Our Lady of the

Annunciation

Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 34 05 70. Tourist Office: 941 34 12 30

Hostel Virgin of Guadalupe

Cirueña

Tel: 638 92 40 69

Hostel Municipal Pilgrims of Azofra

Azofra (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 37 90 49 / 619 022 477

Hostel Virgen de las Candelas

Ciriñuela (La Rioja)

Tel: 941 343 290

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Information on the stage 9: Najera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Today, as a target, awaits the legendary Santo Domingo de la Calzada, population of La Rioja Alta where it acted the miracle of the hen that sang after asada. The route a couple of populations: the cozy Azofra and Cirueña, cross by a urbanization and a golf course that to in the surrounding landscape of cereal, which already in the vicinity of Castile steals all the hectares to the vine.

The itinerary

The situation of municipal hostel, in the western end of the city, and the urban walk on the previous day let you leave Nájera quickly. The Market street leads next to the monastery of Santa Maria the Real, insignia artistic of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Navarra. Founded in 1052, was rebuilt in the 15th century in gothic style. The whole stands the plateresque cloister of the Knights. By the side of the monument take the street Costanilla - in cuesta - and abandon Najera to continue on a track clayey. In brief leave aside a ship agricultural and crossed on the arroyo Pozuelos or Valdecaã (1.8 km). On pitch and, again, land, we definitely to a asphalted road (3.8 Km) that leads directly to Azofra, villa agricultural settled in the fertile plain of the river Tuerto. The best proof of its past santiago is the foundation, already in the year 1168, a hospital and a cemetery for pilgrims (5.7 Km).

The road crosses Azofra by its main street, where the pharmacy, grocery stores and bars. Should know that until Cirueña, the next locality with some service, subtracted 9.3 kilometers. We bid

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farewell to Azofra next to the Real Casona of the Amas, former residence of illustrious family that has been rehabilitated for tourism. The departure we take a short stretch of the LR-206 and, to reach next to the source of the Romeros, deviate to left hand to retake the day by tracks. More than a kilometer we encounter a pillory of mid XVI, symbol of justice (Km 7.2).

In the next kilometers the delineation of the stage is about for some tranche of the N-120 and cross the road of Alesanco (Km 8.9). With regard to the landscape, the fields of cereal van tape progressively the ground to the vine, signal that Castilla is near, although until tomorrow we will not give the farewell final to La Rioja. After a repecho tended to a kilometer come next to a picnic (Km 13), good place to account for the lunch, and, to barely 10 minutes we find ourselves, with surprise and disappointment, with a golf club and a residential complex that have built on the outskirts of Cirueña.

After the urbanization is up to this town (Km 15), that the road passes for only by the street Neighborhood Bajero. The departure we find ourselves with a small stretch of road that leads to another track agrarian, which is moving straight between the fields of cereal. After a gentle undulation discovered Santo Domingo of the Road, where as a beacon vigía emerges the baroque tower of the cathedral. The foreword to Santo Domingo are several warehouses and ships (19.5 Km). After we next to the access road that leads to the streets May 12 and Greater, where the ambitious hostel of pilgrims (Km 21)

The difficulties

Neither the mileage nor the mountainous terrain of the stage presented any difficulty. The almost nine kilometers separating Azofra of Cirueña only presented a drop of 190 meters, which gives an idea of the softness of the day.

Comments

Past the golf club Rioja Alta can also continue toward the location of Ciriñuela, which has a hostel for pilgrims and a hostel. Both options come together path of Santo Domingo in the Road.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 46: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

Azofra: Small population, very hospitable with pilgrims, situated in the valley of the River Tuerto. Their houses with packing hidalgo and shields nobility are aligned along its main street. In the parish church of the centuries XVII and XVIII, dedicated to Our Lady of Los Angeles, can envisage a carving of Santiago Pilgrim. A few kilometers of Azofra are the monasteries of Suso and Yuso San Millán de la Cogolla (a detour to the departure of Azofra allows visit them, especially to the cyclists, giving a good rodeo). Are the heritage of mankind and the cradle of the spanish language with their Emilian Glossesâ, handwritten annotations written in latin, romance and basque.

Santo Domingo of the Road: This city is the daughter of genuine Camino de Santiago. Founded by Santo Domingo in 1044, who built a bridge over the river Oja to facilitate the passage to the pilgrims, in addition to a road between Najera and Appendage and a hospedería. On the tomb of the Holy was erected the cathedral, the building more emblematic of the villa. The plant is romanesque but his style is Gothic and Renaissance. In the interior, opposite the tomb of the Holy, is the niche where live a rooster and a chicken in remembrance of the legend of the hen that sang after asada. The tower - campanario exempt can upload after paying the corresponding entry, but it is a good choice since the view from above worth. Front, the Parador de Turismo preserved in its interior several elements of the old Hospital of pilgrims. Santo Domingo of the Road is the capital of district and has many shops, bars and restaurants.

The monument

Cathedral in Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Clear example of transition from romanesque to gothic. Has the character of cathedral because in 1232 the town

was named episcopal.

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French Road Stage 10: Sto. Arnedo - Belorado

The Hostels

Hostel in Santiago

Belorado (Burgos) Tel: 677 811 847 / 947 562 164

Hostel San Luis de France

Villamayor River

Tel: 947 58 05 66

Hostel parish San Juan Bautista

Groats (La Rioja)

Hostel municipal San Lazaro

Appendage of the Road (Burgos)

Tel: 947 58 02 83 or

The City Hall: 947 58 80 78

Four Cantons

Belorado (Burgos)

Tel: 696 427 707 / 947 58 05 91

Hostel private On Corro

Belorado (Burgos)

Tel: 670 691 173 / 947 580 683

Refuge of pilgrims Acacio and Orietta

Viloria of Rioja Burgos

Tel: 947-585,220 / 679,941,123

Refuge Parish Belorado

Belorado (Burgos)

Tel: 947 58 00 85

Hostel of pilgrims Wayfarer

Belorado (Burgos)

Tel: 656 873 927

Youth Hostel Carrasguedo

Groats

Tel: 941 746 000

(No Photo)

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Information on the stage 10: Sto. Arnedo - Belorado

Past Groats, now in sight of appendage of the Road, a cartel glean information welcomes Burgos and Castilla. From now on the route french pass for a couple of weeks by lengthy landscapes of the castilian plateau. The closest target is Belorado, located in the shadow of a picacho where still remain ancient caves of hermits and the ruins of a mythical castillo.

The itinerary

A good juice, coffee and the varied pastries of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, with its famous ahorcaditos, allow cope with guarantees the last few kilometers of the Road in La Rioja and the first of Castile. The streets and river Palomarejos bear next to the hermitage of the early 1900S that gives access to the bridge over the river Oja, nearly 150 meters in length and supported by 16 arches. The primitive vado who built Santo Domingo today there is only the enclave, because its current structure is in the mid 1700S and 1900S. What we turn and deviate from the right on track to cross the LR-201. 600 Meters after doing the same with a branch of the N-120 (1.7 Km) and continue parallel to the National highway for several kilometers to turn left and turn to Groats, last town riojano. Shops and bars are arremolinadas around the main street, as well as the hostel parish, site in the church of San Juan Bautista (6.8 Km).

The departure of Groats we meet again with the tracks of land that traverse the cereal, relieved in its planned monotony by rows of poplars that grow to the vera of rivers and streams. Two

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kilometers later, a panel informative glean welcomes Castile and Leon, a Community which will accompany us during the next two weeks (8.8 Km). We are already in the province of Burgos and, before setting foot in Galicia, even through Palencia and Leon. From the panel already currency appendage of the Road, first village castellano we came after overcoming a long straights and cross the N-120. At the entrance to the town there is a roll jurisdictional and a tourist office where offer extensive information from the path of Santiago to its step by Castile and Leon. In the main street, the parish church of our Lady of the Street blanket an interesting baptismal font of the 12th century (Km 10.7).

The departure of Appendage crossed again the N-120 and then on the river Reláchigo, path of the next location: Castildelgado. The deal by the street On Christ and the main street until the Plaza Mayor, with the church of San Pedro and the hermitage barroca de Santa Maria del Campo (Km 12.4). We Leave Castildelgado down the street Path of the Costs and by track parallel to the National and asphalt arrived until Vitoria de Rioja, where toward the year 1020 born Santo Domingo de la Calzada (Km 14.3).

Again on asphalt put land of through to link up with the combustible track bonded to the National road (Km 15.5). By her we Villamayor until the River (17.8 Km). The entry there is a small park and a leisure area where replenish calories for the final stretch of the stage. Left by the Real street and we again the track to move a strain to the center of Belorado (Km 22.7).

The difficulties

Several crossings of the N-120: The departure of Santo Domingo of the Road, in appendage of the Road and the entry of Belorado the delineation of the stage crosses the N-120. In Belorado crossroads is the departure of a curve and is particularly dangerous.

Comments

In Groats and appendage of the Road there bars and shops. In Castildelgado, in addition to shop, there is a hostel at the edge of the road. Belorado is a good location to stage, with multiple services and a large amount of hostels.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 50: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

Groats: Groats is the last town of La Rioja before entering Burgos, place border in his time of the Kingdom of Navarra and the County of Castile. It is settled to the northwest of Cerro de Mirabel and was formed around a castle whose first expressions back to the year 885. In the 19th century two neighboring Groats and Santo Domingo de la Calzada resolved disputes over the age of pasture in a fight to death that finally won Martin Garcia of Groats. In the place is lifted a cross that still preserves and leads by name ?of the Brave?. The people still maintains the road system grid of the villas of pilgrimage. The monumental parish church of the 14th century is devoted to San Juan Bautista and he stresses its valuable altarpiece. The hermitage of Our Lady of Carrasquedo, and its surroundings of oak, is another of the places worth visiting in Groats. The village disposes of shops, bars, a hostel parish and another youth.

Appendage of the Road: The tradition says that Santo Domingo de la Calzada born in this village burgos back in the month of May of the year 1019. Even still retains the solar where he grew. In the church of the Assumption there is a altarpiece of XVII in walnut with the image of the Holy.

Viloria of Rioja: First village burgos of the Road. It has a great medieval flavor along its street-path where you can find houses blasonadas with outgoing eaves. The baptismal font, romanesque 12th century, which is located in the parish church of our Lady of the Street is another architectural jewel of the Road. It is a great cup settled on a beam of eight columns.

Belorado: Important medieval village in the shadow of a peak and bathed by the river Tugging. At the top of farallon are the remains of a century castle X. The Church of Santa Maria, built in the 1500S, is Renaissance-style and has a great baroque altarpiece. The San Pedro, in the square, was renewed

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in the XVII and emphasizes by its bell tower. Outside the town is the hermitage of Our Lady of Bethlehem, built again in the XVIII after being ravaged by a fire. Belorado is famous for its stores and factories of skins, has a commercial service broad and good restaurants and cafes in the Plaza Mayor. In addition, is one of the localities in the French Road with more hostels for pilgrims.

The monument

Baptismal Font of appendage of the Road

In the Romanesque style. The pedestal is composed of eight semi columns and all measured more than a meter. The cup shows walls and medieval towers carved to represent the heavenly Jerusalem.

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French Road Stage 11: Belorado - Agés

The Hostels

Hostel in San Juan Ortega

San Juan de Ortega (Burgos)

Tel: 947 56 04 38

Hostel Parish Day "Saint Francis of Assisi"

Day (Burgos)

Tel: 947 58 00 85

Hostel de Villafranca Montes de Oca

Villafranca Montes de Oca (Burgos)

Tel: 947 582 124 / 687 594 296

Hostel San Rafael

Agés (Burgos)

Tel: 947 430392

Hostel The Haystack of Agés

Agés (Burgos)

Tel: 947 400 629 / 699 273 856

Hostel San Anton Abad

Villafranca Montes de Oca

Tel: 947 58 21 50

Hostel in San Roque

Villambistia

Tel: 660 79 70 11

Hostel La Campana de Espinosa

of the Road

Espinosa of the Road

Tel: 678 47 93 61

Hostel House Caracol

Agés (Burgos)

Tel: 947 430 413

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Information on the stage 11: Belorado - Agés

The eleventh stage consists of two distinct parts. The first serves as global warming and traveling by day, Villambistia Espinosa of the Road and Villafranca, population where da beginning a long and lonely second tranche by the yesteryear feared Montes de Oca. Forest Tracks fenced of oak, pine and heather lead to San Juan de Ortega, who appears as an oasis in the desert, and finally to Agés.

The itinerary

To exit of Belorado there that crossing the street Hipólito Lopez Bernal and avenida Way to Santiago to cross subsequently the N-120 and the river Tugging the (Km 1.1) for a pedestrian bridge of wood. Parallel to this can be found on the stone bridge the known as the singing. By a separate track of the N-120 by the river Retorto, a tributary of Tugging, move comfortable until the Day - just before there is an area of rest with several tables and barbecues - (4.7 Km). When crossing the population can be seen in a escarpment rocky, the other side of the N-120, la ermita de la Virgen de la pena.

Since Day one short section brings us closer to the next population: Villambistia (6.6 Km) where we receive the parish church of San Esteban 17th century. A legend attached powers to the water flowing from the source of four caños and ensures that to recover the vitality and to eliminate the fatigue there is nothing better than soak the head in it. Past Villambistia, without anything else

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that outline, we move toward Espinosa of the Road, which came after circumvent the N-120 (Km 8.2). At the exit the profile of the track is escalates a little and reaches the ruins of the monastery mozarab of San Felix, where the tradition places the mortal remains of Conde Diego Rodriguez Porcelos, founder of Burgos (Km 10).

Past the ruins the itinerary turning to the left in search of berm of the national highway, which leads us up to Villafranca Montes de Oca (Km 11.7). From this population to San Juan de Ortega through 12 kilometers or almost three hours of walking, so it is advisable stopped for lunch or make collection of edible for the voyage by the Montes de Oca. Once constituted a rather risky where the dangers looked after each thicket, in contrast today, in spite of a tranche very lonely, offer nature and peace. Leaving the lay of the N-120 climb next to the church of Santiago - keeps a size baroque Apostle - and we spent together to which was the hospital of the Queen or San Antonio Abad. The top is steep and should take calmly. The ordeal continues to reach a watchtower on the sierras of Demand and San Millán and to the source of Mojapán, where the ascent begins to softened (Km 13).

Surrounded by robles, juniper and heather, the track continued its ascent, first until a repeater and then to a monument to the fallen during the Civil War (Km 15.2). Then the track descends as a toboggan until the way of a river to face a hard, although short, repecho. The track of loose gravel becomes from now on a wide forest trail surrounded by pine trees repopulated by which deal the remaining seven kilometers until reaching the monastery of San Juan de Ortega (23.7 Km). The set of buildings are Cultural Interest since 1931 and belong to the municipality of Neighborhoods of Hill. The holy burgos Juan Ortega (1080-1163) was the disciple of Santo Domingo of the Road and collaborated with him in the construction of bridges and highways before traveling to the Holy Land. The round built in the same place that we are a church under the invocation of San Nicolas de Bari. As recounts Jose Maria Lacarra in the second volume of the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela: "in his testament, drafted in 1152 and that is kept in Ortega as precious relic, recalls the building of the church of San Nicolas, how they lived thieves and how instituted a community of canons regular San Augustine". In the interior of the church there is a capitel romanesque that receives the light that is strained by a window ceilings only the days of equinox: the March 20 and the September 22. In San Juan de Ortega there bar and hostel parish and for the most gourmet a center for rural tourism with all the amenities.

Let the whole monastic and reach a road where autonomic rises a wooden cross. Although there was an option little busy that continues to the left by Santovenia de Oca, Zalduendo e Ibeas of Juarros, we face and take the path to internal by a pine wild, already without any loss in the direction Agés (Km 27.4).

The difficulties

Hard, though brief, promotion to the departure of Villafranca of Montes de Oca: The departure of this population burgalese begins the voyage by the Montes de Oca. To abandon Villafranca presents the greatest uneven but begins to refer the hardness to arrive at the height of the source of Mojapán.

N-120: Attention to the exit of Belorado and before entering Espinosa of the Road, since there is to cross the N-120. To enter Villafranca there are also to move about 800 meters by the berm of national.

Comments

Since Agés exists, or at least there, the possibility of access by bus to deposits of Atapuerca. For more security ask in the hostel municipal or private. It can also be book and request information on the phone 902 024 246 tuesday to sunday and in the months of January and February, Monday through Friday.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

Day: The other side Day and the N-120 is the hermitage embedded in the rock of Our Lady of the Peña. The parish church of this small town near Belorado is dedicated to San Esteban.

Villafranca Montes de Oca: Their old settlers were of origin franco, hence its name. Heir to the roman Auca Austrigona, was former episcopal until the year 1075. She was stopped in the past and thus consists in medieval chronicles. In the neoclassical church of Santiago Apostle (s. XVIII) is a battery of holy water carried

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out with the concha largest in the Way brought from the archipelago of the Philippines. The pilgrims hospital San Antonio Abad, today restored, was founded in 1380. Domenico Laffi during his trip to Poniente recounts the virtues of this place. Villafranca is a good site for lunch before starting the rise up to the Montes de Oca.

San Juan de Ortega: The sanctuary is located in full Montes de Oca, that were once a place for the bandits who watched the Way. San Juan de Ortega (1080 ? 1163) Was the founder of the church and the hospital. When he returned to Jerusalem became the most faithful collaborator of Santo Domingo, and together built hospitals, bridges, roads and churches at the service of the pilgrims. The tomb of Saint is Gothic in style and the chapel of San Nicolas de Bari (S. XII) is a beautiful example romanesque and floor plan of greek cross. The day March 21 and the September 22, on five o'clock in the afternoon ,(minute solar) a ray of light filtered by a small window and it's going shining light for 10 minutes the capital of the Annunciation. In San Juan de Ortega there is a hostel, a tavern and a Center for Rural Tourism for the more greedy.

Agés: The origin of the term Agés is confusing. You can derive from the very word of origin roman that alludes to the communal property; from the latin Fagege (hayedo or mount beeches); of the word arabic Fageg (pilgrim) or of the word in basque Agista (border). Located in the valley of Vein, its origin population goes back to the year 900, the date on which could afforested. Was linked during the Middle Ages to the monastery of Najera, which benefited from a third of the tithes. The departure of the people, to the left of the local road that leads to Atapuerca, there is a Romanesque bridge over the river Vein attributed to San Juan de Ortega. Agés is a town quiet and a good alternative to San Juan de Ortega, with bar restaurant and several hostels.

The monument

Monastery of San Juan de Ortega

Of romanesque and gothic.

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French Road Stage 12: Agés - Burgos

The Hostels

Hostel The Pilgrim

Atapuerca (Burgos)

Tel: 661 58 08 82

House of Pilgrims Emmaus

Burgos

Hostel Municipal de Burgos

Burgos

Tel: 947 460922

Hostel Divina Pastora

Burgos

Tel: 947 20 79 52

Hostel Olmos of Atapuerca

Elms Atapuerca (Burgos)

Tel: 947 43 04 44

Information on the stage 12: Agés - Burgos

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From a high limestone and peeling, past Atapuerca, already distinguishes the first capital castellana: Burgos. Launched toward it, the Way leaves behind the river valley Peak and stops in a fork that leads to Villafría or Chestnuts. Accessing this last can dodge the heavy access to the city taking the paseo river of the river Arlanzón until the bridge of San Pablo, located near the cathedral.

The itinerary

Between two lamps, we bid farewell to Agés with a last look at its traditional architecture and began the day by the lay of the road that leads to Atapuerca, an island in the ocean of time, as defined by the researchers working in the nearby archaeological sites (2.6 Km). Atapuerca crosses also on the road, which divides the population in two and acts as main street. Before leaving the people leave the asphalt and deviate left by a stony track. It moves between monte low and after leaving behind a farm goes without difficulties - not for cyclists - up to a large wooden cross (4.8 Km).

A yellow arrow on the basis of the pole encourages us to continue straight and parallel to the dilapidated barbed-wire. A vertex geodetic - at an altitude of 1077 meters - marks the beginning of the decline toward the river valley Peak. In the fund more next is discovered a quarry and more to the fund the city of Burgos. In the fall take toward the left, crossroads that goes up Villalval (Km 7). With the scene of the church shattered went out of the people by a road that leads us shortly to Cardeñuela Riopico (8.6 Km) and two kilometers later until Orbaneja (Km 10.6).

Continue through the road and she spent on highway AP-1. In short, as to 200 meters and next to a pre-urbanization of houses, we find a double signalling: that indica of front moves toward Villafría and that is diverted to the left (marked with painting with the option Rio) is directed to Castañares (Km 11.6). Playing choose which continue. The of Villafría is heavier, since it arrived in this town remaining many kilometers to the capital at the foot of the N-1 and going through a landscape industrial and highly urban. The best alternative is to continue toward Chestnuts, so they turn to left by the dirt track and walked between remnants of escombreras until encounter with the fence of the airport, which provides its security perimeter (Km 13.2). Obliged, torcemos left and continue glued to the fence along the track of gravel up the same Chestnuts, at the foot of the N-120. (Km 15.3).

Since Chestnuts, logic and the signalling impose continue until Burgos by the andadero of N-120 that passes before by Villayuda. However there is an alternative much more appetizing that avoids the tedious entry to the capital. It is to take, already in chestnut trees, the riverwalk put into the river Arlanzón that leads quietly until the center of Burgos. It is an option that is not marked, so what better is to ask a neighbor of Castañares how to reach the promenade. Walking to the vera of the river for more than three kilometers arrive next to the beach Source of Prior (Km 18.7). The same walk will take us in about 40 minutes until the bridge of San Pablo or puente del Cid, recognizable by the superb sculptures medieval that adorn their pillars. (Km 22). Crossing the bridge agree to the plaza de El Cid, where the equestrian sculpture of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, notable figure of the Reconquest and better known by the nickname of The Cid. Past the statue we take the promenade of the Spur to access by him until the cathedral square. Behind this monument summit of the gothic, in the number 28 of the street Fernan Gonzalez, is the hostel municipal (Km 23).

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The difficulties

The day is comfortable. The 23 kilometers are tolerable and once reached the high, after Atapuerca, the ground is favorable.

Comments

In Atapuerca, Orbaneja and Chestnuts, to the entry of Burgos, there are bar. Also in Cardeñuela of Riopico but in 2009 was closed.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 60: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

Atapuerca: This town has jumped to the world fame for being the scenario of the deposits palaeolithic most important of the world. You can visit on a guided to contemplate the place where he lived the Homo predecessor already more than a million years. In the vicinity of Atapuerca took place in 1054 the battle between the king of Leon and Castilla, Fernando I, and that of Navarre, Don Garcia, which resulted in the death of the latter. In this way Fernando I recovered the territories of the Bureba and Goose that he had handed over to his brother. A monolith commemorates the fact. There is a good restaurants.

Burgos: Founded in the year 884 by Diego Rodriguez Porcelos, Burgos is a city that must be part of its importance to the path of Santiago. It settled merchants and artisans and hospitals were built (came to be more than 30) and for centuries became one of the cities more important in Spain. Its cathedral is one of the most famous of the world. It began to build in 1221 (Fernando III Santo was the first stone) and it took three centuries to finish it. The temple has four main gates, to each other more beautiful and of the main facade stands the decoration style. In the interior is the tomb of the Idc and on the triforium the famous Papamoscas, automaton who sings the hours opening her mouth and wielding the badajo of a bell.

The monuments of Burgos worthy of visited are innumerable: the church of St. Nicholas, of Santa Gadea, the Door of San Esteban and in extramuros la Cartuja de Miraflores. The departure of Burgos are the magnificent Hospital of the King, the most important of the city and the cistercian monastery of the Strikes with a set of buildings ranging from the romanesque to gothic.

The monument

Catedral de Burgos

In the gothic style.

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French Road Stage 13: Burgos - Hontanas

The Hostels

Mesón Hostel The Puntido

Hontanas (Burgos)

Tel: 947 37 85 97

Hostel Stoves of the Road

Stoves of the Road (Burgos)

Tel: 947 47 12 20

Hostel of Hontanas

Hontanas (Burgos)

Tel: 947 37 74 36 (Municipality) / 947 37 70 21 (Hostel)

Hostel of Tardajos

Tardajos (Burgos)

Tel: 947 45 11 89 (Municipality)

Hostel Saint Bridget

Hontanas

Tel: 609 16 46 97 / 628 927 317 (Hostel)

Hostel Arroyo de San Bull

Belongs to Churches (Burgos)

Tel: 609 164 697 / 696 858 770 (Hostel)

Hostel Liberanos Domine

Rabé of Roads

Tel: 695 11 69 01

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Information on the stage 13: Burgos - Hontanas

Leave behind the lively city of the cathedral in pursuit of the depopulated plateau is an exercise risky, but there is no way back. As traveling on a time machine, the pilgrim of the century is internal to the sober Castilla in the company of its shadow and its effort, discovering landscapes and peoples almost medieval that give the Way that legend that has forged from its origin.

The itinerary

The recent steps by the capital burgalese born behind the cathedral, on the street Fernan Gonzalez. From here, there to walk to the arc or door of San Martin, of herradura in mudejar style and very restored in the twentieth century. After the arch, doubled to left to fall down stairs to the streets Emperor. Something later we continue, to the left, on the street Villalón to lead to the promenade of the Island, at the foot of the river. Crossed the Arlanzón and turn right on your margin. Always straight, at the foot of the N-120 by the avenues of Palencia, Jose Maria Villacián Rebollo -next to the park the Parral- and the streets of Villadiego, we will reach up to the detour marked as "The Guindales. Forest Nursery" (Km 3).

We take it, depart to the right, and we straight down the street Benito Perez Galdos. next to the door of forest nursery ends the city and the asphalt becomes on the track. The Way not enters Villalbilla but twists to the right to save the arroyo Molinar (5.9 Km). Resume by tracks to cross the bridge on the ring road that links with the N-120 and the highway of the Road and we are going to

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find the viaduct Arlanzón, engineering work of the highway A-231 that turn below (Km 8.6). Crossed the river Arlanzón along the road and went out of it by a andadero parallel that leads us to Tardajos (Km 10.8).

In times of Rome, Tardajos was, or could be, a mansio in the Roman road that joined Clunia (the burgalese Coruna del Conde) with Juliobriga (the current Reinosa). Overcame the people in the street Noon, the plaza Leandro Mayoral and the Real street Poniente tread and finally the asphalt (without berm) to address the nearby Rabé of Roads. In the short journey we turn the river Urbel. This channel, which runs more than 50 kilometers by the province of Burgos, is narrow and little flow but very friend to overflow its banks and soil grasslands. Both formerly Tardajos and Rabé were separated by a stretch of sludge that gave rise to sing: "Rabé to Tardajos do not lack work. Of Tardajos to Rabé, liberanos Domine". Melodic verse that we can memorize reaching Rabé of Roads (Km 12.6).

By the calle Santa Marina beyond the source - decorated with scallop - until the plaza Francisco Shores and went out by Baldomero Pampliega. What we can expect from now on is, quite simply, the castilian plateau. Without trap or cardboard, with their pros and cons. Long straights to more than 800 meters in height without more company that our own shadow and large tracts of cereal without horizon apparent but with crowd, that yes, of birds, alondras, cogujadas and other birds with querencia to crops. Nearly three kilometers of Rabé, a right hand, is the source of Praotorre, where they have enabled some tables for the rest (Km 15.4). After her, the track continues with its bearable ascent to reach an area more plana that gives access to the valley where it stands Stoves (Km 17.9). The slope, the own inertia and the weight of the backpack oblige download with care the stony cuesta, nicknamed Matamulos. After crossing a road and the riverbed Hormazuela entering Stoves of the Road, population molded into the Path with a main street of step aimed from east to west (20.6 Km). In the summer of 1990, on his own initiative, Lourdes Lluch rented here a house to welcome the pilgrims, experience which established the role of the hospitaleros volunteers, who year after year, since then, collaborate selflessly in the public shelters.

By the calle Santa Marina beyond the source - decorated with scallop - until the plaza Francisco Shores and went out by Baldomero Pampliega. What we can expect from now on is, quite simply, the castilian plateau. Without trap or cardboard, with their pros and cons. Long straights to more than 800 meters in height without more company that our own shadow and large tracts of cereal without horizon apparent but with crowd, that yes, of birds, alondras, cogujadas and other birds with querencia to crops. Nearly three kilometers of Rabé, a right hand, is the source of Praotorre, where they have enabled some tables for the rest (Km 15.4). After her, the track continues with its bearable ascent to reach an area more plana that gives access to the valley where it stands Stoves (Km 17.9). The slope, the own inertia and the weight of the backpack oblige download with care the stony cuesta, nicknamed Matamulos. After crossing a road and the riverbed Hormazuela entering Stoves of the Road, population molded into the Path with a main street of step aimed from east to west (20.6 Km). In the summer of 1990, on his own initiative, Lourdes Lluch rented here a house to welcome the pilgrims, experience which established the role of the hospitaleros volunteers, who year after year, since then, collaborate selflessly in the public shelters.

The departure of Stoves, the picture is similar to that found to get here: an endless track of land that amounts by the plateau cereal. The only distraction is the edges of the road, which are decorated by piles of stone that derive the farmers of their crops. Five kilometers beyond Stoves we find ourselves with a cross from Santiago (25.5 Km) and 700 meters below with the crossing toward the hostel San Bull (Km 26.2). The vera of arroyo of the same name, this refuge is the most alternative route. Given that the same is open to closed, the most sensible is to contact with the city council of Churches, town to which it belongs (947 161 053).

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One more hour hike by identical landscape and arrived, finally, to our final stage: Hontanas, crouched in the valley and hidden until the last time. The name of the population comes from latin term fontana, a source in spanish. The priest bolognese and assiduous pilgrim (travelled to Compostela three times during the years 1666 and 1673), Domenico Laffi, recounted that in Hontanas the pastors surrounding their cabins with a wall to defend the wolves. Today, several hostels, hostel and rural house offer comfort and relaxation to the wayfarer century (31.1 Km).

The difficulties

More than 30 kilometers without shadow shelter: If at any stage is recommended early to avoid the high temperatures of the hours central, especially in summer, in this is almost mandatory. Hat or visor and solar protection should never be lacking in the team.

Comments

Stoves of the Road, to 20.6 kilometers of Burgos, is another good order to stage for those who do not want lengthen both the day. In all localities intermediate stage there hostel and bar and the population with more services is Tardajos, almost 11 kilometers of Burgos.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 65: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

Tardajos: Located in the region of Alfoz of Burgos, Tardajos is a historic location of the Road built on settlements romans and next to the Roman road linking Clunia with Juliobriga. He was replanted, next to other kernels of vera Arlanzón, from the year 882. Of the division in two neighborhoods is the legacy of its two churches, the Santa Maria and the Magdalena.

Rabé Road: Small village burgos where highlights the parish church dedicated to Santa Marina and the hermitage, which keeps the image of Our Lady of the Monastery, highly revered by neighbors. The entry of Rabé of the Highways from Tardajos is located in the palace of the Count of Villariezo, from the beginning of XVII.

Stoves of the Road: Stoves is one of the most unique people-path. His Real street, flanked by tough stone houses of two heights, it is the bank of pilgrimage. The town was donated in 1156 by Fernando VII, nicknamed the Emperor, the parisian monastery of San Dionisio. Burgos le separating twenty kilometers and a half, so it becomes an alternative very convenient for end of the stage.

Arroyo San Bull: In a which between Stoves and Hontanas found arroyo San Bull, a place in full castilian plateau, belonging to the people of Churches, where he was called the car monastery of San Boal or San Baudilio. Believe it or not until we see here is a hostel.

Hontanas: Domenico Laffi told during his trip to Poniente (Editorial Syldavia) as follows: "Past, with the help of God, this arenal entirely desert, we arrived at the villa that is called Fontana and we spent the afternoon. Is tucked away on the merits of a stream that barely is, until you find in it. In addition is small, unfortunate and poor. Only has ten or twelve houses, i want to say huts covered with straw, to protect the snow, where they live more than pastors" much has changed the scene, except that don't see Hontanas until you're not attached to it. Now is neither poor nor unfortunate. Already on the same entry, next to the great gothic church and neoclassical of the Immaculate, live together face to face a hostel - restaurant and a hostel and down the main street is the rest of offer, including the hostel municipal.

French Road Stage 14: Hontanas - Boadilla del Camino

The Hostels

Hostel of pilgrims House Nostra

Castrojeriz

Tel: 947 37 74 93

Hostel of Castrojeriz (Camping)

Castrojeriz

Tel: 947 37 72 55 / 658 96 67 43

Refuge Traditional Castrojeriz

Castrojeriz (Burgos)

Tel: 947 37 74 00

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Hostel in the Way

Boadilla del Camino (Palencia)

Tel: 979 81 02 84. For contact with them: 619 105 168

Hostel Putzu

Boadilla del Camino

Hostel in San Nicolas

Itero del Castillo (Burgos)

Hostel of Itero (Former La

Posada)

Itero of la Vega (Palencia)

Tel: 979 15 17 81

Hostel in San Esteban

Castrojeriz (Burgos)

Tel: 947 37 70 01

Hostel of Itero del Castillo

Itero del Castillo (Burgos)

Tel: 947 37 73 57

Hostel Municipal Itero de la

Vega

Itero of la Vega (Palencia)

call City Hall: 979 15 18 26

Hostel Boadilla del Camino

Boadilla del Camino (Palencia)

Tel: 979 81 07 76

Hospital of pilgrims from San

Anton

Castrojeriz (3.6 km before)

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Information on the stage 14: Hontanas - Boadilla del Camino

This day, without trees shelter from the rigors of meteorology - either the dreaded sol summer, the penetrating cold winter or the uncomfortable movies -is recorded in the memory by the step under the arches of San Anton, the visit to Castrojeriz and the subsequent ascent to the Teso of Mostelares. Since this hill opens to the pilgrim the brutal Land of Fields, comarca proud of its cereal, of their palomares and its valuable art. Already in Bridge Fitero, Burgos is based on the shores of Pisuerga to receive Palencia.

The itinerary

The Real street of Hontanas leads to the road BU-P-4013, that we leave immediately to take a path that part right. Moving by him, passing next to the ruins of a tower (2.1 Km), to finish in the road (Km 4). The way lacks berm and in its place rise a row of hand ash whose shadow makes much more bearable transit. Soon, the fund, since we distinguish the ruins of the convent of San Anton, whose arcos, by way of tunnel without roofing, amount on the road. It was founded in 1146 by Fernando VII and, in him, the monks antonianos treated the sick of gangrene infectious known commonly as -fire of San Anton-. The cause of this evil, now well known, was a fungus that alter the grain of rye (5.6 Km).

After crossing the Arc de Triomphe that resembles the skeleton of the convent, addressing the straight over two kilometers that we plant in Castrojeriz, last villa burgalese on the path of

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Santiago. It spreads in crescent-shaped the skirts of a hill overlooking a primitive castillo. The first thing we exits to the step is the former collegiate gothic de la Virgen del Manzano. Below is tour to take the Real street of East and discover a helmet of houses blasonadas and traditional architecture. Soon turn right-hand, the church of Santo Domingo, gothic and with an elegant home plateresque XVI. As a curiosity, on the side that looming on the street there are a couple of skulls sculpted. The gap culminates in the Plaza Mayor, endowed with arcades where taking a break (Km 9.2).

The visit of artistic Castrojeriz the end which was church of San Esteban, converted into cultural center and hostel of pilgrims, and the church of San Juan, designed by architect Rodrigo Gil of n in gothic style german. By the same street, now called Real Poniente, went out of Castrojeriz to deal with the ascent to the Teso of Mostelares milestone, geographical and indelible memories of the pilgrimage to Compostela. The accused repecho begins meters after cross the river Odrilla by a wooden bridge. In a kilometer and 300 meters overcame a drop of 140 meters, from the 777 meters altitude climb up the 917, which implies a 11 per cent of average gradient. In the high (12.8 Km) we receive a geometric humilladero and, even with the breath, going through the plains of Mostelares to discover gradually unspoilt landscape of Land of Fields, also known by the nickname of barn of Spain.

District of palomares, rich in hunting and overflowing of art, as recounted Aymeric Picaud -land filled with treasures, gold, silver, rich in wiper and vigorous horses, abundant in bread, wine, meat, fish, milk and honey but devoid of leafy-. During four kilometers, the way, a white line and dazzling to the sun, leads from the high by a favorable ground until the merendero located next to the source of lice (Km 16.9). Then we during nine meters the road leads to Itero del Castillo and abandoned by the left to reach next to the former parish of St. Nicholas - today hostel of pilgrims to the season managed by volunteers from the italian confraternity of San Giacomo - and then to the bridge Fitero or Mule on the Pisuerga river. Here are just Burgos and starts Palencia. The original work was built during the reign of Alfonso VI the Bravo (1072 - 1109), but this factory because there is nothing left and what we see today are added and reconstructions of the bridge lifted in the 16th century (Km 18.5).

A rural road on the shores of Pisuerga brings us closer to Itero de la Vega, first locality palentina of the Road (Km 20.3). The hermitage of Our Lady of Mercy, the 13th century is the first monument to leave the step. Already in the people are the church of San Pedro and a jurisdictional roll. Crossed the people of east to west along the street Santa Ana and, after crossing a road, we continue a couple of miles per track until the irrigation canal del Pisuerga (Km 22.5). Nearly two kilometers later, after saving a wavering from the field, shown to the fund Boadilla del Camino (Km 24.3). An esplanade brutal greens (spring) and browned and ochre (in summer and autumn) separate us even in our destination but after a print run of four kilometers reach. Despite being a small town, Boadilla account with several hostels where roost. next to the church of the Assumption stresses a ornamented roll jurisdictional gothic of great porte. It is a must visit. (Km 28.5).

The difficulties

Lack of leafy As in previous days, the pilgrim is at the mercy of the rigors of time. In summer is highly recommended early and avoid walking in the hours central. The district of Land of Fields, namely in Palencia, is dry and warm in summer but the winters are more humid than you might seem.

Ascent to Mostelares Stony Rise to 11 percent of average gradient. Milestone of the ruta jacobea, perhaps not for its hardness but by the spectacular panorama to which gives way.

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Comments

Fromista, five kilometers beyond Boadilla del Camino, is another good order to stage. It also has three hostels and with all the services you need the pilgrim. The distance from Hontanas until the center of Fromista would be 34.2 kilometers.

Castrojeriz account with all the services and deserves a detained visit. Already in Palencia, both in Itero de la Vega as Boadilla del Camino, there are bar and shop.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 70: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

Castrojeriz: Roman origin (say it was founded by Julio Cesar) or visigoth Castrojeriz is an ancient fortress located along a hill that had an important role in the history of Castile. After the arab conquest was repopulated by captain Nuro Nunez in the year 882 and in the 974 was awarded the first of the fueros castellanos. The old town surrounds a pedestrian streets more showy Path (a mile long) around which were lifted churches, hospitals, restaurants and shops. Several churches, as the Colegiata de Santa Maria del Manzano, the Santo Domingo church and the church of San Juan and up to four hostels fall to Castrojeriz as one of the populations more fitted with the Way to Santiago. The entry surprised the dimensions of the Colegiata de Santa Maria del Manzano, temple, which began to be built in 1214 in transition from the romanesque to gothic. In its interior is the size polychromed de la Virgen del Manzano. There are many shops, restaurants and bakeries, and are typical scallops of Castrojeriz: cakes with anise form of shell. In the arcades of the Plaza Mayor, Amancio Yagüez operates the Bazaar of Pilgrim.

Itero del Castillo: Itero del Castillo is the last town burgos before crossing the bridge Fitero on the Pisuerga river and enter Palencia. In spite of count with hostel municipal the path does not pass through this town, which is left to right hand. Itero del Castillo is a small village that formerly was fortified and defended the border County of Castile. Has a castle of the 14th century.

The hermitage of San Nicolas, attached to the way, is the vestige of a parish of the 13th century that the Confraternitá di San Giacomo di Peruggia has recovered as hostel.

Itero de la Vega: Abandons the old County of Castile, crossed the Pisuerga and enter the first nucleus of Land of Fields. This people, Itero de la Vega, is the first of Palencia on the path of Santiago. Shortly before entering into Itero de la Vega it rises the hermitage of Piety (s. (XIII) that keeps a beautiful size of Santiago Pilgrim. Next to the hostel municipal is the parish church of San Pedro, the centuries XVI and XVII. There are also palomares built in stone, adobe and tile.

Boadilla del Camino: This town of adobe houses bleached with lime and roof arabic with quite inclination has 132 inhabitants (INE 2008). next to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (s. 16-17) -baptismal romanesque and renaissance altarpiece- rises one of the best rolls of justice of Castile, a column carved in the 15th century on late gothic style. The roll symbolized the legal power in the region and in it, it seems, were chained prisoners before being tried by the corregidor.

The monument

Colegiata de Nuestra Sra del Manzano Castrojeriz

Founded in 1214 presents a style of transition from romanesque to gothic

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French Road Stage 15: Boadilla del Camino - Carrion de la Condes

The Hostels

Hostel Star of the Road

Fromista (Palencia)

Tel: 979 81 00 53 / 653 751 582

Hostel Holy Spirit

Carríon de los Condes (Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 00 52

(No Photo)

Hostel Canal de Castilla

Fromista, Tel: 979 81 01 93

(No Photo)

Monastery of Santa Clara

Carríon de los Condes (Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 08 37

Hostel of Fromista

Fromista (Palencia) , Tel: Carmen: 686 579 702

Hostel of Villarmentero of Fields

Villarmentero of Fields (Palencia)

Tel: 629 178 543

Hostel Parish Church of Santa Maria

Carríon de los Condes (Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 07 68

Hostel Villalcázar of Bank

Villalcázar of Bank (Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 80 41

Hostel of the population of Fields

Population of Fields (Palencia)

Tel: 979 81 10 99 / 685 510 020/ 625 469 326

Hostel Deprived of Villalcázar of Bank

Villalcázar of Bank

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Information on the stage 15: Boadilla del Camino - Carrion de Los Condes

Boadilla del Camino puts the pilgrimage to the doors of the Channel of Castilla and Fromista, population overshadowed by the beauty of the romanesque church of San Martin. After the plain and the monotony of a andadero, only broken by the step fleeting cars and 'bicigrinos', is over the wayfarer to its step by the nuclei of fields, such as Population, Revenga and Villarmentero. In the final stretch, before arriving at Carrion, Villalcázar of Bank seeks your attention with Santa Maria la Blanca, church - fortress attributed to the Templars.

The itinerary

After a last look at the watermarks decorative of roll jurisdictional and to the temple of Our Lady of the assumption, which exhibits, incidentally, an interesting baptismal font, went out of Boadilla del way by the main street to take a path that, in short, and after the latest ships of the town, turn left and advancing to the meeting of the Canal de Castilla (Km 1.8). This piece of engineering was conceived by the marquis of Ensenada (1702 - 1781), statesman and political illustrated. The purpose of the river network of canals, built between 1753 and 1849, was transporting the cereal castellano until the Cantábrico by means of barges runs by beasts of tire. Worked until the introduction and the regularity of rail left him in disuse in 1959. Since then leads the irrigation and caters to coastal populations.

Our path continues in parallel to the Channel during more than three kilometers and reaches a set

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of locks that at this point allowed the boats save a drop of more than 14 meters (Km 5). Crossed to the other side of the Canal and entered the town of Fromista. In the center is a point of tourist information and the valuable romanesque church of San Martin worth a visit and, as not, some photos. It seems a model, it is the perfection of its scale and its forms. It was built in the 11th century thanks to the sponsorship of Doña Greater de Castilla and consists of three ships, 46 capitals, a dome octagonal two cylindrical towers that look toward the west (5.7 Km).

After this artistic license there to retake the route above and directed toward the lay of the road P-980 in the direction to Carrión de Los Condes. There are to overcome a couple of roundabouts, placed between the bridge on the highway A-67, to take nothing comforting andadero parallel to the P-980. Landmarks jacobean, aligned mathematically two by two; the rapid roll of the cars and of our fellow "bicigrinos" and the plains planted that does not seem so are the only elements of distraction throughout the tranche. The first locality in leave to our meeting is Population of Fields (9.2 Km). Account with the trident bar, shop and hostel and out, before crossing the river Ucieza, who want can take the variant alternative that runs by Villovieco and ending linking with the way journal. The other, after crossing the river, we the monotonous andadero until the next location of Fields: Revenga (Km 12.6).

Crossed Revenga of Fields along the road, which coincides with the calle General Love, and turn next to the church of San Lorenzo, which overlooks its tower conquered by the nests of stork. At the exit awaits us again the andadero, we are now about to the nearby Villarmentero of Fields (Km 14.7). Small population with a bar at the entrance and an area of rest before departure and in the shadow of some pines dominated. By way of drawing up continue Villalcázar of Bank, a town that is passed without penalty or glory for a side but deserves a detained visit (Km 18.8). In the square stands the great church templaria of Santa Maria la Blanca, built by the end of the XII in transition from the romanesque to gothic. There is no to leave without a glance at the home south, which presents a Pantocrator surrounded by the Evangelists and Apostles on an arc pointed rich archivolts. The overnight in Villalcázar (who has party of San Nicolas de Bridge Fitero or Itero de la Vega will have done 27 kilometers) may appreciate as the latest lights on the day dyed of color gold to the church.

We Leave Villalcázar of Bank to retake the dear andadero that in the final stretch breaks the horizontal with some other costs without importance. There are no surprises until Carríon de los Condes, final stage to which we went after crossing the road P-980. On the river Carrion, at times was walled city and structured in two neighborhoods divided. As in the 12th century various hostels, shops of all kinds and churches, such as Santa Maria del Camino and Santiago - whose figure of Pantocrator already has become icon - continue to accompany the passage of pilgrim by Carrión (24.6 Km).

The difficulties

The fifteenth day is not any difficulty. The distance is affordable and the gap negligible. Among the lowest point (777 meters to the departure of the population of Fields) and the highest (850 meters between Villalcázar and Carrion) there is only 73 meters of difference.

Comments

In all localities of the stage we can find, at least, bar where recharge. Fromista, with nearly 1,000 inhabitants and Carríon de los Condes, with nearly 2,500, have all the services.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

Fromista: Stresses on all monuments the beautiful romanesque church of San Martin, of the 11th century and commissioned by Doña Greater de Castilla. Coming to the center of the town the first thing that appreciates their three apses and the original octagonal dome. The other side deserve the two cylindrical towers, rare to observe the Romanesque art. In the plaza de Tuy is the parish church, dedicated to San Pedro, Gothic and Renaissance home designed by Juan of Escalante. In addition to parish houses a museum with sculptures, metalwork and 29 tables of altarpiece of the church of Santa Maria del Castillo. Some of them were stolen, later recovered, by the well-known thief of art Erik the Belgian. next to the church there is also an ethnographic museum that shows a tour of the different occupations and professions. You can find extensive information on this town palentina in www.fromista.com.

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Population of Fields: Population of Fields was the most important directs that the Order of the Hospital in San Juan took in the Land of Fields although not currently vestiges remain. In the shadow of a alameda, at the entrance to the town, is the small chapel of San Miguel (romanesque 13th century). Deserve mention the parish church of the Magdalena, the 16th century and three ships and the hermitage of Relief of the 13th century and in the Romanesque style of transition that keeps a size polychromed of the Virgin.

Villalcázar of Bank: Popularly known as Villasirga hosted a major entrusts of Templars. Captures all the attention the church of Santa Maria de la Blanca (s. XIII), church-fortress templaria which belongs to the romanesque of transition. It has three ships and the imposing portico shows a great wealth sculpture. In its interior is the image of Santa Maria to which Alfonso X the Wise devoted several of its cantigas.

Carrión de Los Condes: Your name refers to the Counts that sent in two neighborhoods of the city where emerged the kingdoms christians. Carríon de los Condes was seat feudal of the powerful family Beni-Gomez, rivals historical del Cid. He was dwelling of kings, played a key role in the foundation of Castilla and was a prosperous medieval city that came to count with 12,000 inhabitants (2,328 in the present), 12 churches and 12 hospitals. The church of Santa Maria del Camino has a sober portico romanesque in which is staged the tribute of the 100 maidens. The church of Santiago has a magnificent home where 22 figures - in their archivolts - show different offices and on them - in the frieze - are represented the twelve apostles presided over by an extraordinary image of the Christ Pantokrator that sobering to pilgrims. The monastery of San Zoilo, now hospedería luxury retains a magnificent cloister renaissance. In Carríon de los Condes there are all kinds of services.

The monument

San Martin de Fromista

Church of Romanesque style of the 11th century. Composed of three ships with barrel vault and cruise.

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French Road Stage 16: Carrión de Los Condes - Terradillos Templars

The Hostels

Hostel Templars

Terradillos of Templars

Tel: 667 25 22 79

Hostel of pilgrims from Calzadilla

Calzadilla of the Cook (Palencia)

Tel: 979883163 / 616 483517

The Palomar

Lédigos (Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 36 05 / 979 88 36 14

(No Photo)

Hostel of Terradillo of the Templars (Jacques de

Molay)

Terradillos Templars Palencia)

Tel: 979 88 36 79 / 657 16 50 11

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Information on the stage 16: Carrión de Los Condes - Terradillos Templars

Between Carrión and Calzadilla of the Cook through 17 kilometers without any population and, in addition, many of them by the uncomfortable floor of boulders of the Way Aquitaine. Of Calzadilla to Terradillos Templars, name that evokes the knights medieval christians, a relief andadero avoids the asphalt of the N-120, coming to less by the highway of The Road to Santiago A-231.

The itinerary

On the streets of Jose Antonio, where overlooking the beautiful frieze of the church of Santiago, and the streets Esteban Collantes and Pineapple Blasco, come to the river Carrión and the Benedictine monastery of San Zoilo, hotel and Study Center and Documentation of the path of Santiago with a specialized and comprehensive library jacobea open to the public. Moving in the vial of departure we find ourselves with the N-120, we crossed to take the road of Villotilla (Km 2).

The herbs have invaded the small berm of this via local but fortunately presents little traffic. The three kilometers from his home leave right hand the ownership of what was the abbey of Benevivere (4.8 Km), and 800 meters later say goodbye to the road to tread the path Aquitaine, Roman road that joined Bordeaux with Astorga and more than two thousand years after still part of its original layout (5.6 Km). In this stretch the shadows no shortage, simply do not exist and the floor of small boulders uncomfortable much step. The sides of the road, more worn due to the passage of the pilgrims, become the only loophole. Also, just before crossing the road of Bustillo

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and in high season, it is possible to find in the midst of these soledades a bar improvised in a module of art (Km 10).

Nearly two kilometers and a half after crossing the road come next to a indicator in stone that informs us of the passage of the Cañada Real Leon, one of the incoming spanish long used by transhumant pastoralists to lead the livestock from summer pastures (Leon) to the winter (Extremadura) and vice versa (Km 12.4). More than four kilometers and a half after we finally to Calzadilla of Cook, people salvador that at first glance resembles the decoration of a western (Km 17). Hostel, shelter and restaurant, all in one, allow any possibility: from mere rest and snack until the final stop for those who have completed fed of the road millennial. Any option is valid.

Given that the bar is in one end, to continue the march there that surround the people and incorporated into the main street that leads to the N-120. By the national road turn the river Cook and crossed to move by a andadero that progress in parallel to the left. The diversion to St. Mary of the Shops, a former hospital also known as the Great Gentleman (Km 18.8), it remains a stretch of about three kilometers that saves a drop insignificant 50 meters. Later, in mild depression, crossed again the N-120 to enter into Ledigos, small nucleus but also with bar and hostel (Km 23.4). The arrows guided toward the bar and we are thrown off Ledigos in parallel to the national highway, we go back to cross to resume for the last time the relief andadero which leads to the same Terradillos of the Templars, people who takes its name from the Knights Templar (military order christian founded in the 12th century) which monitored in the same place the now defunct hospital in San Juan. (Km 26.6).

The difficulties

Of Carrion to Calzadilla of Cook, 17 kilometers without any population: There are to go back to the first stage between Saint Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles to find a distance so bulges between localities. To move with success and without hardship this stretch of four hours, which also lacks sources, it has to be loaded with at least one liter of water, some snack and fruit. In the kilometer 10 of the stage, during the months of greater influx, normally placed a bar improvised but it should be cautious and not to trust.

Several crossings of the N-120 from Calzadilla of the Cook: The departure of Calzadilla of the Cook the itinerary enters and exits the N-120 to access the andadero that moves by the left. Some information posters warn take with caution these crossings.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

CALZADILLA OF THE COOK: Fifty-five inhabitants (according to the INE in 2008) living in this town bathed by the river Cook. In Calzadilla have appeared roman remains, in particular the Path Aquitaine, indelible memories for the pilgrim, passed by here long before the jacobean route. In the parish church of St. Maarten is retained a beautiful altarpiece renaissance of the 16th century from the former monastery of St. Mary of the Stores, great abbey and hospital of the Knights of the Order of Santiago. The name is due to the tents of fabric that were used to welcome the pilgrims.

LEDIGOS: Small Town of about 80 people and tapias adobe. The parish church is enshrined in Santiago and in her are three different images of Santiago: matamoros, pilgrim and apostle. In the vicinity, as in many other localities in Land of Fields, we will see the famous palomares: circulars or quadrangular, built in adobe and in which are reared countless pigeons whose pigeons are tasted throughout the region.

TERRADILLOS TEMPLARS: Your name evokes the presence of the friars warriors. He was possession of the Knights Templar dependent on Villalcázar of Bank. The military order christian Temple was founded in the 12th century after the first crusade. The last master of the order was Jacques de Molay, name, which carries a hostel in the locality. The parish church of San Pedro is an interesting crucifix from the 14th century.

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French Road Stage 17: Terradillos Templars - The Burgo Ranero The Hostels

Hostel Bercianos

Bercianos of Real French Road (Leon)

Tel: 987 78 40 08

Hostel Carriageway Coto

Calzada Coto (Leon)

Tel: 987 78 12 33 (City Hall), the Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon

Hostel Viatoris

Sahagun

Tel: 987 780975

Hostel del Burgo Ranero, Domenico Laffi

The Burgo Ranero (Leon)

Tel: 987 33 00 23 / 987 33 00 47

Hostel of Pilgrims Cluny

Sahagun (Leon)

Tel: 987 78 21 17 / 987 78 00 01 (Municipality)

Hostel The Lagoon

The Burgo Ranero

Tel: 987 330 094

Alberguería Laganares

San Nicolás del Real Road (Palencia)

Tel: Marisa 629 181 536 / 979 18 81 42

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Hostel of Mothers Benedictine

Sahagún, Tel: 987 78 00 78

Hostel of Calzadilla of Hermanillos

Calzadilla of Hermanillos. Corresponds to the Municipality of Burgo Ranero (Leon)

Tel: 987 33 00 23 / 987 33 00 13, Ayto del Burgo Ranero

Hostel hospedería jacobea El Nogal

The Burgo Ranero

Tel: 627 22 93 31

Information on the stage 17: Terradillos Templars - The Burgo Ranero

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Moratinos and St. Nicholas of Royal Road are the latest peoples of the route french to their step by Palencia and cede the witness to Leon, the province with more kilometers route santiago: nothing less than 214.4. First presents Sahagun, with its mudejar, and subsequently fork at the foot of the N-120 that gives the option to continue toward Bercianos of Real Road and the Burgo Ranero or toward Calzada Coto and Calzadilla of Hermanillos. The first alternative runs by a lane built ex profeso for pilgrims and shaded by a row of trees without purpose. The second, lonely and by the Way Trajana, moves through areas of scrubland, scrub and small forests.

The itinerary

We Leave the former entrusts templaria of Terradillos by a track of reparcelling who dies in the asphalt of the P-905, also marked as P-973 (Km 1.4). A short stretch of road gives way to another track that moves between the cereal and random lines of poplars, arranged next to the streams of San Juan and the Strike. This landscape accompanies us until Moratinos, penultimate people of the Road from Santiago to its step by Palencia that looks bodegas excavated and adobe houses: mass of mud mixed sometimes with straw and used to lift walls and walls (Km 3.3). At the height of the church of St. Thomas Aquinas turn right and left the town. Two kilometers and a half separate us from St. Nicholas of REAL CAMINO, last town palentino endowed with hostel and bar restaurant, all in one (5.8 Km).

The departure of St. Nicholas of Royal Road saved the river Sequillo and turn right to take a path of pilgrims who moves to the vera of the N-120. 150 Meters north of it runs the A-231, the highway from the path of Santiago. On the path pass the boundary between Palencia and Leon, last province castellana that holds the record for kilometers of the path: in total 214.4 already expect to be discovered (Km 7.7). Progress in parallel to the N-120 and after crossing turn the river Valderabuey by a stone bridge. Agree to a tree-lined esplanade where la ermita de la Virgen del Puente, Romanesque style mudéjar (Km 10.3).

Exceeded one third of the stage, a path directs us to Sahagún. Avoiding the N-120 below (Km 11.6) agree to the town of this town leonesa. After the street Round of Station crossed the bridge on the tracks, we spent together at the hostel municipal and continue through the streets The Blacksmithing and Antonio Nicolás (Km 13). Sahagún displays the mudejar art in the churches of San Lorenzo and San Tirso, lifted by alarifes that ignored stone and armed their works with brick. Also, at the end of the street Antonio Nicolás, we can see the arch baroque of San Benito. Later, save the river Cea - tributary of <- by the bridge Singers and we bid farewell to Sahagún (13.7 Km).

The day continues on a walk wooded and parallel to the road access to the N-120. At the foot of the national highway, before passing the diversion to Mayorga, disappear the trees and the paseo becomes a andadero that, at times, is close. Skimming the vegetation that separates us from the road saved a arroyo and half a kilometer after crossed the N-120. In short, next to a canopy, a poster of stone warns, evil, the double alternative that occurs: front continues by the Real French Road toward Bercianos and Burgo Ranero. Toward the right, saving the highway A-231 by a bridge, is accessed to Calzada Coto and from there to Calzadilla of Hermanillos. Both routes come together again in the next day (17.4 Km).

We continue to face by the Real French Road (the alternative by Calzada Coto and Calzadilla briefly described in paragraph comments). A dirt track, built ex profeso for pilgrims and shaded by a row without order of false bananas (Acer pseudoplatanus), will accompany us during the next 32.2 kilometers. Beside flows a asphalted road used by pilgrims in bike. The transit to Bercianos of Royal Road is pretty monotonous and, after an hour's walk, on the left, we see in an esplanade the hermitage of Our Lady of Perales (Km 21.5). Later, after crossing a creek and put aside the cross in memory of pilgrim german Manfred Kress, went into Bercianos of Royal Road (Km 23).

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The entry of Bercianos we greets a source decorated with a vieira and going through the town by its main street in the company of adobe, basic material of the traditional architecture of these first peoples leoneses. Bercianos, a couple of grocers and a bar allow replenish forces to deal with the last part of the stage. Let the people to retake the track of the false bananas, contemplating to turn the small parcels of vine that dot the fields. After two kilometers come next to a resting area beside the arroyo del Olmo (Km 25.1). Later, the track tree-lined moves up to a viaduct of the highway A-231 (Km 28.7) and thereafter until the Burgo Ranero. Crossed a road to enter this town at the height of a cruise in memory of the children. It is possible to continue in the face by the Real street or border the people on the road until the hostels of pilgrims (Km 30.6).

The difficulties

The stage, although of high mileage, varies only between 800 and 880 meters. Is flat except for minor ripples and can browse, to an average of 4.5 kilometers per hour and including the stops, in eight hours.

Comments

Those pilgrims who decide continue toward Calzada Coto and Calzadilla of Hermanillos must turn right at the fork (17.4 Km) and crossing the bridge on the A-231. The itinerary enters then in Calzada Coto (Km 18.1), where it should ask about the state of the signs on the basis of the people, as it is not entirely correct. The departure takes a track that leads to crossing the train tracks (Km 20.2) and after a stretch solitary areas of scrubland, scrub and small forests are comes next to the farm and mount of Valdelocajos (Km 23.2). About three kilometers and a half after appears Calzadilla of the Hermanillos (Km 26.5). Both Calzada Coto as Calzadilla, where there is a bar and a shop, have hostel. The overnight Calzadilla of Hermanillos continue the following day until Mansilla of Mules, where joins this path with the Real French Road.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 84: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

MORATINOS: The church of St. Thomas Aquinas was built in brick between the siglos XVI and XVII. Inside, there a length of the Virgin and Child Jesus del siglo XVI.

SAN NICOLÁS DEL REAL CAMINO: This small commune of the municipality of Moratinos is the last town palentino Camino de Santiago French. As picks Jose Maria Lacarra in the second volume of the Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, "in San Nicolas of Royal Road had in the 12th century a hospital in lepers governed by canons of Saint Augustine". The population counts with hostel and a couple of bars restaurant.

SAHAGÚN: Sahagun is a small capital of 2,858 inhabitants (according to the INE 2008) that offers all kinds of services. We are already in the province of Leon, on the river bank Cea, where some are their origins, specifically in an old chapel dedicated to the martyrs Facundo and primitive. It had a splendorous history and was called the Cluny Spanish, as it grew to the shelter of the Benedictine monastery of San Benito. The artists brought back from the muslim Spain the mudejar art (the use of brick instead of stone) which led to the famous monuments of Sahagun.

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Church of San Lorenzo: it was built in the 13th century and bears the stamp of the alarifes mudejar. Tower of four bodies, plant basilica (without transcept to divide the three ships of the presbytery), three curved apses decorated in archery blind and brick, much brick, define this church.

Church of San Tirso: In the same typology which San Lorenzo, although more antigua, San Tirso began to be built with blocks of stone, the most pure Romanesque style, at the beginning of the XII. However continued building in brick.

Arco de San Benito: You can see the departure of Sahagun. It is 17th century baroque and replaced a Romanesque doorway from dilapidated and disappeared monastery of San Benito. This monastery of the benedictine order adopted the reform siesta in 1080.

BERCIANOS OF ROYAL ROAD: Owes its name to the restocking with people from the region del Bierzo. Before Bercianos, on the left of andadero and in an esplanade endowed with several tables of stone, is the hermitage of Our Lady of Perales, popularly known as the Perala. A registration remembers that who read a salve to the Virgin of Pear trees get 40 days of indulgence. A new temple has replaced its slender parish church of Salvador, which collapsed and has been in ruins. In the interior was kept a carving renaissance in San Juan Bautista and the tomb of Dona Leonor de Quiñones, Madam of Bercianos. A kilometer and a half of the people, in the Valley del Olmo, is the source of Romero.

THE BURGO RANERO: By its layout and its name refers to the pilgrimage, its main street called French Road and is now the Real street. His church, dedicated to San Pedro, was a beautiful size romance of the Virgin, today in the Cathedral Museum de Leon. Lost in the plains, The Burgo Ranero offers warmth, several hostels, restaurants, in addition to shops and pharmacy.

CALZADA COTO: This town already appears in the documentation oldest of the monastery of Sahagún (s. X). It is from the 9th century a clear reference road of the Road in Castile. The parish church is dedicated to San Esteban. The new calzada tree-lined is a marvel for the pilgrim in full páramo leonés. Another way to reach Mansilla of Mules is to continue the ancient Via Trajana, Roman road of the remaining vestiges.

The monument

San Lorenzo de Sahagún

In the Romanesque style mudejar is built on brick.

It has three ships and three apses, cruise and dome of the thirteenth century.

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French Road Stage 18: The Burgo Ranero - Leon

The Hostels

Hostel of the Monastery of the Benedictine (Sta Maria Carvajal)

Leon

Tel: 987 25 28 66 / 680 64 92 89

Hostel of Mansilla of Mules

Mansilla of Mules (Leon)

Tel: 987 31 01 38, Tourist Office

Hostel San Pelayo

Bridge Villarente (Leon)

Tel: 650 918 281 / 987 312 677

Hostel City de Leon

Leon, Tel: 987 08 18 32/33. Fax 987 26 11 74

Hostel of Reliegos Las Matas

Reliegos (Leon)

Tel: 987 31 78 01. The Town Council of Santas Marten: 987 31 41 03, 987 31 78 71 or 987 31 78 67

Hostel Garden of the Road

Mansilla of Mules

Tel: 987 31 02 32 / 600 471 597

Hostel The Tower

Arcahueja (Leon)

Tel: 669 66 09 14 / 987 20 58 96

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Information on the stage 18: The Burgo Ranero - Leon

Stage with a wide circulation that can be divided into two spending nights in Mansilla of Mules. The track tree-lined continues during nineteen flat kilometers toward Reliegos and Mansilla, where says goodbye. From the river <until the Porma advances through parallel paths to the N-601 and from Villarente Bridge Road distance slightly from the national to reach Arcahueja. Finally, the neighborhood of Bridge Castro, on the shores of Torío, represents the final entry in Leon.

The itinerary

The departure of the Burgo we find ourselves with a gap. Are relatively abundant in these confines of the Land of Fields and were used until very recently as drinking trough for animals. Today the habitat of certain species of amphibians, birds of prey and ducks. We track tree-lined the Real French Road by a landscape modeled the yesterday: impressive plains cultivated, few ripples and almost deforested. Two kilometers and a half of the Burgo Ranero turn a resting area located to the vera of arroyo del Valle de la Granja (2.5 Km) and two kilometers later, in a slight which flows through another arroyo: Valdasneros (4.5 Km). In half an hour long more monotonous leave to the left a track and school ultralight (Km 7) and a kilometer later the diversion to Villamarco (Km 8).

The law of the straight line offers us a respite when the track draws a curve and saves below the train tracks (Km 10.6). In the post which turn the arroyo of Valdearcos and after overcoming a slight repecho let us get fall to the population of Reliegos, clustered until the last time. In the same

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entrance there are some traditional vineyards in brick and adobe, used to preserve the wine but primarily as a venue. Facing Reliegos of tip to tip, wind track tree-lined by the Real street (Km 13), where struck a meteorite in 1947. Leave the fronton to one side to dive next to the false bananas in the plains of cereal, decorated by giant structure of irrigation by spraying. The proverb "Reliegos to Mansilla, the legua either measure", provides for the distance of a legua ( between 5,573 and 5,914 meters) between these two locations. Nearly four kilometers after Reliegos, after passing under the towers of power line, there is an area of rest at the edge of the track trees (Km 16.7). We the final goodbye to the track artificial, save the N-601 (road Adanero - Leon) by a viaduct and pulled a irrigation canal to enter Mansilla of Mules.

Discovered the ancient walled city in handing the puerta del Castillo, cal and pebble. The streets of Santa Maria, where overlooks the tower of the church, (Km 19) and of the Bridge, where does its own one of the hostels of pilgrims, facing Mansilla of Mules and lead to the bridge over the river <, the latino Astura. Nothing more crossing the bridge there to take a path that was born on the left and that moves parallel to the N-601, next to the ditches, the maize fields and any other acacia. Thus arrived in one hour to Villamoros of Mansilla (23.5 Km), whose entry leave the protection of the way to take the lay of the N-601. Turn Villamoros along the road and again on the path parallel came up Villarente Bridge, where overcame the river Porma by a long bridge medieval origin. In the course of 2010 is expected the construction of a gateway metal that facilitates the passage of the pilgrims. Cross Bridge Villarente along the route of the N-601, that part in two this town with a multitude of services (Km 25.3).

If moving by the sidewalk of the left, to reach a Cashier's office Spain, crossed by the pedestrian and continue through the sidewalk right. At the height of the Restaurant Avellaneda we distance ourselves a little of the N-601 to take a track that is born to our right (Km 26.3). By her saved the channel of Arriola, we crossed below the road going to Sanfelismo and continue straight. After a repecho, whose beginning have enabled an area of rest deck, we reached Arcahueja (Km 29.5). After this population the tranche was escalates with several slides, leave it to one side the diversion to Valdelafuente (Km 30.9), coronamos a small nails and continue toward a site located at the foot of the N-601. By a pedestrian bridge, empowered by the beginning of 2010, save the knot road of the N-601 and we are going in the direction Bridge Castro, barrio de Leon separately from the city by the Torío river. Entering Bridge Castro down the street Simon Arias, crossed the avenue of Madrid (Km 35) and we on the right by Victoriano Martínez and plaza Thomas Mallo to reach a gateway and cross the river Torío. At the right of it is the stone bridge of the XVIII.

Exceeded the riverbed - already in Leon - we face the street from the Mayor Miguel Brown and continue through her during 600 meters until the avenue of dual carriageway of Fernandez Ladreda. From this crossing the itinerary urban splits: from front to the hostel of St. Mary of Carbajal and left into the hostel municipal, by the same avenue Fernandez Ladreda until the street Fields Gothic (Km 37.1).

The difficulties

Browse in a single-stage the 37.1 kilometers separating the Burgo Ranero de Leon is a company for people with good physical condition. The most common is to divide the journey in two stages comfortable: of the Burgo Ranero to Mansilla of Mules (19 km) and Mansilla of Mules to Leon (18.1 km). The options are many since in Bridge Villarente and Arcahueja there are also hostel.

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Comments

In February 2010, opened the pedestrian bridge that saves the knot road of the N-601. Before had a tour that alternative blazed by asphalt until a few repeaters and descended with bluntness by a path until the entry of Bridge Castro (a profile of stage picks this diversion).

At the intersection of the street from the Mayor Miguel Brown with the avenue Fernandez Ladreda, some painted pointed to the bifurcation toward the hostel of Santa Maria de Carbajal and toward the Municipal. It is necessary to improve the signalling since it is not entirely clear.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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What to see, what to do

RELIEGOS: The origin of Reliegos Las Matas, belonging to the Municipality of Santas Marten, could be the Roman settlement of Pallantia, where confluían several roads or Roman roads. Reliegos is also known by the meteorite, the type L5 and nearly 9 kilograms in weight, which hit on 28 December 1947 in the Real street and that today is exposed in the National Museum of Science. The caves of the entry were old wine cellars, which no one used but that in recent decades have been recovered, while retaining its role as save wine but above all by serving as a meeting place. This sense playful to the space has accomplished that will happen examples of bodegas quaint, in which no longer be taste the wine hybrid just quality, but the variety more modern prieto picudo. The parish church this dedicated jointly to the Pope San Cornelius and the Bishop of Carthage San Cipriano, both eminent personalities of the Christian church of the century III that were martyred in the years 253 and 258. A hostel, a bar restaurant with menus for the pilgrim and a shop also offer what is necessary to form a final stage, especially for the pilgrims who have party of Sahagun.

MANSILLA OF MULES: Walled City (s. XII) on the river <. Belonged to the county of Benavente until 1594. Their seven churches, two convents and three hospitals when he was an important commercial center and livestock (hence the nickname of Mules), only two temples in use: the parish church of Santa Maria, the only temple of Mansilla until 1220 but rebuilt in the 18th and the hermitage of Our Lady of Grace.

The door of the Castle, by the accessing the pilgrims to the Real French Way, was the main gate of the wall and is built in cal and pebble. By the Arco de Santa Maria, the only one of the wall that is retained complete, came the hikers who departed from Calzadilla of the Hermanillos by the Way Trajana. The departure of Mansilla crosses the river <, known in the seniority in the Latin name of Astura. The <is 286 kilometers in length and is the tributary more flow in the Douro river.

More than a dozen kilometers of Mansilla there are two jewels of leonés: the monastery mozarab -lifted by monks córdoba- San Miguel de Climbing (s. (X) and of Santa Maria de Gradefes, built by Cistercian nuns, at the end of the 12th century.

BRIDGE VILLARENTE: Bridge Villarente of Villaturiel, crossed from side to side by the N-601, offers nearly all the services. The bridge over the river Porma is medieval origin (already mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus the 12th century) and has suffered repairs and reconstruction over the centuries. The central arches are the best preserved the original structure. The bridge is open to traffic and for 2010 is expected the construction of a metal gateway to facilitate the passage of the pilgrims.

LEON:

Leon is the fourth big city of the Road. Originated in the final settlement of the Roman legion VII Gemina toward the year 74 of our era. He was an important roman city in the year 712 was conquered by the Arabs and remained under Muslim rule until the 853, the year Ordoño I got repopulate and included it in the Kingdom of Asturias. Under the reign of Ordoño II, Leon was proclaimed the capital of his own kingdom and over the years came to bring together what is now Galicia, part of Portugal, Asturias, Cantabria and much of Castile and Leon.

Their architectural gems are innumerable: the cathedral of Santa Maria (s. XII-XIII), also known by the nickname latino of Pulchra Leonina, is in the gothic style and began to be built by the year 1205. Is inspired by the French cathedral of Reims and its interior is great, full of harmony gothic and its stained glass covering an area of 1,800 square meters. The main facade, which looks to the west, offer the visitor with triple home, rosace and two towers: that of the Bells and the Clock.

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They also stress the Real Basilica of San Isidoro, one of the great treasures from the romanesque Spanish which consists of the church, the Royal Pantheon and a museum. The Pantheon was built in 1063 and the church, which replaced the previous mozarab, was consecrated in 1149. The Hostel in San Marcos is a building plateresque beautiful. Its origin as a hospital of pilgrims goes back to the 12th century but the current building was built between the siglos XVI and XVIII. Facade plateresque style (very ornamental own of the spanish Renaissance), the hostal de San Marcos is today Parador of Tourism and houses the Museum of Leon.

The monument

Catedral de Leon

In the gothic style, introduced latin cross plant, three ships lateral and ship cross.

Construction began in early 13th century and was completed in the XIV, although it has added

later.

French Road Stage 19: Leon - San Martin Del CaminoThe Hostels

Hostel Casa de Jesus

Villar of Mazarife, Tel: 686 053 390

Hostel de San Martin of the Road

San Martin Del Camino(Leon).

Tel: 634 467 629 (Luis) / 987 37 70 86 (Municipality)

Hostel D. Antonino and Dña. Cinia

The Virgin of the Road (Leon)

Tel: 615 217 335

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Hostel Vieira

San Martin of the road. (Leon)

Tel: 987 378 565 / 651 517 382

The House of the Road

Valverde of the Virgin

Tel: 987 30 34 14 / 659 17 80 87

Hostel Santa Ana

San Martin Del Camino(Leon)

Tel: 987 378 653 / 680 917 423

Hostel of Villadangos of Wasteland

Villadangos of Páramo (Leon)

Tel: 987 39 00 03 / 660 305 615

Hostel San Antonio de Padua

Villar of Mazarife

Tel: 987 390 192 / 687 300 666

Hostel Tio Pepe

Villar of Mazarife

Tel: 987 390 517 / 696 005 264

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Information on the stage 19: Leon - San Martin Del Camino

Broad avenues leading from the hostels to Hostal de San Marcos, on the river Bernesga. Other five kilometers urban areas, including a polygon, close to the Virgen del Camino, whose output is decides whether to continue for the option of Villar of Mazarife or by the French Road more historical. The latter progresa by the paramo, provided to the vera of the N-120, and crosses Valverde of the Virgin, San Miguel of the Road and Villadangos of Wasteland to conclude in San Martin of the Road.

The itinerary

In the door of the hostel municipal de Leon turn left at the same street in the fields Gothic and doubled to right by the Paseo del Parque. We continue to face and crossed the avenue of Fernandez Ladreda. Leaving to the left the Bullring, we during more than a kilometer by the Paseo de Papalaguinda and continue straight after the glorieta de Guzman the Good for linking with the avenue of the Countess Sagasta. After 700 meters and always in front by this avenue came along to the Hostal de San Marcos, that of hospital of pilgrims in the Middle Ages has gone to Parador of Tourism and Museum. It is worth stop and enjoy the rich ornamentation plateresque of its facade (2.3 Km).

We crossed the river Bernesga, a tributary of <, next to the Hostel and continue straight along avenida de Quevedo. This avenue, always in front, leads us to take the avenue of the Parish Priest

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Paul Díez, that looks showy farolas rojas. Without any loss came to a pedestrian bridge on the tracks, we crossed to enter Trobajo the Road (3.9 km). We continue the progress by the same avenue of the Parish Priest Paul Díez and on the sidewalk on the right you can see the sober hermitage in brick and canto de Santiago Apostle of XVIII. At the height of a florist (Km 4.7) and in response to the signalling, doubled to left, we went through the plaza Sira San Pedro and turn slightly to the right into the streets of the same name. Went Out to an avenue, we crossed, and we climb down the street Way of the Cross next to some wineries. Enter immediately into an industrial (5.7 Km) which ends next to a petrol and at the edge of the N-120. With care, by the berm and along the heavy traffic of this national road entering Virgen del Camino (7.6 Km).

It is a town satellite de Leon heading in two by the N-120. Offers nearly all the services and is a good place to propose the first stop. In Virgin of the Road is common to see overfly the aircraft of the army, as it is located next to a military airbase. To get together to the Shrine, in 1957 and whose facade is adorned by thirteen sculptures of barcelonan Joseph Mary Subirachs, crossed the N-120 (whether we are on the sidewalk right) and down the road of peace. We leave it to one side the source The Cañín and we see in the asphalt road a series of painted that evil indicated to the left the bifurcation toward Villar of Mazarife (see comments), an alternative to the itinerary historical and main French Road (Km 8.5).

We continue to face, turning to the side of the cemetery and a service road next to the latest craft. A road in parallel to the N-120 leads to a tunnel under the A-66, after which turn right up until an antenna surrounded by wooded dispersed. From here down gently until some industrial buildings and link with the andadero parallel to the N-120, which does not abandon until the end of stage. We are in land of the paramo, ground raso and away. Immediately went into Valverde of the Virgin (Km 12.2). We Cross Valverde to the vera of the N-120 and the departure we the andadero until the next population also crossed by the national: San Miguel del Camino (Km 13.6). From San Miguel until the next town there are 7.7 kilometers, so it should raise a stop at this stage of the stage. After passing through San Miguel of the way back to the monotonous andadero, sailing the paramo between the N-120 and the nearby AP-71 that progresses to our left. An hour and three-quarters after entering Villadangos of the Paramo, a population that does not seem ever and whose first houses have been in a small which. We Are glued to the college Santiago Apostle and after the hostel pilgrims (21.3 Km) crossed the N-120 to catch the Real street, where the bakery and a shop. The bars are stacked to the edge of the national road.

By the same calle Real down until you cross an irrigation canal and continue between poplars for no more than 400 meters to go back to the company of the sonora N-120. From this point can continue on the right of the national or the left, because there are andadero on both sides. A line of 3.8 kilometers leads us to the center of San Martin of the Road, which stresses in the distance by its peculiar water tank and that allows adapt a final stage to count with sufficient hostels, a couple of bars, a grocery store and a bakery (Km 25.9).

The difficulties

The departure of Leon is very uncomfortable, and to Valverde of the Virgin (Km 12.2) it had to pass a small calvary by streets, long avenues, a site and the lay of the N-120 to the entry of Virgin of the Road. Also, the stretch between San Miguel of the Road and Villadangos of Wasteland becomes very heavy since they are 7.7 kilometers of andadero without intermediate populations.

Comments

The departure of Virgin of the Road, after next to the source The Cañín, appear about painted on the asphalt (very badly marked) that indicate, left, the bifurcation Villar of Mazarife. It is a variant

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of French road that leads to this people leonese currently with 3 hostels. This route avoids the company of the N-120 and by dirt tracks and asphalt passes through the populations of Fresno of the Road, Oncina of the Valdoncina, Huts below and Villar of Mazarife, where it overnight. The distance between Leon and Villar is approximately 22 kilometers and this route and the French come together in the next stage in Bridge Orbigo.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 96: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

VIRGEN DEL CAMINO: The departure of this population is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Road, whose first stone was placed in 1957. The author is the architect dominico Don Francisco Coelho of Portugal. The main facade is adorned by thirteen sculptures of the artist barcelonan Josep Maria Subirachs representing the Virgin and the twelve apostles and each figure weighs about 700 kilos. This town satellite de Leon has sufficient shops and bars to raise the first stop of the day.

VALVERDE OF THE VIRGIN AND SAN MIGUEL OF THE ROAD:

Two locations crossed by the N-120, with some bar and bakery.

VILLADANGOS OF THE PARAMO: Villadangos is located in the páramo leonés. It was a resettled village during the initial phase of the Reconquest and scenario in the year 1111 of a bloody battle between the armies of the queen dona Urraca and her ex-husband king Aragonés Alfonso I "the Warrior" accompanied by his son Alfonso VII. The parish church is dedicated to Santiago, who chairs the high altar, sword in hand and touched the usage military. In the doors of the temple there carved two funny reliefs leather that represent the mythical victory of the king leonés Ramiro I on Abderramán II in the battle of Clavijo (La Rioja), thanks to the help of the Apostle Santiago.

SAN MARTIN OF THE ROAD: People quiet and ideal to raise the final stage. Is traditionally joined the path of Santiago, since that San Martin was a bishop french that he welcomed the pilgrims under its layer. Naturally has a church dedicated to the bishop of Tours. In September 2009, Juan Lopez, bishop of Leon, blessed the new altar of this temple and the whole formed by the altarpiece, ambon, table and chair costing some 45,000 euros. The investigation of Juan Uriah stipulates that there was in San Martin of the Way a hospital that was "to host pilgrims poor, with four beds for men, one for women and another for priests".

From afar stresses the water tank, which seems a saucer flier that plans by the location. Seen near, even knowing that served to collect water, still seems a UFO or a giant mushroom.

The monument

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San Isidoro de Leon

Romanesque Church. The plant is latin cross and the form three ships with its corresponding apses.

In its origin devoted to San Juan Bautista was ravaged by Almanzor in 988. After reedificarse was expanded and returned to enshrined in the 1149.

French Road Stage 20: San Martin Del Camino- Astorga

The Hostels

Hostel of pilgrims Servants of Mary

Astorga (Leon)

Tel: 987 616 034 / 618 271 773

Refuge Parish Hospital of Orbigo

Hospital of Orbigo (Leon)

Tel: 987 38 84 44 / 661 994 238

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Hostel Parish Santibáñez Valdeiglesias

Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias (Leon)

Tel: 987 37 76 98

Hostel Path and Route

Astorga

Tel:

Hostel of Pilgrims San Javier

Astorga (Leon)

Tel: 987 61 85 32

Hostel San Miguel

Hospital of Orbigo (Leon)

Tel: 987 388 285 / 609 420 931

Hostel Municipal Hospital of Orbigo

Hospital of Orbigo (Leon)

Tel: 987 38 82 06 (City Hall). From 8 h until the 15 h from monday to friday

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Information on the stage 20: San Martin Del Camino- Astorga

In the same tone that yesterday, the pace machacón that mark the road parallel to the N-120, arrive to Bridge Orbigo to save the tributary of <by the mythical bridge of Passo Honorable. Already in Hospital of Orbigo can choose to continue for the monotonous andadero or enjoy a agricultural landscape, bathed by infinity ponds, which visit Villares de Orbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias. Both options is based on the cruise Santo Toribio, excellent mirador on San Justo de la Vega, the city of Astorga and mount Teleno.

The itinerary

Facing San Martin Del Caminonext to the N-120 and, past the channel of the Paramo and poster of order to population, turn right and immediately left to take the andadero of fine gravel moving parallel to the national road. Maize crop and small tracts of vegetable flooded fields to our right, irrigated thanks to a good network of canals and ditches. The three kilometers turn long the diversion to Santa Marina del Rey and Villavante (Km 3). Later the path lies with the channel of the dam Cerrajera, a channel of irrigation of Orbigo that part of this river in Villanueva of Carrizo to converge again in Cebrones of the river. His first news dating from the 14th century (4.2 Km).

A couple of miles after we move away from the N-120 by the right and turn next to a nice water tank in brick. Soon we cross the road in provincial Bridge Orbigo (6.9 Km) next to the church of Santa Maria, whose espadaña often bear more of a nest of stork. Immediately filed with us the river Orbigo,, flowing under the prolonged bridge of Passo Honorable, where Serum of Quiñones challenged in 1434 to every man claiming cross it. We do what we crossed, without fear rampage horses or spears lost, for access to Hospital in Orbigo, where we receive the church of San Juan Bautista, 18th century. From the center of Hospital of Orbigo (7.7 Km), locality with multiple services, progress by the same main street until exit, where a sign nailed to a pole shows the two possibilities for launching the rest of the stage. (Km 8). In the face continues the trace historic by a andadero parallel to the N-120; on the right, option highly valued by the pilgrims, the Way is moving toward Villares of Orbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias by a cultural landscape and mount low. Both options come together in the cruise Santo Toribio.

Choose the second option and turn right by a track surrounded by a landscape extremely agriculture. Infinity of irrigation ditches bathe the vegetable crops that are sampled in around Leon and even in neighboring provinces. Thus arrived until Villares de Orbigo (Km 10), population that we are experiencing thanks to an excellent signalling to move toward the next location. On the outskirts of Villares of Orbigo crossed a local road and take a path next to a ship brick. Turn next to a picnic and climb slightly by monte low. If we look toward the left we find ourselves with a general level of the fertile plain of the river Orbigo, with their trees, canals and crops. Recreated in this view came up to a local road (11.5 Km) that leads to the nearby population of Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias (Km 12.6).

Went down the street Path of Villares, continue through the streets and Real torcemos right by Carromonte Under, where the hostel parish. End of the street and went out of Santibáñez by a wide track, quite rocky also, next to some ships livestock. By it, between small plots of vine that dot the rest of crops, won 30 meters in height until reaching a cross labrada escorted by a series of figures, including a scarecrow (Km 13.8). Down for about 700 meters, leaving the left a small barranco created by the erosion, and then ascend through an area more refugee between oaks and chaparros. Then come several slides by the uncomfortable track stony: to a rapid downward succeeds him a short rise and another depression, somewhat longer, is answered by a rise in the

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same characteristics that ends for letting the legs doloridas. We came to a plateau (Km 17.5) and left to right-hand a ship, located in the place known as Majada of Ventura. Soon crossed a road and a long straight leads us to the cruise Santo Toribio, where a few tables invite a snack in this excellent mirador on San Justo de la Vega, the city of Astorga and mount Teleno, with its 2,188 meters is the highest summit of the montes de Leon. In this same place, in the fifth century, the bishop of Astorga, after being expelled from its headquarters, hurled: "Astorga, neither the powder". (Km 19.1).

Descend the cruise to enter San Justo de la Vega by a voyage and going through this location by the Real street (Km 20.3). On the outskirts saved the river Eyed by a gateway metallic parallel to the stone bridge and a few meters later left the walking and take a track that moves next to a ship. The track leads in the river jargon, which pulled by a small bridge of likely roman origin. Turn left and we are approaching until the gateway metal that saves the tracks of the line Palencia - La Coruna (Km 23). The bridge is a mka maze of straight and heights that brings us together the first of the hostels of Astorga. Turn the dismantled via Plasencia - Astorga and after the roundabout decorated with the roman name Astorga: Asturica Augusta, climb up the street Imprisonment Relief, where turn left. Then, a tough cost us about the hostel of the Friends of the Road and the whole formed by the chapel of the Vera Cruz and the church of the Parents Redemptorists. From this point only remaining 300 meters to reach the City Hall (24.2 Km).

The difficulties

The distance of the stage is moderate and the route from San Martin Del Caminountil Hospital of Orbigo is flat. The tranche of 6.5 kilometers between Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias and the cruise Santo Toribio can be done heavy by the floor stony and slides of final.

Comments

Those who have accommodation in Villar of Mazarife resume the Way by local road until the Mile of the Paramo, that is left to right. From this point move through dirt track until Villavante, which is not going through, and it also makes it to one side. TO 800 meters of Villavante cross railway tracks and a kilometer and 200 meters after highway AP-71 (Leon - Astorga). A kilometer from local road lies to the pilgrim in Bridge of Orbigo, where it joins the French Road from San Martin of the Road.

The pilgrims not to take in Hospital of Orbigo option by Villares of Orbigo and Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias, advance in parallel to the N-120 until the cruise Santo Toribio, where they join the two itineraries. This option is more boring but a couple of miles shorter than that of Santibáñez.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

BRIDGE ORBIGO AND HOSPITAL OF ORBIGO: The endless bridge over the river Orbigo joins the two populations. It was built in the 14th century although remodeled in later centuries and is famous for the next historic event: In 1434, the man leonés don Serum of Quiñones, organized a tournament in arms challenging to every man who would like crossing the bridge, to break three spears against him and his nine companions. Everything to conquer your lady Leonor Tovar. It ran 727 races and broke 166 spears during a month, with the exception of the day July 25, feast of Santiago Apostle. Fulfilled the tournament -only died a man- pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela where Serum of Quiñones handed over to the apostle a blue ribbon that belonged to his lady. Don Serum, 24 years later, die in another tournament against one of the gentlemen who had expired in the Passo Honorable of Orbigo.

The river Orbigo born of the confluence of rivers and Moon Palace and leads to the <. Its waters hosting a good people of Common Trout or Trout Fario (Salmo trutta fario), main ingredient of the famed soups that are prepared in Hospital of Orbigo. This locality, the other side of the bridge, was lifted along to the hospital of the Knights of San Juan. The church of San Juan Bautista, who gathered the legacy of the hospital, is the 18th century and preserves a plateresque altarpiece. Hospital of Orbigo is hoyun great service center and there are several stores, bakers, automatic teller machine, a few inns and restaurants of road.

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VILLARES DE ORBIGO AND SANTIBÁÑEZ DE VALDEIGLESIAS: In Villares of Orbigo is located in the City Hall, whose municipality covers at the same Villares de Orbigo, a Moral of Orbigo, San Happy Orbigo, Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias and Valdeiglesias. During the Middle Ages were a señorío family property Quiñones and archpriethood Astorga. The municipality is built on the fertile ribera del Orbigo and is graced by infinity of ditches that bathe the vegetable crops, sampled in around Leon and even in neighboring provinces.

The church of Santiago de Villares of Orbigo saves a woodcarving of the Virgen del Carmen and a valuable frame in wood of chestnut and oak. The parish Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias is of the XIX.

ASTORGA: Located on a hill located between the rivers Jargon and Tuerto, Astorga, the Asturica Augusta of the romans, was in its origin a military camp built during the campaign for the cántabras wars in the years 29 to 19 a.C. Due to the presence of gold mines in the same province, called Conventus Asturum, the city was growing driven by the excellent location that allowed him to a great control on the exploitation of mines.

Santa Maria Cathedral: began to be built in the last third of the 15th century and was not topped until the second half of the XVII. The western facade is plateresque and chapels and the door of the sacristy are attributed to Gil of n.

The Town Council of Astorga: it was built in 1675 in basis to the design of Manuel of the Lastra and was renovated by the end of the XIX and in 1995. The clock of the facade is the work of Bartolomé Fernandez and has the peculiarity that two automata worn - Juan Zancuda and Associated - ring the bell to give the hours.

Episcopal Palace: Today houses the Museum of the Roads, where you can visit an extensive collection of sacred art. The building, worked shows that combines the styles medieval and modern, is the work of Antonio Gaudi.

Walls: The walled enclosure original was built in Roman times, between the end of the century III and the beginning of the century IV but has been heavily modified, especially in the 9TH century at different times later.

Astorga is a city of more than 12,000 inhabitants where there are all kinds of services. You can taste the cooked worn, peculiar because first served the meat, then the vegetables and finally the soup. Nor is there to leave to prove the famous mantecadas and the wafers in the capital neck.

The monument

Palacio de Gaudi Astorga

Palacio responsible to Antonio Gaudi in 1887 and ended definitively in 1961.

Of unmistakable modernist style, on the basis of medieval elements and Arabs, the outside is

lined with granite gray of Montearenas and the whole consists of four floors.

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French Road Stage 21: Astorga - Foncebadón

The Hostels

Hostel Hospedería San Blas

Santa Catalina de Somoza (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 14 11 / 637 46 48 33

Hostel Our Lady of Pilar

Rabanal del Camino (Leon)

Tel: 987 63 16 21 / 616 089 942

Hostel Gaucelmo

Rabanal del Camino (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 19 01

Hostel parish Domus Dei

Foncebadón

Hostel Municipal Rabanal Path

Rabanal del Camino (Leon)

Tel: 987 631 687

Hostel and Center of rural

tourism The Wayfarer

Santa Catalina de Somoza

Tel: 987 69 10 98

Hostel Convent of Foncebadón

Foncebadón (Leon)

Tel: 658 974 818

Hostel Gabino

The Geese, Tel: 660 912 823

Hostel of Murias of Rechivaldo

Murias of Rechivaldo (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 11 50

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The Hostel Águedas

Murias of Rechivaldo (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 12 34 / 636 06 78 40

The Hostel Tesín

Rabanal del Camino (Leon)

Tel: 650 952 721

Hostel Monte Irago

Foncebadón (Leon)

Tel: 695 452 950

Information on the stage 21: Astorga - Foncebadón

With the spotlight on the Mountains of Leon, the French Road is internal maragatería. District inhabited in its day by arrieros and still retains its tough houses in ashlar and fitted with portalón, their dances to the sound of the flute and drum and their stews pantagruélicos. Rabanal del Camino, end of the ninth stage of the Codex Calistinus, and Foncebadón, on the slopes of Irago, are presented as possible late stage.

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The itinerary

Because of the large amount of tearooms that there are in Astorga, that in addition, we conned with their notices of mantecadas and hojaldrados, is very difficult or rather impossible leaving the ancient roman city without having tried a single sweet. Already desayunados, turning their backs to the facade of the Municipality of Astorga, going through the Plaza Mayor to colarnos by the street Pius Gullón, located on the left of the plaza. After crossing Garcia Prieto continue to face down the street of posts and the street Santiago. Leaving aside the Episcopal Palace turn next to the main facade of the cathedral and take the Concierge street - where the hostel private. After Porter doubled to right and moving straight about 400 meters by the calle San Pedro. We crossed the street by a pedestrian walkway and throw in the direction to Castrillo de Polvazares and Santa Colomba of Somoza in the streets of the Martyrs. For a walk parallel to the LE-142 down gently until the height of Valdeviejas, where the hermitage of Ecce Homo, construction of the eighteenth century that was restored completely in 2007. The hermit madruga, sella and also facilitates credentials (2.6 Km).

We leave behind the hermitage and save the highway A-6 (highway in North-West links Madrid with the cooking Arteixo) by an overpass. A andadero at the foot of the LE-142 is waiting for us to lead until Murias of Rechivaldo, population neck to we are moving after saving the riverbed jargon. The parish church of San Esteban, 18, is a right hand and going through Murias by a side street, where is the mesón and the hostel private (Km 4.7). Abandoning Murias of Rechivaldo by means of a track of gravel escorted thickets and brooms. A long line of more than two kilometers leads us to cross the LE-142 (Km 7.3), road that we left by a andadero glued to the LE-CV-192. About half an hour after arrived, amounting to a very out, the center of Santa Catalina de Somoza (9.3 Km). Also old village of arrieros worn, tough houses with gates double-leaf always painted some primary color. Several hostels endowed with bar also allow a little break after two hours of walking.

Going through Santa Catalina de Somoza by the Real street and the departure recovered the andadero of LE-CV-192, again in a promotion almost imperceptible, brings us closer to the people of the Geese. After a couple of bars turn on the left to go next to a source and the church of Santiago (Km 13.4). After the Geese awaits us the same indent: the monotony of andadero, which in some sections that are to reach is close and forced to walk on the asphalt, although it was also widens next to a pinar. An hour after we leave it to right-hand crossroads to Rabanal Old and Maluenga (17.5 Km) and, after the river of Rabanal Old, abandoning the road to take a path that rises between a rebollar. Move glued to a fence topped with crosses made with sticks, where some pilgrims stop to send its own. Again next to the road we see, on the left, the monumental oak pilgrim, known by the nickname of carballo of Afonso Pedredo (Km 19).

Also on the left leave the hermitage of Christ of the Vera Cruz, owned by the Board Neighborhood (Km 19.7). Leave the company of the LE-CV-192, which is based here with the YOU-142, to enter Rabanal the Way. The ninth stage of the Codex Calistinus departing de Leon and ending in Rabanal of the Road. Since Astorga mediate only 20.3 kilometers and some pilgrims lengthen the matchday five kilometers and most until Foncebadón (Ensure before, especially in winter, that the hostels of Foncebadón are open). Both the make night (up to four hostels where choose) as the continue find Rabanal several inns that offer traditional food and good pout (Km 20.3).

Overcame the costs of the main street of Rabanal of the way to reach next to a laundry room, where we take a track between the piornos (cyclists should climb Foncebadón along the road LE-142). A kilometer later cross the road and we on the path of the left. Come next to a source drinking trough (Km 22.3) and climb a brief tranche to the road LE-142, good atalaya to recognize how far the silhouette of Astorga and lands of the maragatería. A path that progress above the road, photocopying layout, leaves us three kilometers and a half later in the center of Foncebadón, people ruined and settled on mount Irago risen by a tavern, a restaurant, several hostels and el paso almost daily pilgrims (Km 25.9).

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The difficulties

Since Astorga until Rabanal Path is 283 meters in 20.3 kilometers, a rise very out and almost imperceptible. Since Rabanal to Foncebadón are about 280 meters in 5.6 kilometers, promotion less bearable but nothing demanding.

Comments

Those who want Sidetracked to visit nearby Castrillo de los Polvazares (Whole Historic, Artistic and typical village worn of cobblestone streets and houses of arrieros), instead of entering Murias of Rechivaldo continue for the lay of the LE-142 for a couple of miles. After visiting the people should take a track signposted, which leads to the French Road just before entering into Santa Catalina Somoza.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 107: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

MURIAS OF RECHIVALDO: It is the typical population neck. It was a people of arrieros, secular occupation of the worn. Stresses the parish church of San Esteban with its characteristic espadaña, of the eighteenth century. The most important of it, by their relationship jacobea, is a highlight of the Virgen del Pilar covered in a niche on the lintel of the door. There is also a statue of San Roque Pilgrim. There are several premises where they serve snacks and meals. Two kilometers from Murias of Rechivaldo is Castrillo de los Polvazares, the core more representative of the maragatería. The town is in excellent condition of conservation, particularly its road. It is typical and pantagruélico the cooked worn.

SANTA CATALINA SOMOZA: The hospitality is a constant in the history of Santa Catalina Somoza. The former hospital of the Virgin of the candles are no longer remains. In the parish church of Santa Maria retained a relic of San Blas, patron of the people, one of the saints more present in the way for his side care and health care. As in many other peoples Real street is the bank peregrinal. The location has several hostels and bars.

THE GEESE: In The Geese, which is making a comeback each summer by the passage of the pilgrims, can still be seen houses teitadas covered with straw rye. This type of cover that goes back to the prehistory has endured for centuries and has been regarded as an indication of the substrate celt of all this extensive area. The parish church is dedicated to Santiago and in its interior can contemplate a nice size (16th century) of the Holy pilgrim garb. In the courtyard of the church there is a chapel known as the Christ pilgrims. As the volume two of the Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in The Geese there was a hospital, which was donated to the canons of Astorga in 1142 and a monastery that belonged to the Aguilar de Campoo.

RABANAL PATH: This village of mansions solid stone served to advance to the Templars of Ponferrada to protect the pilgrims until it reaches the Bierzo. Rabanal also served as posada (house of the Four Corners) to Felipe II in his pilgrimage to Santiago. From this villa, according to legend, Charlemagne and his faithful wrist breton Anseïs contemplated Astorga and Sahagún. During the Middle Ages existed several hospitals and churches. The pilgrims stopped here to regain forces and were grouped to circumvent the summits of the dangerous monte Irago, where he watched the wild animals and bandits. Before entering the village is the hermitage of Vera Cruz, built in ashlar and roofed by teja arabic in the 17th century or XVIII. Already in the Real street can contemplate the chapel of San Jose and the Hospital in San Gregorio. In the upper part of the people is the parish church of the assumption, one of the few examples romanesque that can be found in this area. Rabanal del Camino, a town in the municipality of Santa Colomba of Somoza, has four hostels, a shop and several inns where you can eat.

FONCEBADÓN: A wooden cross welcomes Foncebadón, people ruined and settled on mount Irago. In the 10th century, Ramiro II de Leon convened here a council and in the XI, a hermit del Bierzo called Gaucelmo built a alberguería. The navarro Pascual Madoz recounts in his dictionary statistical mid XIX Foncebadón had parish church of Santa Maria Magdalena served by a cure of income and free provision. In this enclave of pasture land and houses destruction, a tavern, a restaurant, several hostels and el paso incessant of pilgrims are responsible for keeping alive the memory of what was once a day Foncebadón.

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The monument

Castrillo de Polvazares

Is the population more representative of the region neck declared a Historic - Artistic thanks

to its good conservation status. Castrillo was a people arriero which reached its

splendor in the 1700S.

French Road Stage 22: Foncebadón - Ponferrada

The Hostels

Hostel of pilgrims San Nicolas de Flüe

Ponferrada (Leon)

Tel: 987 41 33 81

Hostel parish Apostle Santiago

The Holly

Hostel of pilgrims from Molinaseca

Molinaseca (Leon)

Tel: 987 45 30 77

Hostel Santa Marina

Molinaseca

Tel: 987 45 30 77 / 615 302 390

Refuge of Manjarín

Manjarín (Leon)

Hostel - Mesón Holly

The Holly (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 50 74

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Hostel The Tavern of Jose

The Holly (Leon)

Tel: 987 69 50 74

(No Photo)

Hostel Irrigation of Ambros

Irrigation of Ambros

Tel: 987 695 190

Information on the stage 22: Foncebadón - Ponferrada

The French Road reaches its roof next to the Cross of Ferro, nailed on a mound of stones at 1,500 meters altitude. Near, between just bell and smoke signals, is the refuge templar of Manjarín, foot since 1993 thanks to Thomas Martinez. The maragatería succumbs to the Bierzo, which is presented in a crude decline between grasses and piornos. The Holly, Irrigation of Ambrós, Molinaseca, on the river Meruelo, and Field stand the stage and the dotan of the infrastructure necessary to reach successfully Ponferrada, capital of the region.

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The itinerary

Bye Foncebadón street above, among fallen walls and the church, whose espadaña and two bells are always the first lights of the day. At the exit take the path of the left, which in smooth slope brings us closer to the road LE-142, our guide in the stage today (1.5 Km). By a path parallel to the road, which is moving next to some forest of reforestation, came to the Cross of Ferro. Situated a few accurate 1500 meters (the roof of the Way French), is no more than a small iron cross aupada by a disproportionate mast of wood. Behind the backs of cruz is tradition throwing a stone to the pile already lifted. A gesture modeled on that made the reapers gallegos when they moved to Castilla to work in the fields of cereal and also the arrieros and transhumant pastoralists (2.2 Km).

next to the cross was erected in 1982 a chapel dedicated to Santiago Apostle. From this point we progress along the path parallel to the LE-142. Yews Hunters (Sorbus aucuparia), tree caducifolio easily distinguishable by their thick clusters of red berries, clothes our steps. Two kilometers and 300 meters after de la Cruz de Ferro we planted in the refuge of Manjarín, the hostel more peculiar to the Way managed by Thomas Martinez, the hospitalero templar. The death of a bell and the signals of the smoke of a bonfire guide us toward its interior. The atmosphere behind closed doors is better discover for yourself (4.5 Km).

More than 7 kilometers separating the refuge of Manjarín of The Holly. Except some curve to tackle, the route runs always parallel to the road. In the first 3.5 kilometers llanea and even rises slightly. In them we leave it to one side the Military Base in Transmissions, located below Peña Llabaya and abandoned in 1990. A kilometer later of the Base really begins the decline with a view to Ponferrada (from a distance is distinguished in a black spot that corresponds to the tower of the Rosaleda of more than 100 meters). The path is stony and strong pending (cyclists should browse throughout the stage for the road LE-142).

After those seven kilometers, the Way is presented in the Holly, the first location of the Bierzo. Documenta Juan Uriah that neighbors of this town were free of taxes in exchange for placing 800 stakes to indicate the way to travellers. In this core berciano surrounded by piornos and pasture, a shop where to buy sandwiches and a mesón allow a hiatus in the stage that we have already completed in more than 40 per cent (Km 11.6). Departing from The Holly we encounter with a graphic sculpture by Eulogio Pisabarros in memory of Heinrich Krauss, pilgrim german who died performing the Way. Rest in peace.instead of travel the road we own road during nearly two kilometers. After we the path parallel to reach Irrigation of Ambrós. Going through irrigation of tip to tip (this population of the municipality of Molinaseca has about 600 meters long), going next to the plaza San Sebastian, where the hostel of pilgrims and the source. (Km 15).

Roofs and balconies of wood give way to a path, which falls under the shadow of the chestnuts and the freshness of arroyo de Prado. Already in open field come again next to the road (Km 16.4), we go back to leave to start a decline tortuous which will leave their mark on our muscles, especially the quadriceps. To the vera of some poplars, fed by the arroyo of the Pretadura, you in the LE-142 (19.2 Km) and continue through it. At the foot of the road is the Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Angustias, from the end of the XVII and that gives way to the medieval bridge over the river Meruelo, by which we entered in Molinaseca. This town, capital of the municipality that also encompasses the Holly and irrigation of Ambrós, has a good network of bars and restaurants, pharmacy, bakery, etc (Km 19.7). We crossed the location by the Real street or the Way to Santiago that leads to avenida de Fraga Iribarne, next to the LE-142. Turn the hostels and leave the company of the road after a tennis court. Turn right and take a course that progresa near the river Meruelo and would later be closer to the road. Eye, because when we reach the road (Km 22.5) does not have to follow the paseo parallel to it that passes next to the urbanization Patricia. A cairn something hidden under the berm left of the road points us the right direction. A track with

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some toboggan, upset at this stage of stage, leads to Field. Village already in the Middle Ages, Field account with a source romana, the chapel of the Holy Christ, the parish church of Our Lady of the Oak and the manor houses of the Moons. There are also several mesones menu with pilgrim where recharge (Km 24).

Went Out, already by asphalt, looking for the vega of the river Boeza, flowing to the right of the itinerary. Several townships we escort until you cross the river (Km 26.4) and 400 meters after saved the avenues to finalize shortly the twentieth second stage. Ponferrada and the hostel parish of St. Nicholas of Flüe welcomes us (Km 27.3).

The difficulties

The kilometers extra yesterday from Rabanal of The Road to Foncebadón are appreciated today, as the decline punishes much at the level muscular. The pilgrims who come from Rabanal or from behind also have the possibility of roost in The Holly, Irrigation of Ambrós or Molinaseca.

Comments

The cyclists should take out the road LE-142 and circular for it, at least until Molinaseca. From this location can take the signalling official until Ponferrada.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 112: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

MANJARÍN: Since 1993, the hospitalero templar Thomas Martinez and theirs are responsible for tañer a bell to guide the pilgrims toward his refuge. At the entrance, some boards decorated report on the distances from Manjarín at different points as Santiago de Compostela, Jerusalem, Rome, etc. In the interior of the hut is deployed a small bazaar where to buy some memory that kept alive Manjarín. While some curiosean objects or serve coffee the thermo, Thomas is responsible for sealing credentials under a charged atmosphere of smoke from the bonfire. Also, a slate in the interior of the hut shows the different work being carried out since its opening up the closure and silence: prayer, cleaning, collection of firewood, etc.

THE HOLLY: The Holly is an aesthetic people whose popular architecture of roofs of slate and the accent of their inhabitants indicate that we are already fully in the Bierzo. The Real Street is the most picturesque de Leon. In The Holly were exempted from paying taxes to the king in exchange for placing 800 stakes to indicate the Way to pilgrims. The parish church of San Miguel is a stone sculpture polychromed with a tunic with flowers that it is not known whether represents to Santiago, the Savior or to Saint John the Evangelist. The departure of the people a monument recalls to the pilgrim german Heinrich Krauss, who died when traveling by bicycle.

IRRIGATION OF AMBRÓS: Located 930 meters altitude, Irrigation of Ambrós is another people typical of the Bierzo, with their roofs of slate and their balconies of wood. Around alternating the green meadows with horticultural products and the traditional livestock. Highlights the parish church, with a baroque altarpiece of 1706 work of Peter Santín, and the hermitage of San Sebastian.

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MOLINASECA: The entry of Molinaseca is the Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Angustias, beautiful baroque building terraced house to mount, whose doors were lined with iron by the habit of pilgrims to be a splinter as souvenirs. Its origin is related to that of a small chapel of the 11th century and a large part of the building today is the end of the XVII. The day August 15 come in a procession neighbors of this people del Bierzo. The Romanesque bridge over the river Meruelo, already documented in the 12th century and restored for the last time in 1980, channelled to the pilgrims to the street where Real rested the hospital. The bridge has seven arches and its width varies between 2.6 and 4 meters. Some houses are noble and are blasonadas with shields nobility. Also stresses the arrogant temple of San Nicolas de Bari of neoclassical style (which the visit can be stopped in the baroque altarpiece with columns salomónicas and in the size gothic Christ Crucified). There are grocery, bakery, pharmacy, cashier and a large amount of bars and restaurants where to eat. Have good fame sausage and sausages.

FIELD: People situated in the vicinity of Ponferrada and medieval origin, although there are vestiges dating from previous eras, as the source romana built in vault and with storage of water located in the way to Santiago French. In the town highlights the manor houses of the Moons with coat of arms and the two houses of the Villaboa, one of them with tower. In the plaza de Field is located the chapel of the Santo Cristo del siglo XVIII. On the other hand is the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Oak from the Field, built in the 1600S and erected on the foundations of the medieval church. Consists of three naves separated by four granite columns and arches of half a point. Among its altarpieces stresses the high altar, with baroque style-churrigueresque and giving shelter to the invaluable size of the Virgin of the Oak of the sixteenth century. Also highlights the two bells of XVI and XVII and the oak centuries that continues to grow alongside the temple.

PONFERRADA: The last big city - almost 69,000 inhabitants in 2009, before arriving in Santiago. The capital del Bierzo is deployed in an old castro and suffered different invasions and destruction. During the Roman occupation were famous its gold mines. In 1082, the wooden bridge over the river Sil is reinforced with iron, material very abundant, giving the name of Pons Ferrata to the city. The Castle of the Templars is a testimony proud of what that meant this controversial order of warrior monks in Ponferrada. It is one of the most beautiful examples of the military architecture in Spain. It has become the mecca of lovers of the templars and their initiation rites. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Oak, patroness del Bierzo, is in transition gothic renaissance, has a high tower and the interior consists of a single nave. Other valuable monuments are the Convent of the Concepcionistas and City Hall, who comes across the bow of the Clock. In the vicinity of Ponferrada can visit the church mozarab of Santiago de Peñalba, jewel of preromanesque Spanish. Offers all the services, including several stores and workshops of bicycles that both scarce along the way.

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The monument

Castillo Templar Ponferrada

In principle castro and later ciudadella romana. The Order of Temple extends and improvement

since the 11th century to the XIII. The current appearance is due to a large amount of expansions and reforms carried out since the

15th century until our days. In 1924 was declared a National Monument

Historic, Artistic.

French Road Stage 23: Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo

The Hostels

Hostel Municipal Villafranca del Bierzo

Villafranca del Bierzo (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 26 80. The City Hall: 987 54 00 89. Tourism: 987 54 00 28

Hostel of Cacabelos

Cacabelos (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 71 67

Refuge Phoenix Family Jato

Villafranca del Bierzo (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 02 29

Hostel Stone

Villafranca del Bierzo (Leon)

Tel: 987 540 260

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Hostel Vineyard Femita

Villafranca del Bierzo

Tel: 987 54 24 90

Information on the stage 23: Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo

La hoya del Bierzo, a plain sheltered by mountains to prevent the passage of the climate atlantic, offered today as the scenario to the path of Santiago. Here, vines twisted grape Mencía and populations heaped services received daily the ringing of the bordones and the swing of the backpacks. The step comfortable by Compostilla, Columbrianos, New Sources, Camponaraya and Cacabelos becomes heavy after crossing the river Cúa in the direction Pieros and Villafranca del Bierzo.

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The itinerary

Leave the hostel by the calle La Loma and guided by the signalling continue through the streets Criers and the Temple, which leads to avenida del Castillo. The church of San Andres gives way to the castle of the Templars, that the perimeter along the street Gil and Carrasco. In a point, the pilgrims in bike continue for the left and pilgrims on the right up to the immediate plaza de la Virgen de la Encina. Already in the plaza torcemos left and down the stairs of the street the Rañadero. We arrived at the avenida de la Puebla, where we crossed the river Sil (1.2 Km). Then turn right on the street river Urdiales and behind her back to turn to the right at the inexhaustible avenida de las Huertas of Sacramento, where it is the source of the Pimenteras. Later, to reach the roundabout where stands the monument to the blood donors, turn right on the avenue of the Freedom.

The departure of Ponferrada is a long rodeo because instead of moving toward the west we do to the north, where Compostilla. We welcome the local Red Cross and subsequently a passage by the we arrived in the Town Hall Square (Km 3.7). next to the neo-romanesque chapel we faced by the IV Avenue, after turning on the left and immediately to the right by the Third Cross, where we spent some tennis courts and the football field. Abandoning definitively Compostilla by an asphalt road and saved the NO-VI by a tunnel (4.7 Km). Crops of vine mark the church of San Esteban and the first houses of Columbrianos. The El Bierzo meets some excellent conditions for the grape growing, as it has been nailed in a plain surrounded by mountains to prevent the passage of atlantic climate. The red wines are elaborated with the variety Mencia.

After the church of San Esteban descend gently to cross the CL-631 (5.5 Km) and usher in the core population. next to the chapel of San Blas and San Roque Columbrianos left by the asphalt road that springs to the left. The Road continues between single-family and small plots where struggling neighbors. The entry of New Sources (Km 8), a cruise with figures of Santiago Pilgrim and Christ Crucified welcomes hikers. We went down the street Valiña, where lies the hermitage of Divine Christ and his vera a bar frequented by pilgrims. Leave New Sources and, again, by asphalted road progress until the location of Camponaraya. Cross Camponaraya (near 1.5 kilometers) which cost us some 20 minutes, crossing of through the river Reguera of Naraya (Km 10.5). Put an end to this population of services of almost 4,500 inhabitants next to a cooperative of wine and an area of rest. By a track of gravel reached the highway A-6, which pulled by a step high (11.9 Km). The stretch that begins is the most relaxing of the day. La hoya del Bierzo looks its best landscape, always splashed of vineyards and poplars. Two kilometers and 400 meters below (Km 14.3) crosses paths with care a road and progress is made by the berm of another until the solar the Regulatory Board of the Designation of Origin Bierzo (Km 14.9). The Road descends and enters into Cacabelos down the street Cimadevilla. After the church of Santa Maria -retains the Romanesque apse- progress to the river Cúa tributary of the Sil (Km 16.6).

After crossing the river Cúa we find ourselves with the Sanctuary of the Fifth anguish, in which perimeter is the hostel of pilgrims. Until Pieros there that sweat a demanding repecho by the lay of the road LE-713 or the old N-VI (has both names). We Spent Pieros by the berm, leaving it to the right, and we continue to the vera of the road. Later, at the junction to San Clemente, there is a sign that encourages us to take the variant of the right, it is about to Valtuille above. Is longer and pilgrims often continue on the lay of the road, that after a wavy tranche is abandoned by the left in response to the signs of a cairn santiago (Km 20.8). On a path of gravel turn next to the study of sculpture A. Nogueira and face a sharp rise before giving way to several slides up the first houses of Villafranca del Bierzo. Already in decline turn the hostel municipal (left), then the romanesque church in Santiago, which displays before us the Door of forgiveness, and immediately the refuge Phoenix. We came together to the castle and, on the right hand, down stairs and continue on the street Salinas and Rinconada Salinas to the streets of the Water - Ribadeo (Km 24.1).

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The difficulties

The route to exit of Ponferrada, heading north up Compostilla, gives a long rodeo and seems to be an April fool but is the most historic. The last 7.5 kilometers from the stage, from the river Cúa in Cacabelos until Villafranca del Bierzo, are the hardest.

Comments

The you want overnight in the hostel private located at the end of Villafranca del Bierzo must continue on the streets of the Water - Ribadeo, turn left by the costs of Zamora (to reach the calle Santa Catalina), crossing the river Burbia and continue to face down the street of the conception to the street Holy Spirit.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 118: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

COMPOSTILLA: Compostilla is a neighborhood of Ponferrada created to provide housing, many of them single-family, workers of the Thermal Power of Endesa. The neo-romanesque church occupied since 1940, the place of a hermitage medieval destroyed in the War of Independence. The former size of wood polychromed of Our Lady of the Refuge, the 12th century, is located in the Archaeological Museum in Ourense.

COLUMBRIANOS: Dependent on Ponferrada since 1837, the place of Conimbrianos or Columbrianos already listed in documents of the century X. The church of San Esteban, located at the entrance and a separately from the center of the population, is 1778.

NEW SOURCES: The entry is the hermitage of Divine Christ. The former hermitage, nicknamed the Vera Cruz, was in 1662 and cost 300 real. The current which preserves the original bell, is of the decade of 2000 and usually lie in a row of backpacks, since his vera is a bar frequented by pilgrims.

CAMPONARAYA: The municipality includes own Camponaraya and populations of Narayola, Magaz Below, Hervededo and Malgoma. Today Camponaraya account with more than 4,000 inhabitants and counted in the old, with two inns: the loneliness and San Juan de Jaberos. At the heart can find the parish church of San Ildefonso and la capilla de la Virgen de la Soledad. The population is renowned in the organization of major trade fairs and exhibitions that typically take place in the fairground. Offers all the services.

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CACABELOS: Villa on the river Cúa of more than 5,500 inhabitants. The church of Santa Maria, along the path, preserves the Romanesque apse and was rebuilt again in the XVI. In the year 1904 completed the construction of the tower, the choir and the atrium at the expense of Don Jose and Don Jorge Rodriguez. In the portico there is a Virgin romanesque 13th century. At the Shrine of the Fifth Anguish there is an image of the Child Jesus playing cards with San Antonio de Padua. It is the 18th century, has seven altarpieces and houses the body of the monastery of Carracedo. Surrounding the perimeter interior is the hostel, a design by architect Don Jose Maria Aparicio which is composed of cabins of two seats.

It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, located in the House of Culture, where he collected abundant samples of the rich past roman and romano of the region (2 kilometers is the Castrum Bergidum, capital of the asturians i have just giving name to the region). The river Cúa has a length of 62 kilometers, is born near the port of Cienfuegos and leads to the Sil. The stone bridge that crosses is one of the siglos XVI and XVIII. In Cacabelos can find all services, including shops of bicycles where you can go to buy spare parts or repair damage.

PIEROS: The romanesque church of San Martin, as reads the inscription, was consecrated on 19 November 1086 by the bishop astorgano Osmundo, the same as he built in 1082 the church and the bridge reinforced iron (Pons Ferrata) in Ponferrada.

VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO: The origin of Villafranca del Bierzo goes back to the communities of francs, foreign traders that were established with Alfonso VI and, above all, the foundation of a community of cluny monks in the year 1070. In the 12th century half the population was foreign. Nothing more than come in Villafranca is the church of Santiago, Romanesque temple lombardo of a single nave and with the magnificent home of forgiveness. The Pope Spanish Calixto III attached to the pilgrims sick or disabled passing through this door the same indulgences than if they had come to Santiago. The streets of the water through the city of one to another party, and in it are located several palaces, italian style, and the convent of San Jose.The castle of the Marquis de Villafranca (s. XVI) is private and had a relationship with the history of the people. The convent of the announced in 1606 was erected on the old Hospital San Roque and tradition says that Saint Francis of Assisi was hosted in him. Villafranca also has a nice Plaza Mayor, an Alameda french style and a promenade river to the river Burbia, which receives the waters of Valcarce. The historic capital del Bierzo offers all the services.

The monument

Church of San Francisco de

Villafranca del Bierzo

Romanesque Church of the 13th century, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi and expanded

in gothic style in the XVII.

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French Road Stage 24: Villafranca del Bierzo - O' Cebreiro

The Hostels

Hostel OR Cebreiro

O' Cebreiro(Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 809

Hostel of the Faba

The Faba

Hostel Das Animas

Ambasmestas (Leon)

Tel: 619 048 626

Refuge in Herrerías

The Herrerías

Tel: 654 35 39 40

Refuge Small Potala

Ruitelán (Leon)

Tel: 987 56 13 22

Hostel School

Laguna de Castilla (Leon)

Tel: 987 68 47 86 / 619 479 238

Hostel of Trabadelo

Trabadelo (Leon)

Tel: 647 635 831 / 687 827 987

Hostel of Pereje

Pereje (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 01 38

Hostel Crispeta

Trabadelo (Leon)

Tel: 620 329 386 / 696 978 653

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Hostel de Vega of Valcarce

Vega of Valcarce (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 30 06 / 657 09 79 54

Hostel The Pilgrim

The Portela of Valcarce (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 31 97

Hostel N. S Aparecida do Brasil (old hostel Sarracín)

Vega of Valcarce (Leon)

Tel: 987 54 30 45

Information on the stage 24: Villafranca del Bierzo - O' Cebreiro

The mountain reaches the path of Santiago. Today is the day of the stage queen, surely the most remembered for the return of the pilgrimage. It is abandoned Leon and Castilla to enter Galicia, in particular by the parish OR Cebreiro: former village of pallozas today restored for the sake of tourism. The guide to the top is the valley of encased river Valcarce, party by the N-VI and the A-6 and well populated. The rise is expected and is not patent until the kilometer 21 of the stage, exceeded the neighborhood of Hospital.

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The itinerary

After crossing the street of the Water - Ribadeo Villafranca del Bierzo, turn 90 degrees to the left by the costs of Zamora (to come to the street Santa Catalina), turn next to the monument to the pilgrim, crossed the river Burbia and continue through the streets of the Design and Holy Spirit. By this last abandon Villafranca and we during a kilometer by the lay of the road, which accompanies the course of the river Valcarce (to our left). In this way we came to a pedestrian lane, something like a track of bobsleigh and protected by a wall which does not go to the meter high (1.8 km), moving encased between the highway A-6 and the N-VI.

For this to fold of pilgrims spent under several viaducts of the A-6 (Km 4.1) before taking the diversion to Pereje, at the height of the p.k 410 of the N-VI. Crossed with caution the national and by the access road, escorted by the poplars on the shores of Valcarce and by chestnut of great porte, arrived in the first location of the day: Pereje (Km 5.2). Going through the location - to the output to left hand is the hostel - to retake the rail pedestrian precinct. A kilometer and 600 meters further is the break of Trabadelo (6.9 Km) and a kilometer above crossed again N-VI to take the detour to this population. Flanked by the forest of ribera del Valcarce, with superb chestnuts, move up Trabadelo, which has the necessary infrastructure to make a high on the Road (Km 9.7).

Leave the population, leaving the right the diversion to Pradela and Sotelo, and this time not returned immediately to our track of bobsleigh, rather, we walk near mile by a asphalt road, above the national. Exceeded a stream that feeds into the river Valcarce (Km 10.5) back to the reunion of lane pedestrian, on the edge of the N-VI. A kilometer and 700 meters more than tedious lane places us in the Portela of Valcarce, where we can also take something (Km 13.7).

After the Portela, barely traffic 300 meters in the company of N-VI, take the detour to Ambasmestas and Vega of Valcarce. First came to Ambasmestas (14.9 Km), confluence of rivers Balboa and Valcarce, and then to Vega of Valcarce, population of services (bars, cashiers, shops and bakeries) with its Magdalena church (Km 16.5). By the old road which we bring, parallel to the N-VI, we go from now until Ruitelán (Km 18.6). At this stage of stage only we have won 171 meters. The basis of the port is near. The departure of Ruitelán this slope is escalates a little, only a small foretaste of what will come later. Something above, on the left, we take the diversion that low until the Herrerías. Before arriving in this small nucleus crossed the river Valcarce by a stone bridge. We Crossed The Herrerías (20.1 Km), with shelter and several bars, until the neighborhood of Hospital (20.8 Km), a continuation of the kernel above that takes its name of the old hospital for pilgrims british. To leave this set of houses starts the real ascension to OR Cebreiro.

A hard repecho by asphalt, such as out of nothing, almost a kilometer invites us to raise the strategy, which will consist in download the pace, shorten steps and be breathing. In these circumstances is where the weight of the backpack plays a decisive role. In full rise, hikers must take the path that was born on the left of the asphalt road (Km 22); cyclists must continue in the face by asphalt. Already on the path, the slope gives us a brief respite until you cross the arroyo of Refoxo and we fuels again by a causeway grim amounting hard under the canopy of leaves outdated chestnut and oak trees. This scenario brings us closer to the Faba -the entry there is a diversion to the hostel- (Km 23.5). After the Faba abandon progressively the umbria to exit to a field open grassland with a view to the Atlantic forest. The broad panoramic affect the perception of the slope, which becomes slightly milder until reaching the last people of Leon in the path of Santiago French: Laguna de Castilla, endowed with bar and hostel deputy (25.9).

About 700 meters above Laguna de Castilla appears the first mojón santiago with signs of distances. Is the 152.5 and bears the inscription Os Santos (of Teso dos Santos). 400 Meters after the Way farewell of Leon, the province with more kilometers of French Road: nothing less than 214.4. By order tread Galicia and, in particular, Lugo. The stage queen is nearing completion (Km 27). Fatigued, deal last kilometer until the church pre of Santa Maria la Real, which gives the welcome OR Cebreiro. The hostel of pilgrims, the first of the Xunta, is on the other end of this parish lucense (Km 28.4).

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The difficulties

In the first 21 kilometers only $190 meters. It is from the neighborhood of Hospital, past The Smithies, when it begins of truth the rise. In just 7.5 kilometers up O' Cebreiroexceeded 610 meters. The stretch hard is among the Hospital and the Faba, although the slope continues to be very respectable to Laguna de Castilla.

Comments

The 100 per cent of the localities of the stage offer at least a hostel for pilgrims, so it can be divided the day to our craving. They are All with bar and the population with more services is Vega of Valcarce.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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What to see, what to do

DISTRICT OF OS ANCARES The district of Os Ancares is nestled between Leon and Galicia and is obligatory step of the twentieth fourth stage of the path of Santiago French. It is a natural reserve with its mountainous landscape, steep slopes, in which inhabits a population of more customs galician that castellanas. The pallozas - traditional dwellings of plant elliptic roofed with high - have been heirs to the tribes prerromanas that inhabited the land and that led to substantial vestiges.

PEREJE: Small village in the region of Os Ancares, belonging to the municipality of Trabadelo, which is surrounded by old chestnut trees. Was the subject of a resounding dispute that pitted the cluny of Santa Maria, Cruñego Villafranca, and the monks of Aurillac that running the Cebreiro. It became involved Alfonso IX of Leon, the queen dona Urraca and Pope Urban II. The cause was that the abbot of O' Cebreirolifted a church and a hospital in pilgrims in Pereje, a town that was within the administration siesta Villafranca del Bierzo.

TRABADELO: The entry of Trabadelo already can be seen the dense sotos of chestnuts. During the fall, the collection of chestnuts is one of the largest and most successful of the neighbors. The municipality what form the own Trabadelo, Pereje, Moral of Valcarce, Parada de Soto, Pradela, San Fiz oj Seo, Sotelo, Sotoparada and Villar of pens. Have hostels, several houses and bars.

THE PORTELA OF VALCARCE: The name alludes to the portazgo that had to pay to the feudal lords travellers passing through the valley. In the year 1702, Alfonso VI attempted deleted but not departed until years later. The church of San Juan Bautista belongs to the baroque style popular and data from the XVII and XVIII. It is a rectangular has a single nave and espadaña. In the population, to the river Valcarce, still retains a blacksmith of the XIX.

AMBASMESTAS: The Church of Our Lady of Carmen is rectangular plant and a single nave and hosts a baroque altarpiece. It maintains a haystack of the nineteenth century, in two heights and covered by slabs.

VEGA OF VALCARCE: Vega of Valcarce is the largest village of the valley. The municipality comprises 23 locations, among which are also jacobean Portela of Valcarce, Ambasmestas, Ruitelán, Smithies, The Faba and Laguna de Castilla. On a hill rises the castle of Sarracín that is in ruins and dating back to the centuries XV and XVI. Attributed to the knights templar is possible that would be preceded by another defensive construction of the century X. The church of the Magdalena, so present in the way, as patron of sinners and penitents, attests to the feature pilgrim of villa. In the building was dan cites constructions and reforms of the centuries, 19th and 20. It is of a single nave, a rectangular and bell tower.

Vega of Valcarce offers full service to the pilgrim: bakery, grocery stores, cashiers and bars where they serve meals.

RUITELÁN: The parish church is devoted to San Juan Bautista (centuries XIII to XVII). In the slopes of Mount, on the outskirts of Ruitelán, is the chapel of San Froilán, where it says that he lived withdrawn this eremita lucense (833-905), which domesticated a wolf when he attacked and subsequently became bishop of Leon. It is now pattern of Lugo.

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THE HERRERÍAS: This small nucleus owes its name to the four herrerías where they worked the iron and other metals. Also in A House oj Ferreiro may be a former fragua restored. As a continuation of Smithies, the neighborhood of Hospital takes its name from a former hospital created in 1178 for the pilgrims british. The church of San Julian is baroque XVIII.

THE FABA: The church of San Andres, in turn renaissance and baroque, is of a single nave in two tranches and has a baroque altarpiece.

LAGUNA DE CASTILLA: In the last town of Castile and Leon we can see three granaries of XIX though not very well preserved. Its plant is square, type asturiano. In the Teso de los Santos (mojón 152.5), actualization La Laguna, there was a hermitage that marked the boundary between Leon and Lugo.

O' CEBREIRO: O' Cebreirois a parish of Concello of Pedrafita do Cebreiro. Does anyone remember the name of the port lucense of Pedrafita, who is covered with snow all winter and that makes it necessary chains? It is the same port amounting pilgrims on roads. O' Cebreirois a village of stone, probably of origin prerrromano, and portal of Galicia by the province of Lugo. It is another of the mythical places of the Road and crown, to 1,300 meters in height the massif galician-leonés. Everything in this place is magic and mystery: the pallozas, wind, fog…is one of the first enclaves which hosted the pilgrims en route to Santiago. Stresses the simple and primitive temple preromanesque of Santa Maria la Real, the centuries IX and X. to the right of the high altar is the chapel of the Holy Miracle, where is the image of the Virgen de los Remedios (Santa Maria the Real). On the altar lies the tomb of don Elijah Valiña, pastor of O' Cebreirofrom 1959 until his death in 1989, tireless promoter of the Road and creator of the yellow arrow. The people began to be restored to mid-1960s and also the pallozas: old housing prerromanas circular or oval formed by stone walls and ceiling of stems of rye. One of the pallozas houses a museum. Country Houses, inns, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops have become a O' Cebreiroin a theme park of the peoples of height.

The monument

Church of Santa Maria the Actual OR Cebreiro

Church pre IX century, founded by Benedictine monks.

Basilica Plan with three ships and tower.

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French Road Stage 25: O' Cebreiro- Triacastela The Hostels

Hostel Complex Xacobeo

Triacastela Tel: 982 548 037 / 690 613 388

Hostel Refuge of Oribio

Triacastela (Lugo) Tel: 982 54 80 85

Hostel Aitzenea

Triacastela (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 80 76 / 944 60 22 36 / 982 54 81 29

Hostel of Hospital da Countess

Hospital da Countess (Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 810 / 982 16 13 36

Hostel in Reboleira

Coal from the Path (Lugo) Tel: 982 16 13 35

Hostel of Triacastela

Triacastela (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 80 87 / 660 396 811

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Hostel Berce oj Caminho

Triacastela (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 81 27

Private Hostel High oj Poio

High oj Poio (Lugo)

Tel: 982 367172

Information on the stage 25: O' Cebreiro- Triacastela

The hard day lived yesterday it needs a short route but active to renew forces before the sinuous plotted future. The Road reaches its maximum cota galician slopes of Mount Area and even deploys lashes in the repecho of the high oj Poio. In OR Biduedo, the Concello of Pedrafita do Cebreiro pass witness to that of Triacastela, whose core rests in the bottom of the valley under the shadow of mount Oribio.

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The itinerary

If the fog does not prevent hiding the valley, see dawn from OR Cebreiro, next to the church of St. Mary the Real, it is a privilege that gives us the way and that we cannot refuse. Today, finally, we immersed in the land of Santiago, the fog and the orbillo; that of the castros celts and the mines desired by the romans; of infinity of lomas, fragas oaks and soutos of chestnuts. The official signalling brand 151 kilometers to Santiago, our 154.7. Began the twenty-fifth stage above the hostel of pilgrims. Sheltered by the vegetation of the mountain, ascend from the 1296 meters until 1370 (the highest point of French Road in Galicia) in the vicinity of Teso da Cruz and mount Area. From that point down to a meeting of a wide forest trail (1.5 Km) that leads to the first parish of the day. In Galicia municipalities are called Concellos, to which they belong different parishes that encompass turn to different villages. Toward the south, on the left of the forest trail, the view is recreated in a multitude of lomas marbled of ferns, robles, chestnuts and grassland that form, among others, the sierra of OR Courel. The forest trail leads to the foot of the LU-633, where the parish of Santo Estevo of Liñares, with a church pre of a single nave (Km 3.2).

After the temple crossed the LU-633, faithful companion during the stage of today, and we take a path very close to the road which we clothes with their beeches, holly and other catalog of atlantic species. The first high, the San Roque, it takes to reach. The other side of the LU-633, a 1270 meters and before a broad overview, rises the plastic sculpture of a pilgrim medieval that moves against the wind. He was immortalized in bronze by the artist Jose Maria Acuña (4.1 Km). The path follows the route of the LU-633 and decreasing slightly to the 1,205 meters. Subsequently, a false llano us closer to Hospital, the second biggest inhabited the day that leads by nickname "the Countess". The cairn santiago mark the 145.5). In this village will probably one of the first contacts with the "blonds galician", the cows cinnamon appreciated by their meat (5.7 Km).

We Leave this town of cowboys and continue through a groove put to the guardarrail LU-633. Later we take the detour Sabugos and Temple but bid farewell to immediately the tranche asphalting along a road which brings us to Padornelo (8.1 Km). Is the kingdom of stone and the slabs of slate. The departure of this small parish face a tough though brief costs by the we reached the high oj Poio (8.5 Km). A bar - hostel and a mesón receive strategically walkers, eager to stabilize your heart rate after similar boost. More than three kilometers of path bonded to the LU-633 separate us from the next population. Throughout this tranche virtually llaneamos because only descend 45 meters. Thus arrived to Coal, the core also Pedrafita do Cebreiro, with bars and hostel. If we turn relatively early and have not yet opened the bars, it is likely that some local we receive with a succulent tower of cakes of milk fried (Km 11.9).

Facing Coal and again, next to the inseparable LU-633, returned to the path that leads us by identical landscape up OR Biduedo, to 2.4 kilometers away. Throughout this tranche descend exactly one hundred meters (14.3 Km). After OR Biduedo, already the Concello of Triacastela, the decline begins to be patent. Separate us just 6.8 kilometers of the end of stage and we have yet to download some 530 meters.

In the fall, the way to dispose of the LU-633 and tackle the twists and turns of the road. A sharp curve allows us to front view of the monte Oribio, of 1443 meters altitude. On the right, in the bottom of the valley, is Triacastela. The village post OR Biduedo is Filloval (Km 17.3). After she crossed the road and we fall between trees to make to cross a kilometer later, next to a small merendero. So we got into Interns (Km 18.8), stretched village with a chapel that passing under the claim of the sale of raspberries. The day continues until the village of Ramil (20.1 Km), with brown centenary at the edge of the road, and almost bonded to Triacastela. The hostel public is found in the same entry, in a wasteland on the left and the rest, an assortment of hostels private, in the center of the population (21.1 Km).

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The difficulties

Short stage but needed to renew forces after the last day of OR Cebreiro. The strong repecho to reach the high oj Poio is the only noteworthy point of the day. We have to pay attention to the traffic in the LU-633, which crosses on several occasions.

Comments

The more adventurous can continue until the Benedictine monastery of Samos, about 10 kilometers of Triacastela. In this case the stage would become 31.1 km. The monastery is located in the variant longer than that leads to Sarria.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 130: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

SANTO ESTEVO OF LIÑARES: The Codex Calixtinus refers to this population as Linar of Rege. It is a parish belonging to the Concello of Pedrafita do Cebreiro. The Church of San Esteban de Liñares is medieval style preromanesque and was restored in 1963. It is of a single nave and custody a baroque altarpiece. A bar endures the type to 1225 meters.

HOSPITAL DA COUNTESS: The origin of the town goes back to that of a former hospital there founded in the 9th century by the countess doña Egilo. The church of San Xoán is similar to that of O' Cebreiro(tower of three floors and portico of three entries) before reaching Hospital da Countess, in the high in San Roque and in a diversion of 300 meters left hand, is accessed a natural viewpoint on the valley of Veigas da Forcas, which is divided the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. Account with bar and hostel of pilgrims, of the Xunta and rehabilitated for the Holy Year of 2010.

PADORNELO: The road passes put to the church of San Xoán, in the parish of Padornelo. The temple is the 15th century, built of masonry and roofing by slabs.

COAL: Parish of Concello of Pedrafita do Cebreiro. The parish church, devoted to San Xoán, the 16th century and was widely reformed in the year 64. As the rest of this mountain area was built in stone and covered by slabs of slate. Account with several bars and hostel.

OR BIDUEDO: OR Biduedo is a village in the parish of Lamas oj Biduedo and already belongs to the Concello of Triacastela. The road passes next to the chapel of San Pedro. If it is open cannot seal the credential. There is a mesón that offers snacks, light dishes and menu.

FILLOVAL, INTERNS AND RAMIL: Small villages without services of Concello of Triacastela. In Ramil, the road passes next to a chestnut centenary.

French Road Stage 26: Triacastela - Sarria

The Hostels

Hostel in Pedra

Sarria

Tel: 982530130 / 652517199

International Hostel Sarria

Sarria

Tel: 982 53 51 09

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Hostel OR Durmiñento

Sarria

Tel: 600 862 508 / 982 53 10 99

Hostel Private Dove and Firewood

San Aves do Camiño

Tel: 658 90 68 16

Hostel Don Alvaro

Sarria (Lugo)

Tel: 982 531 592 / 686 468 803

The Blazons

Sarria (Lugo)

Tel: 600 512 565

Hostel of the Monastery of Samos

Samos (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 60 46

Hostel Two Eight Marabedís

Sarria

Tel: 629 46 17 70

Hostel TO Cova oj Frade

Samos Tel: 982 54 60 87 / 616 664 968

Refuge of the pilgrims from Calvor

Calvor, Concello Sarria (Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 812

Hostel of pilgrims from Sarria

Sarria (Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 813

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Hostel Val Samos

Samos (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 61 63 / 609 63 88 01

Information on the stage 26: Triacastela - Sarria

Since Triacastela there are two routes to reach out to Sarria: the south, longest, visit the famous Benedictine monastery of Samos and progresses through the leafy trees of the river Oribio; the other goes further to the north of San Top and internal also by beautiful places villages of oak and chestnut.

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The itinerary

Those who have accommodation in the hostel public must cross Triacastela by the central street until the departure of the population. The Road splits from here to Sarria and have to choose one of the itineraries. On the left, by the LU-633, progresa the route until Samos and its Benedictine monastery and from there continues until Sarria. On the right hand part the itinerary on San Top, 6.5 km shorter although exceeds a drop of 238 meters the first 5.5 kilometers.

By San Top: The departure of Triacastela turn to right and crossed the LU-633. On the right, slightly above, is born diversion to San Top. We take and, after a short tranche, abandoning the road to the right to remain for a asphalt road. Then take a path that leads to A Raft (Km 2.2). By costs more pronounced continue surrounded by lush robles until lead again in the road, just to the height of the Fonte two Lameiros (3.3 Km). A good repecho by asphalt leaves us to the height of San Top. The population is on the left and a machine of soft drinks at the foot of the road is all that is offer by these places (3.9 km). The itinerary continues its rise on the road, at the beginning in false llano to harden after, until the vicinity of the high of Riocabo (Km 5.5). In the high left the road to enjoy the stretch nicely on the stage. Corridors closed chestnuts, robles, and birch we escort. The fall to Montán - a village that is barely roza - is dangerous because the floor is composed of lajas stone (7.8 Km). We continue the decline until the village of Fontearcuda, where the cairn santiago announces us the 121.5 kilometers (8.5 Km). The Way low Fontearcuda until the road and it crosses (attentive to the signalling because you have to search the cairn) to take a path that avoids the long rodeo of the road from Zoo. Save a arroyo and move on the road that goes back to the road. By asphalt came finally to Furela. The marbled spots of oak and chestnut give way to the meadows (Km 10.4). In Furela cannot recover strength in the bar located at the foot of the road. Passing through the population and cross the road along the poster announcing the entry to the Concello Sarria (Km 10.7). A kilometer rest for reaching Pintín (11.7 Km), which also offers bar and restaurant. The Road put on the road LU-5602 and a kilometer later the crosses for involved fleetingly by a wooded stretch to tackle a curve prolonged. Down again to the road and turn in brief together at the hostel public of Calvor (Km 13.1). The parish of the same name is behind the hostel, on the left. Five hundred meters after we desligamos briefly of the LU-5602 to enter Aguiada (Km 13.6). After the population returned to the arms of the road for a parallel path. The Way left to right-hand a hostel private surrounded by a garden (14.3 Km) and continues for the andadero leaving aside the crossing Airexe. On the left of the road is the parish of St. Aves do Camiño. (14.9). With a view of Sarria, the andadero of land continues to progress at the foot of the LU-5602 by small slides. Turn the cairn 114 km of Carballal and crossroads to Ferreiros, that is left to right hand. Immediately come together to the camping Vila de Sarria and leave Mendros right. We got together in Sarria up with the first shelter. Not in vain this capital of Concello boasts the largest number of hostels of French Road and is the place chosen by many hikers to start the pilgrimage, as it is located in the distance ideal to get the Compostela. The rua Jose Sanchez leaves us at the foot de la rua Calvo Sotelo, we crossed to continue in the face by the rúa oj Pilgrim. Saved by a bridge the river Sarria and crossed in Benign Quiroga to turn next to the Peregrinoteca. A staircase rises to the entry of the rúa Greater, that should change its name to the "rúa of Hostels", since they are recorded more than 5, including the public (Km 18.3).

By Samos: By this route the distance travelled is 24.7 kilometers. Border pillars jacobean that mark the distance of medium in half a kilometer not seen in this route, a village however by the characteristics yellow arrows. The route accompanies the run of the river Sarria, also known by the

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name of rio Oribio, since it was form on the slopes of Mount in the Concello of Triacastela. There are to take the bifurcation of the left. It gets out of Triacastela to eventually on the road LU-633. This, by favorable terrain reaches San Cristovo oj Real (3.8 Km), parish of Concello Samos already documented in the year 1175. In this parish is the pazo de Lusío of the year 1551. From San Cristovo, a path that accompanies the river by the right progresses to Renche, another parish of Samos also documented in 1175. (Km5,5). The other side of the LU-633 is Vigo. Since Renche, again by beautiful landscapes next to the vega of Sarria or Oribio, progress until the immediate Ballast, a village of Martin, and reaches Freituxe (7.3 Km). After went up and down hata the parish of Saint Martin oj Realcon church of Romanesque style rural (Km 8.4). The departure of this population returned to the LU-633 and the crossed to address until Samos, capital of Concello where the famous Benedictine monastery and that account with all services except shop and workshop for bicycles (Km 9.8). After Samos returns to the company of the road to Teiguín (11.7 Km), village of the parish of St. Baia of Pascais, to which we climb subsequently (12.8 Km). In Teiguín we have already said goodbye to the company of the road and from the parish of Pascais back to the nearby rumor of the river, first by roads and later by tracks and tranches paved, achieve the tiny villages of Gorolfe, Reiriz and Sivil, place belonging to the parish of Santiago de Extrasiz and last entity of Concello Samos. Agree to the Concello Sarria by the village of Dogs, belonging to the parish of Calvor and displays a pazo with tower linked to the families Monseiro, Gonzalez, Losada and Sarmiento. From here saved the LU-5602 to arrive to Aguiada, population where link with the route from San Top (Km 20). From here to the rúa Greater of Sarria subtracted 4.7 kilometers.

The difficulties

In the itinerary on San Top are hard the first 5.5 kilometers to the high of Riocabo from that point the stage poses no problems. In the option of Samos makes only a difficulty its length, 6.5 kilometers longer than the option of San Top. The road is also a disadvantage by Samos but the supply the breathtaking landscapes to vera of the river Sarria or Oribio.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 135: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

SAMOS: Capital of Concello of the same name and location of the famous Benedictine monastery of Samos, one of the oldest in Spain and cultural symbol of Galicia. Its origins to the sixth century in full suevo kingdom and its foundation was in charge of San Martin Dumiense that was devoted to the martyrs of Antioch San Julian and Santa Basilisa. A tombstone visigothic confirms the antiquity, although there are few medieval remains. The imposing and rich architectural current comes almost all of the siglos XVI to XVIII. The church is a noble neoclassical building; between the church and convent is the Cloister of Feijoo, chaired by the illustrious polygraph benedictine. Terraced House to this is the refining Cloister of the Nereidas (s. XVI). Aside from the monastery is the chapel mozarab of Cypress, in an allusion to the impressive and alia conifer located at his side. It is also known as chapel of the Savior and goes back to the centuries IX or X. was declared a national monument in 1944. Samos has guesthouses, several bars and cafes, pharmacy, health center and, at least, a couple of hostels for pilgrims.

CALVOR: The road passes put their hostel but will not be in the population. Calvor is located on an old castro of that can still be contemplate their defenses. The parish church of Santo Estevo or San Esteban preceded it a monastery founded by the priest Adrian in the eighth century and a visigoth church. The current church, restored, still retains some elements of that era as a capital. Keeps a size romanesque of the Virgin and Child.

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SARRIA: Sarria is a hotbed of pilgrims. Those who come pilgrim from other points over those who joined in the own Sarria, since they earn the Compostela who roam, at least, the last 100 kilometers on foot. According to our distances away from here to Santiago 115.3 kilometers. The data collected in the Pilgrim's Office of the rúa oj Vilar reflect that in 2009 began their pilgrimage in Sarria 26,202 hikers, 23 percent of those who toured this year, the French Road. In the rúa Greater are the parish church of Santa Mariña, inaugurated in 1885 and the church of Salvador, romanesque transition with several covers the 13th century. Past el mirador, in the departure of the stage toward Portomarín, you can see the convent of the Magdalena, whose origins date back to the 13th century with the foundation of a hospital. The Parents Mercedarians run this convent, mainly from the factory Gothic and Renaissance, since the year 1896. Both in the church of Santa Mariña as in the convent of the Magdalena issued credentials.

The monument

Monastery of Samos

Monumental founded in the sixth century that shows all styles possible due to continuous restorations, since it has been looted and burned several times in the course of history.

Collects samples from the preromanesque passing through the styles gothic, renaissance, baroque, neoclassical and modernist.

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French Road Stage 27: Sarria - Portomarín

The Hostels

Hostel PortoSantiago

Portomarín (Lugo)

Tel: 618 82 65 15

Hostel OR Mirador

Portomarín (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 53 23 / 667 54 45 45

Hostel The Wayfarer

Portomarín (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 51 76

Hostel House Morgade

Morgade (Parish TO Clamp)

Tel: 982 53 12 50

Hostel of Ferreiros

Ferreiros (Lugo)

Tel: 982 15 74 96 / 660 396 815

Hostel of Portomarín

Portomarín (Lugo)

Tel: 982 54 51 43 / 660 396 816

Hostel Ferramenteiro

Portomarín (Lugo)

Tel: 982 545 362

Hostel Manuel

Portomarín

Tel: 679 754 718

Hostel Mercadoiro

Mercadoiro

Tel: 982 545 359 / 676 476 260

Hostel of Barbadelo

Barbadelo (Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 814

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Hostel OR Pombal

Barbadelo

Tel: 686 718 732

Information on the stage 27: Sarria - Portomarín

The twentieth seventh day is for a good part of the wayfarers the first, since that Sarria is very close to the mythical and last 100 kilometers, the minimum distance that there are to walk to win the Compostela. The stage does not disappoint in absolute nor the firstborn nor the tanning pilgrim. It offers countless villages of the Concellos Sarria, Paradela and Portomarín, good examples of romanesque, neighborhood tracks paved paths, and rural corridors, bridges and medieval catwalks rustic and until a modern resting area full of vending machines.

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The itinerary

For a good percentage of hikers, the rúa Maior Sarria is the kilometer 0 of his pilgrimage to Compostela. In the early hours of the day and, above all, in the summer months, the street would to make a statistic that reliable on ages, races, nationalities, clothing and equipment of the travelers. The initial tranche of 2.9 kilometers between Sarria and As Walls offers an excellent start of stage. After the Rúa Maior, passing along to the building of the Preventive Detention, come to the mirador on Sarria, adorned with a cruise. Some three hundred meters after the mirador, the Road board with the Convent of the Magdalena, mainly from the factory Gothic and Renaissance and run by the Parents Mercedarians. The stage descends along the wall of the cemetery to the river Small tributary of Sarria. The medieval Ponte Rough allows cross (1.2 Km). next to small meadow and orchards individuals turn under a viaduct to cross the tracks. After them saved a arroyo thanks to a gateway of wood (2.2). The course of water gives way to a hard repecho by road - surrounded by superb castaños - that rises to the place of As Walls (Mojón 109), where it stands a castro pre-roman of the same name. The village appears after and, presumably, are some houses to the roadside (Km 2.9). From here, by track neighborhood, we move to Italy where we receive a sculpture in memory to Don Germán Arias. Immediately, on the left, we see the resting area Km 108 of Italy, replete with all kinds of vending machines: coffee, soft drinks, snacks, batteries...and a stamp for garnish further the credential (Km 3.7).

New asphalt road progress until the parish of Barbadelo, a panel informative holds our attention on the romanesque church of Santiago, several meters from the Road. Surrounded by the churchyard, deserve your attention the covers and the capitals. Leave the hostel of pilgrims from Barbadelo to right-hand (4.5 Km) and continue again by track neighborhood asphalted up the villages of Rent (5.3 Km) and Market da Serra (Km 6), with tavern and located at the intersection of the LU-5709. When crossing not continues along the road but takes a corridor trees that arises from the front (Km 6). The five minutes turn next to a source decorated with Pelegrín, mascot Xacobeo 93 Km (6.6). 700 Meters later come next to the doors of the Mill of Cisterns (7.3 Km), of the year 1920, for twisting ninety degrees at the right and thank a step built by stone slabs that prevents get the foot on the raft of water. Soon we crossed the LU-633 to spend Leiman (8.2 Km), with mesón along the path, and after Peruscallo, with the presence of some granaries and where to buy raspberries or bordones (9.2 Km and Cairn 103). Say, at the moment, goodbye to the asphalt to move by road under chestnuts and carballos toward Cortiñas (Km 10 and Cairn 102) and Lavandeira (Mojón 101.5). Between low stone walls and chestnut reached Pitch (11.5 Km and Cairn 100.5) to reach, first to the false cairn of the 100 and a few meters below the true, crowned with stones and bathed in graffiti. It would be sufficient begin to walk on this point to obtain the Compostela but the pilgrimage is much more than a certificate signed. Some meters further is Morgade (Km 12), with bar and hostel at the foot of the asphalt road.

Near the exit, a poster gives us the welcome the Concello of Paradela, which takes over from Sarria. We Ferreiros, first parish of Paradela, cuesta, (13.1 Km and Cairn 98.5) and down by asphalted road until the immediate Mirallos (13.6 Km and border pillar 98). By hand left is the romanesque church of Santa Maria which was lowered stone by stone from Ferreiros in 1790. The Road is directed by asphalt from Mirallos to A Penalty and then to Couto (14.7 Km) and Rozas (Km 15 and Cairn 97). It will not be strange encounter with some family guiding the cattle from one place to another. Leaving behind the place of Rozas occurs the cairn 96.5. It also means stop, at least during a stretch, the asphalt road to take a path in slight costs the sheltered from the oak and pine trees. In the first crossing that occurs we left. The cairn 95.5 announces the closeness of Moimentos, village to which we arrived, after leaving prior to the left a wooden cross coiled with barbed wire and cross the road LU-4203 (Km 16.4). In a few minutes turn Mercadoiro (16.8 Km), with bar and hostel and the itinerary visit Moutrás (17.1 Km), and after a slope and tracks paved

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descend until Parrocha (18.7 Km) and Vilachá, last village in the Way belonging to Paradela (Km 20). A sharp decline brings us closer to the river Miño, damming by Belesar (Mojón 90). The bridge, more than 350 meters in length, about us until the Portomarín facades of white and gray roofs. The entrance to the village is done by one of the arches of the old Roman bridge - medieval, rebuilt to settle a staircase and placing a small chapel. We Climb by it and passing the Virtual Center of Information to the Pilgrim we go to the center of the people. In the hostel public, although the distance travelled today may seem infinitely greater deal, the 22.4 kilometers of the stage.

The difficulties

The stage, apparently, does not entail any difficulty. Mileage affordable and landscapes comforting. However, some first 13 kilometers until Ferreiros where abound over the false plains and the increases that the slopes, the inability to maintain a steady pace due to the terrain wavy and frequent change of floor converted this day in more than a mere walking rural.

In Market da Serra there to pay attention to the signalling. The Road not continues along the road where the tavern but continues by a corridor trees that arises from the front in the crossing.

Comments

The pillars of distance always precede the place, village, parish or concello advertising. The large number of sites that there are at the stage, some inhabited by a single person, lead to lose the exact location in more than a moment.

Since Sarria to Santiago de Compostela we have divided the journey in 5 stages while it is possible to shorten 4, all with hostel at the end of the day: Sarria - Gonzar (30.4 Km); Gonzar - Melide (31.8 Km); Melide - Pedrouzo (33.1 Km) and Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (20 Km). They are not easy stages and the first three is better taking calmly, taking at least 20 kilometers in the morning.

At the end of 2009 already encouraged and requested in the Pilgrim's Office to seal, at least twice a day, in the last 100 kilometers.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 141: Camino Frances Guide

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

BARBADELO Santiago de Barbadelo is a parish of Concello Sarria situated between lush forests. The church of Santiago de Barbadelo is a beautiful example of Romanesque style gallego. It has a tower of plant square and a home full of symbols and medieval iconography. Of this delicate portico stresses the human figure with the arms in cruz of the eardrum and the game of birds, animals and men of the capitals of the double pair of columns. The deputy hamlet receives the name of Monastery -contraction of monastery- allusion to a former institution annexd by Samos.

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FERREIROS The parish of Ferreiros, already the Concello of Paradela, is a humble locality where the blacksmiths claveteaban footwear of the pilgrims and herraban its horrors. The church of Santa Maria de Ferreiros, which was lowered toward 1790 stone by stone until the immediate Mirallos, is a temple modest but with an interesting home romanesque, that rests on two mochetes with head of a lion. It also offers a espadaña baroque at the top of its facade.

PORTOMARÍN Portomarín, capital of Concello of the same name, is on the right margin of the river Miño. It can be reached the population by the stairway settled on the arches of the old medieval bridge, where it was also placed the chapel of the Virgen de las Nieves. The old city, formed by two neighborhoods, San Nicolas and San Pedro, is submerged in the reservoir of Belesar. The people had been rebuilt again in 1960 on a hillside safely. Portomarín was an important place to step in the Middle Ages with a large bridge and with hospital; everything was under the waters of Miño. The great church-fortress of San Nicolas, erected by the monks-Knights of the order of St. John of Jerusalem in the 12th century, was dismantled stone by stone to be rebuilt in the plaza of the new settlement. By its monumentality, wealth of elements and pomp sculptural, constitutes one of the most interesting examples from the romanesque lucense. The facade of romanesque church of San Pedro, who also moved to an end of the people (next to the Pazo de Berbetoros of XVII) is beautiful invoice. The pazo del Conde da Maza, the 16th and the pazo two Pepper Shakers also went up to the current location. Portomarín, in addition to several hostels, offers all the services. We must not let the people without proving the cake of almonds similar to that of Santiago.

The monument

San Nicolas de Portomarín

Temple fortress built in the 13th century that belonged to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and was rebuilt stone by stone in the present

place due to the construction of the reservoir of Belesar.

Consists of a ship with five sections covered with vault crucería and canyon pointed out.

The towers presented remate fortification.

French Road Stage 28: Portomarín - Palas de Rei

The Hostels

Hostel Track

Palas de Rei

Tel: 639 88 22 29

Hostel of Gonzar

Gonzar (Lugo)

Tel: 982 15 78 40

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Hostel House Molar

Sales of Naron

Tel: 696 79 45 07

Hostel of Palas de Rei

Palas de Rei (Lugo)

Tel: 660 396 820

Hostel Os Chacotes

Palas de Rei

Tel: 607 481 536

Hostel of Airexe

Airexe - Ligonde - Concello of Monterroso (Lugo)

Tel: 982 15 34 83 / 660 396 819

Hostel in Calzada

Parish of Lestedo

Tel: 982 18 37 44

Hostel private House Garcia

Gonzar

Tel: 982 157 842 / 670 862 386

Hostel of Hospital da Cruz

Hospital de la Cruz (Lugo). Concello of Portomarin

Tel: 982 54 52 32 / 660 396 818

Hostel OR Cruceiro

Sales of Naron

Tel: 658 06 49 17

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Hostel of pilgrims School of Ligonde

Ligonde

Tel: 679 816 061

Hostel Source of Pilgrim

Ligonde

Tel: 982 18 37 52

Information on the stage 28: Portomarín - Palas de Rei

The stage is divided by the sierra of Ligonde, which in turn divides the river Miño and Ulloa and Concellos of Portomarín and Monterroso. Although the beginning is promising, and offer with a gentle promotion by the mount San Antonio, the rest is drunk next to roads modest, provincial and even national. However make the trip good examples of Romanesque churches, including the possibility of diverted until Vilar of Donuts to visit the San Salvador, former pilgrim hospitals and the valuable cruise Lameiros

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The itinerary

Backwards from the hostel public until the nearby church of St. Nicholas and continue to face to exit for the avenue of Chantada, which leads to the same road. From this point down until a gateway metal that saves the Rego das Torres, the board here with the Miño. The crossed and turn to right next to some houses. Overcome them, the cairn 89 we are guided by a path that was born on the left (Km 1) and that goes by the slopes of Mount San Antonio. Ascend approximately one kilometer and began to llanear among pine trees and meadows. The way down to the lay of the LU-633 and past crossroads to San Aves and Velade we take a andadero stuck on the road. Some hundreds of meters below, to the height of a brick factory (Km 3), crossed the road and continue through a similar andadero advances by the right. At the height of some ships of fertilizers and crossed again the LU-633 and progress on the left. 450 Meters after we arrived at Toxibo Cairn (85.5). A house and, later an elegant hórreo in stone and wood, decorated with a rosette and topped with pinnacle and cruz, is the whole visit (Km 4.8).

Although still walked very close to the road, several spots of pines isolate us from her during a small tranche. Again next to the asphalt turn a picnic (Km 7.3) and throw up the nearby parish of Gonzar (Km 8). The church of Santa Maria and the core population are on the left. Turn next to the bar and the hostel public and in brief turn left to take a track that rises to Castromaior, also parish of Concello of Portomarín with romanesque church at the end of the XII and a nearby castro roman large-scale (9.3 Km). Since Castromaior face a demanding rise of 700 meters to another andadero parallel to the LU-633 (10 Km). Even crossed another couple of times the road until you reach Hospital da Cruz, a village of the parish of St. Aves of OR River, also of Portomarín. (Mojón 78.5 and 11.8 Km).

Crossed with caution the N-540 and take the C-535 in the direction Sales. It is a modest road fitted with a berm compact on the road in the next 10 kilometers to the link of the N-547 in TO Pitch. The following people we visited Sales of Narón (Km 13.3). The output there is a small chapel rehabilitated in 2004. Half A kilometer, in gentle climb by the berm, we come to the cairn 76.5, which announced the Sierra of Ligonde (Km 13.8). The 756 meters altitude must make reference to another point higher because we are to 722. The sierra of Ligonde divides the river Miño and Ulla.

Now enjoy a good tranche in decline. Kilometer and a half later we leave it to one side the village of Previsa, the first in the Concello of Monterroso (Km 15.3) and half a kilometer below, a right hand, is Os Lameiros, with the pazo and the chapel of San Marcos. 200 Meters, along the path, rises the famous cruise Lameiros. It is double-sided and was placed in 1670. On one side is represented the image of Christ and the other of the Lady of sorrows. At the base cannot distinguish tongs, a crown of thorns and a skull, referring to the ordeal of Jesus (Km 16).

Immediately come to Ligonde (16.5 Km), going next to the cross marks the place of an ancient cemetery of pilgrims. Also next to the House of Carneiro, who had as guests illustrious to Carlos V, in march 1520 when traveling to be crowned emperor, and to Felipe II, in may 1554 on the way to La Coruna to marry Mary Tudor ON the departure of Ligonde, to the vera the hostel municipal, take a path that low bonded to a wall to the bridge over the river of Airexe (Km 17). Back the toboggan until Airexe (Km 17.4). On the left, somewhat aloof, is the church of Santiago, of invoice neoclassical and with the home romanesque of its predecessor. Move along the berm and we face after crossing the road LU-3301 (Km 18.5). After reached the village of Portos (Mojón 71 and Km 19.4), since the Concello of Palas de Rei (shortly the diversion to Vilar of Donuts) and the parish of Santiago de Lestedo (Mojón 70.5 Km 20). We climb up the village of Os Value (Km 20.9) to go to Mamurria (Km 21.5). Subsequently come to Pitch (Km 22), where we leave the asphalt road - road to transit in parallel to the N-547. next to it are first Avenostre (22.4 Km) and then OR Rosario, where pilgrims prayed a rosary at the sight of Mount Sacrum, where the disciples of the Apostle Santiago domaron bulls braves moved the body of the holy (Km 23.4).

Half a kilometer later arrived to the recreational area Os Chacotes, where the hostel public of the same name (Km 23.9). Few meters and come to Palas de Rei. Go by the rúa oj Cruceiro, visited the church of San Tirso and down the stairway to the same center of Concello, where they are the other hostels (Km 25).

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The difficulties

Until the high in the Sierra of Ligonde (13.8 Km) exceeds a drop of 335 meters but pass with ease. There is only one repecho demanding the departure of Castromaior. Since the Sierra will happen several slides - typical in Galicia - until Palas de Rei.

Comments

During the stage find at least a bar in Gonzar, Castromaior, sales of Narón, Airexe, between Portos and Lestedo and in the same Lestedo.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 147: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

GONZAR: Santa Maria de Gonzar is one of the 20 parishes of Concello of Portomarín. Gonzar was a entrusts to the knights of San Juan de Portomarín and the parish of St. Mary is its most important monument. Above, in Castromaior, we find ourselves in an area of castros celts that can give us a picture of how it was Galicia before being conquered by the romans. In this parish is the small church of Santa Maria, Romanesque style simple and crude but very well preserved. In its interior highlights a size romanesque of the Virgin and a altarpiece of the sixteenth century. In Gonzar there are a couple of bars, one at the foot of the road and another in the interior that is also hostel. Castromaior also has a bar.

SALES OF NARÓN: Sales of Narón was a high on the road before crossing the sierra of Ligonde and place of business transactions. The departure of the people is the Chapel of the Magdalena, which may be an indication of the existence of a former hospital at the service of the pilgrims. It is believed that in this place christians, after discovering the tomb of the Apostle in Santiago, fought the emir of Córdoba in its attempt to conquer Galicia. Here located Benito Viceto the top of its historical novel The Hidalgos Monforte, when a group of knights meet to prepare the attack on the conde de Lemos.

LIGONDE: Ligonde is one of the 29 parishes of Concello of Monterroso and encompasses 12 villages or entities. Once it was also an important station jacobea where still a cemetery of pilgrims, annex to a disappeared hospital of the Order of Santiago. Draws attention to the decoration of the facades. It was donated in the 956 by the conde Osorio to his wife lady Teoduli Pepiz to redeem their sins. His church of Santiago, neoclassical, preserves the home romanesque of its predecessor. Just before entering into Ligonde is the cruceiro of Lameiros (1670), where the four sides of the base represent the calvary or to the death of Jesus (hammer, nails, bones and skulls), while in the cross surprised the highlight of the maternity or life. Has a municipal shelter and the bars and the hostel public are found in the immediate core of Airexe.

MONASTERY OF VILAR OF DONUTS: Between Portos and Lestedo (between the kilometers 19.4 and 20 of the stage) is the diversion to Vilar of Donuts, parish of Concello of Palas de Rei where is the most valuable of the more than 20 small Romanesque churches of the municipality of Palas de Rei: the church of Salvador with a home of great beauty and some archivolts of great wealth iconographic. The diversion has about 2.5 kilometers of ida and many others back. If we in bike there is no problem since the return can take the N-547 and link with the way in TO Pitch.

PALAS DE REI: The history of Palas de Rei goes back to ancient times, and more taking into account the amount of castros celts existing in its township and its location in the Roman road Lugo-Astorga. Was an important place in the Middle Ages where they used joined the pilgrims to confront the past tranches of the jacobean route. The church of San Tirso, more specifically, his home romanesque, is the only vestige remains of the historic past. However, the artistic richness of its Concello is significant: a score of Romanesque churches as the Vilar of Donuts, the castle of Pambre and literary and televised Pazo de Ulloa. Palas de Rei account with multiple possibilities of supply and enjoyment for the pilgrim.

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French Road Stage 29: Palas de Rei - Arzúa

The Hostels

Hostel OR Abrigadoiro

San Xiao do Camiño (San Xulián do Camiño)

Tel: 982374117/676596975

Hostel of Arzúa

Arzúa (A Coruña)

Tel: 660 396 824

Hostel House Sunday

Pontecampaña - Mato

Tel: 630 728 864 / 982 163 226

Hostel of Ribadiso da Baixo

Ribadiso Baixo (A Coruña) Council of Arzúa

Tel: 981 50 11 85 / 660 396 823

Hostel Resort TO Bolboreta

Vilar of Remonde - Remonde

Tel: 609 12 47 17

Hostel Ultreia

Arzúa

Tel: 981 500 471 / 626 639 450

Hostel Santiago

Castañeda

Tel: 981 501 711 / 699 761 698

Hostel Santiago Apostle

Arzúa

Tel: 981 508 132 / 981 500 004

Hostel of Melide

Melide (A Coruña)

Tel: 660 396 822

Hostel Via Dairy

Arzúa

Tel: 981 500 581 / 616 759 447 / 695 944 937

Hostel de Mato Casanova

Mato-Casanova (Lugo)

Tel: 982 17 34 83

Hostel Don Quixote

Arzúa

Tel: 981 500 139 / 696162695

Hostel da Fonte

Arzúa, Tel: 659 999 496

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Information on the stage 29: Palas de Rei - Arzúa

In addition to be the longest stage of Galicia luce a profile broken, well-known commonly as rompepiernas, that the becomes a real challenge. The itinerary beyond the limits of Lugo to enter A Coruña by the village of OR Coto; visit Leboreiro and pulpera Melide, where links the Primitive Road, and continues for a multitude of slides and magical scenarios as that of the river Catasol until Ribadixo da Baixo and Arzúa, where to turn connects the path of the North.

The itinerary

Cross the road next to the House of Concello of Palas de Rei and down by the voyage of Pilgrim to cross the road and continue down the cobbled rúa oj Apostolo. For the third time saved the road and we faced by the rúa Roxán River, where there is a sculpture of some pilgrims dancing signed by J. Novo. Went Out to the avenida de Compostela, coinciding with the N-547, and after 500 meters (past the point per kilometer 35 of the national) torcemos to the right to cross the river Roxán. The cairn 64 us announces the arrival in the church of San Sebastian de Carballal. Under a sling climb up a couple of villages in this parish and down to cross the N-547 (2.1 Km).

The cairn 63.5 introduces us to a path surrounded by eucalyptus trees and robles, very prone to embarrarse, reaching down to the place of Lacua Cairn (63). A good row of stone slabs prevents get on the raft of water. We continue to San Xulián do Camiño, announced by the cairn 62.5. To the roadside is now the romanesque church at the end of the XII, which exhibits in the first term the apse (Km 3.4). By asphalted road turn the place of Pallotta Cairn (62) and descend without quarter by a beautiful corredoira

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until the river Pambre to reach Ponte Campaign, belonging to the parish of Mato (4.5 Km). Then occurs a spectacular. Which forest of Fangorn, braced for rock and twisted branches, progress until Casanova, also of the parish of Mato (5.7 Km). We leave it to one side the hostel public and later the detour to a private one. Continue through the asphalt road and the left by the left to take a path. Much of the year we can find and are sometimes flowing streams by him. Down until you cross the rego oj Vilar, in Porto de Bois (7.2 Km). Then, in cuesta, move up Campanilla, small village of the parish of Mato and last lucense population in the Way (Km 8).

By a secondary road say goodbye to the 96.7 kilometers in the province of Lugo, and we come in OR Coto, first village cooking belonging to the parish of Leboreiro, already in the Concello of Melide (Km 8.5). The departure of Coto or leave the asphalt by the left to download to Leboreiro, defined in the seniority as Campus Leporarius or field of hares (9.2 Km). Here we will see a Cabazo: a basket giant that, as the granaries, was used to preserve the maize. Behind the interesting church of Santa Maria, romanesque transition. Abandoning Leboreiro and crossed the river Dry by a medieval bridge (9.5 Km). The cairn 56 gives way to Disicabo and then occurs a tedious tranche next to the N-547 and the business park Melide, also called for the Magdalena (Km 11). A kilometer after changes the picture and down until the river Gateiro by an environment more worthy. Crossed this tributary of Ulla by the medieval bridge (Km 13) and agree to the parish of St. Xoán of Gateiro. It is the prelude to Melide, the capital of Concello. We arrived at the avenida de Lugo, turn next to the chapel of San Roque and his cruise of the 14th century. Toward the hostel public and to tackle cannot continue for the rúa San Pedro but the itinerary is also marked by the rúa Convent until the plaza Convent (Km 14.8). Here are dan cites the old hospital of pilgrims, which houses today, the Museum da Terra of Melide; the Convent of Sancti Spiritus and his church; the building of the Town Hall of the eighteenth century and the chapel of San Antonio, next to the we leave the square to take the rúa San Antonio. After border the hostel public abandon Melide by the rúa Main.

With a view to the valley down until the N-547, we crossed to catch in front of the CP-4603 in the direction San Martin. At the height of a restaurant - barbecue turn right to visit the church of Santa Maria de Melide, parish of the same name (Km 15.6). The temple is romanesque the end of the XII, has a single nave and semicircular apse and hosts the only reja romanesque of Galicia. After passing the houses of Carballal we surrounded between eucalyptus trees, species deciduous and meadows to step stoned the river Catasol, a tributary of Gateiro. (Km 17.2). Landscape of postcard that gives us the Way. By a beautiful environment we go to Raido, at the foot of the N-547. Abandoning his company rapidly to continue until Parabispo, already the Concello of Arzúa (Km 18.7). Under a forest of eucalyptus trees saved the stream of Valverde, we turn Peroxa- where is the cairn 45.5 - and we head into the parish of Boente, heading in two by the N-547 (Km 20.5). After the church of Santiago turn right hand and down by a track until the river Boente and place of Punta Brea, saving before by a tunnel the N-547. After encircle some meadows face a tough costs that rises at the foot of the N-547, and next to it reached several locations in the parishes of Figueiroa and Castañeda. In this place were lime kilns where the pilgrims deposited stone brought from Triacastela (Km 22.7).

Down by asphalted road until arroyo Ribeiral, located between Pedrido and River (Km 23.3). Now it traced and continue in the face, leaving the left the diversion to Doroña. Later, almost always tracks neighborhood paved, lower during two kilometers to the river Iso, which gives access to Ribadiso da Baixo, village of the parish of Rendal (Km 25.8). The other side of medieval bridge is the pilgrims hospital San Anton, currently restored as hostel public. Giving a rodeo, to our seem absurd, climb up the N-547 to reach, by an endless walking down the avenue of Lugo, until the first houses of Arzúa. In the same entrance there are several hostels private located one after another. After the other way leave the avenue to catch the rúa Top oj Place, where the public (28.8 Km).

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The difficulties

The almost 29 kilometers from this stage tantamount to a flat stretch of about 40 kilometers. The stage is composed of countless ups and downs that make impossible to maintain the pace. Comments

Given that in Melide and Arzúa linking the Roads Primitive and the North, the influx of pilgrims, mostly from April and May, is significantly higher in recent installments of the Road.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Page 152: Camino Frances Guide

What to see, what to do

PORTO DE BOIS: Port of oxen, in latin, is a place of the parish lucense de Mato where they had a bloody battle between Enrique de Trastamara and conde de Lemos, Fernán Ruiz de Castro, faithful to the monarch legitimate don Pedro I the Cruel. The fate is inclined to part of the Trastamara who inflicted a severe defeat to the count.

LEBOREIRO: Leboreiro is the first parish of A Coruna, the last province of the Road. The possible abundance of hares explains that the Codex Calistinus what called in the Middle Ages Campus Leporarius. A cruise presides over the main street paved, to which escort solid stone houses. The church of Santa Maria is in the Romanesque style of transition, of a single nave, apse circular. In the eardrum of the home there are sculpted a beautiful image of the Virgin, opposite is the facade of the House of Nursing, a former hospice of pilgrims founded by the family Ulloa in the 12th century. Before it can be seen a typical cabazo, i.e. a barn in the form of gigantic basket used to preserve the maize, as if it were a primitive hórreo. The bridge on the Rio Seco is the 14th century and provided with a in the restoration of the year 1984.

MELIDE: Capital of Concello of the same name, formed by 26 parishes, situated in the geographic center of Galicia, in the western slopes of the sierra of Careón. Of origin roman, seems to be that was replanted by order of the Archbishop Gelmírez. In Melide linking the pilgrims who come by the Primitive Road. Of the romanesque church of San Pedro, transferred today to the Field of San Roque and known as chapel of San Roque, does not keep more than the home. Here there is also the cruceiro XIV century is considered the oldest of Galicia. By the place where the pilgrims of the route primitive made its entry lifted the Monastery-Hospital of Sancti Spiritus, which now houses the Museum of Terra Melide, a place, as reza page institutional, built by the people and for the people. The octopus, cooked and with olive oil, salt and pepper is the best cover letter of Melide. It also stresses the traditional pastries, with sweet as well as the well-known "rich" and the fussiness. Offers all the services.

RIBADISO DA BAIXO: Nothing more crossing the river Iso by an idyllic medieval bridge, is the old Hospital San Anton Ponte de Ribadiso (s. XV) become a magnificent hostel.

ARZÚA: In the old town of Arzúa is the former convent of the Magdalena, foundation agustina the 14th century which maintained a alberguería for pilgrims poor and that today is in ruins. Very close it rises the modern parish church in Santiago, which owns two images of the Apostle, a as a Pilgrim and another as Matamoros. Since 1975 is celebrated in Arzúa, year after year, the feast of the cheese. The cheese of Arzúa is prepared craftsmen with whole cow's milk and occurs throughout the region Arzúa - Ulloa, and in several municipalities in Lugo.

The monument

Cabazo of Leboreiro

A Cabazo is a great basket circular done with sticks intertwined and covered with straw that supported a

base of stone is used to preserve the maize. Behind the Cabazo is the romanesque church of

Santa Maria with apse circular and wooden ceiling. In the home is sculpted a figure of the Virgin.

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French Road Stage 30: Arzúa - Pedrouzo

The Hostels

Private Hostel St. Irene

A Coruña

Tel: 981 51 10 00

Hostel Porta de Santiago

Pedrouzo (Parish of Ark - Concello of O' Pino)

Tel: 981 511 103 / 607 835 354

Hostel Arca do Pine

Pedrouzo (A Coruña)

Tel: 660 396 826

Hostel public St. Irene

A Coruña

Tel: 660 396 825

Hostel Edreira

O Pedrouzo (Parish of Ark - Concello of O' Pino)

Tel: 981 51 13 65 / 660 23 49 95

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Information on the stage 30: Arzúa - Pedrouzo

Between Arzúa and the Cathedral of Santiago mediate almost 40 kilometers and the most logical and prudent is to divide the tranche in two days to stop and fonda in Santa Irene u O Pedrouzo. The Concello of Arzúa cedes the witness to that of O' Pino in a journey comfortable, with outstanding easier and tracks always close to the N-547.

The itinerary

Since the rúa Top oj Place, where it is located the hostel public, starting from front to the cobbled rúa oj Carmen. Their arcades and facades coated wood fired our step by Arzúa. A more rural down until the source os French, crossed the river Hair and came from followed As Muddy and its chapel of St. Lazarus (Mojón 36 and Km 0.9). Down to the river Brandeso, tributary to turn the Iso (Km 1.8), and climb up Preguntoño, village of the parish of Burres with its ermita de San Paio del siglo XVIII (Km 2.2). At the exit avoid crossing the N-547 thanks to a tunnel and face a repecho, among meadows, maize crop and with a view to Arzúa, until the place of A Peroxa, also of the parish of Burres (3.3 Km). The eucalyptus populate, increasingly, the landscape gallego and meadows individuals, necessary for the survival of livestock and rural areas, are happening one after another with their family casting drying in the sun. Traveled tracks coated with stubble and prone to dirty to little rain. Down until the creek Thief (3.9 Km) to achieve subsequently Tavern Vella (Mojón 32 and Km 5.2).

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600 Meters after entering Calzada, from the parish of Burres and last kernel inhabited the Concello of Arzúa (5.8 Km). Leave the population crossing a link road and we continue to enter the Concello of O' Pino the last before the Santiago. The first population is Street, a village of San Breixo of Ferreiros, where we spent under a hórreo (7.8 Km). We Leave the kernel after crossing the arroyo Langüello and we by a network of tracks and roads until Boavista (Km 9.3) and Salceda (11.1 Km), at the foot of the N-547. We disassociate few meters from the national by the right, passing along to the remembrance to the pilgrim Guillermo Watt, who died in the way. Returned above at the foot of the road and the cross next to a concessionaire of agricultural machinery to reach Oxén, instead of the church of San Miguel de Cerceda (Km 12.5). The way, to the left of the National, leads now to the immediate Ras (13.1 Km), of the same parish, where we save the N-547 below. At this point can also link the pilgrims who come from the path of the North and have taken the variant O' Pino. The other side is already A Pitch (Mojón 23.5 and 13.6 Km) and the nearby TO Rabiña (Mojón 23 and 14 Km).

In parallel to the National and after crossing again overcame with ease the rise up to OR Splice, the church of San Lourenzo of Pastor (Km 15.3). In the middle of the journey there are a picnic with source and a windmill that recalls that of the American farms. In the high cross the road to enter the population and we, on the left, a track that falls under the eucalyptus trees. Below, or by a tunnel under the N-547, we have the option of moving to visit the shrine of St. Irene and its baroque fountain or go to the hostel private. If we continue to face arrived at the hostel of the Xunta (Km 16.3). Thanks to a dense sling of eucalyptus trees we isolate the noise of the road, turn along the border pillar 20, and avoid again the road for a tunnel. A couple of houses and a sawmill and more eucalyptus trees they lead up to Rúa parish of Ark (Km 17.9). By asphalted road arrived at the edge of the N-547 and climb next to it up O Pedrouzo, also of Ark and with all the services (Km 19.1).

The difficulties

Accustomed to stages longer, this day can be considered a formality to await the arrival in Santiago. The company of the N-547 is the least pleasant.

Comments

For those wanting to to Santiago with a print run must know that from Arzúa there are nearly 40 kilometers. It is an alternative scary and it makes more sense divide the tranche in two, although there are names that are moving about 35 kilometers to the Monte do Gozo and leave for the last day a triumphant walk just 5 kilometers. Those who choose to spend the night in Santa Irene must know that there is no services. In the hostels St. Irene have telephones of Taxi, a service very used to go to dinner O Pedrouzo, OR splice or Rúa.

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In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

What to see, what to do

CONCELLO OF O' Pino: Penultimate galician municipality of French Road composed of 13 parishes and nearly 180 places. The itinerary visit, both at this stage as in the last, nuclei population belonging to the parishes of Ark, Cerceda, Ferreiros, Pastor and Pereira. The enclave more singular is Santa Irene, with its hermitage dedicated to the holy martyr portuguese and baroque fountain of curative waters. The

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chapel was built by the provision of two noble who lived in the nearby village of the two houses. In OR Splice -the population previous- can peep the horizon and imagine the galician coast. O Pedrouzo, population of services at the foot of the N-547, offers to the pilgrim everything you need. Hostels, pensions, cashier, restaurants, pharmacy, health center, etc.

French Road Stage 31: Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela The Hostels

Residence of Pilgrims San Lazaro

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 981 57 14 88 / 618 266 894

Hostel del Monte do Gozo

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 981 55 89 42 Ext 2618

Hostel Aquarium in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 981 57 54 38

Hostel Minor Seminary The Asuncion

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 881 031 768

Hostel OR Fogar of Teodomiro

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 981 58 29 20 / 699 631 592

Hostel Santo Santiago

Santiago de Compostela

Tel: 606 437 437. Reservations: 657 402 403

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Information on the stage 31: Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela

The walk becomes serene, perhaps for fear end and not knowing or not wanting what to do after. On tracks of stubble, among the latest patches of eucalyptus trees and robles, reach the latest villages O' Pino. The municipality of Santiago looks at a high, next to the airport, and leads to the pilgrim by the parish of Sabugueira. Since the watchtower Monte do Gozo gets the first overview of Santiago de Compostela and gives beginning an urban that concludes at the foot of the baroque facade of the cathedral. The Obradoiro is the order and the beginning.

The itinerary

Twenty kilometers only compared to 755.3 already travels since our first day on the other side of the Pyrenees. , Far, though only have passed several weeks, have already forests navarros, strains riojanas, the vast castilian plateau and even the montes de Leon and the mythical OR Cebreiro, that opening for seven days. Santiago, the plaza del Obradoiro and the cathedral, to which we emocionaremos, insurance, are here at the side. With reference to the hostel public travel the people to the vera of the national and turn right by the rúa oj Concello, where the City. Moving in the face during half a kilometer and to get together to the college and the tracks sports turn 90 degrees to the left. By a dirt track covered with stubble we move between a eucalyptus forest, you leave to enter San Anton, a village of the parish of Ark. The place takes the name of a chapel ravaged by a fire (Km 1.3). Another forest we looked at the exit of San Anton. Carballos indigenous and eucalyptus trees reforested in bulk, accompany us now until the core of Amenal, of the parish

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of San Miguel de Pereira. Agree by asphalt road and turning the river Brandelos crossed the N-547 by a step under (3.7 Km), to which it remains a strong repecho that rises to Cimadevila, last core of Concello of OR Pino (Km 4).

The rise continues for more than 1.5 kilometers but becomes much more affordable. Reached the peak we addressed at the foot of the A-54 and the N-634. We are not surprised to see the separation fence replete with small crosses. As part of the idiosyncrasies of the pilgrimage. A monolith carved in the bordon, pumpkin and vieira announces entry in the municipality of Santiago (6.3 Km). Around the perimeter of the airport, leaving to the left several rows of beacons (Km 6.7), and after crossing a secondary road entering San Paio, village of the parish of Sabugueira (Km 7.7). Around House Quian, face a brief repecho by asphalt road and take the track on the right, that descends. After saving the variant below we fall by several clusters of the parish of Sabugueira: TO Esquipa and Lavacolla (9.5 Km). After a curve closed turn next to the parish church of San Pelayo, that looks entered the year of its construction: 1840. Then we crossed the N-634th and take the diversion to Villamaior. In just 100 meters crossed the river Sionlla, covered with oavs and known as arroyo of Lavacolla, where pilgrims were stripped of their dirty clothes and washed in view of its next arrival in Santiago (Km 10).

By asphalted road began a comfortable rise ending in the long-awaited Monte do Gozo. Facing first Villamaior (Km 11), turn next to the center of the NEW (12.7 Km) and turn 90 degrees to the left to do the same next to the center of territorial RTVE (13.5 Km). Turn 90 degrees to the right and continue until the urbanization San Marcos (14.8 Km), prelude to the Monte do Gozo. Instead of continuing to meet deviate at the left to climb to the monument erected in the year santiago of 1993, the same year which was inaugurated on nearby hostel of pilgrims, the largest of all the way that is able to accommodate up to 300 people a normal year up to 800 a Xacobeo. From this point we get the first overview of Santiago and its cathedral (Km 15.2).

We the Road, leaving aside the access to the cafeteria and the canteens, and down until a flight of stairs. He then saved by a bridge the highway and the ways and progress in the face by the prolonged rúa San Lazaro (Km 16.7), where the Palace of Congresses and exhibitions of Galicia and the hostel of pilgrims St. Lazarus, that allows sleep more than one night. Link with the rúa oj Valiño (Km 17.7) and we continue to face by the Rua das Fontiñas and rúa two Concheiros, where we crossed the avenue of Lugo. After the rúa of San Pedro (Km 19), which ends at the crossing with traffic lights of the rúa Aller Ulloa. By the place where he was the Carries do Camiño entering the historic by la Rua das Houses Reais, which rises to the praza de Cervantes. A straight line by the Rua da Acibechería takes us to the praza da Immaculate, where it locates the monastery of St. Maarten Pinario. Finally went under the arc of the Palace by a passageway, where they gather to play the street musicians, to access the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the adventure ends. While we eliminated the backpack we discovering every detail of the western facade and we are heading into the very center of the plaza. It is difficult not excited. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrim is unrivalled experience and i think many trips that we have done around the world few are comparable to this (Km 20).

The difficulties

A couple of increases separate us from Santiago. Both are fairly discreet and except for some brief repecho are crossing with ease.

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Comments

After climb up the steps of the cathedral, admire the Gate of Glory, give the embrace the Holy and falling back to his tomb, the vast majority is directed to the Pilgrim's Office. It's in the rúa oj Vilar, 1, very close to the source of the Platerías. We will wait our turn, fill a small form, we bring the stamp of Santiago in the card and will give us, if we so, the Compostela. To enjoy Santiago, that we won.

In images

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

Ruben Garcia Blázquez

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Greg Dedman Greg Dedman

What to see, what to do

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: Since the great complex that has become the Monte do Gozo is, finally, Santiago de Compostela and the towers baroque cathedral. Santiago, the goal of all the jacobean routes, is a great city of 95,000 inhabitants that combines spaces of modernity with the halo mysterious, religious, romantic and cosmopolitan plaza Obradoiro. The happy wayfarer discovers a city of stones obscured by the passage of time and the persistent rain. Narrow old smelling Ribeiro and octopus spread throughout the Old Town. The cathedral represents the culmination of the Road and in it rests the apostle, which causes hundreds of thousands of people undertake year after year a trip full of toil and experiences that will become memories for life. Monuments not lacking in Santiago de Compostela. The precious and exalted portico of the Glory, work romanesque lifted by the Maestro Matthew and completed in 1188. It is a filigranero set of three arches, with the central endowed with parteluz, of varied iconography rescued the Revelation of San Juan. The western facade of the cathedral, baroque and alzada between 1738 and 1749 by the architect Fernando of houses and Novoa. The Holy Door, with reliefs of Master Matthew and that only opens during the years Santos. The Hostel of the Catholic Monarchs, today Parador de Turismo; the Benedictine monastery of St. Maarten Binary; the pazo de Who, headquarters of the Town Hall, etc…

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Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Dedicated to the Apostol Santiago. Church enshrined in the year 1128 (s. XII) and adorned with baroque elements in the 18. It is a

good example of church of pilgrimage. In the Romanesque style with subsequent elements renaissance and baroque.

Plant romanesque latin cross account with three naves divided by arches of half a point, rostrum, cruise and ambulatory. Has five facades.

The information contained within this guide is provided by Fundacion Eroski.

Edited and translated by Greg Dedman