Discover the Camino de Santiago, a Unique Treasure in Galicia

Discover the Camino de Santiago, a Unique Treasure in Galicia

The Camino de Santiago or The Way of Saint James is a 790km walk or pilgrimage if you prefer to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great. His shrine is believed to be in the wondrous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-west Spain. To make the journey it takes around thirty days. Along the way, you will discover historical wonders and experience breathtaking views.

Let’s explore this most beautiful of routes.

Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port is a small French village and many believe to be the start of the walk to Camino de Santigo. Leading tour operators such as SantiagoWays run their pilgrim walks from here, and you can get your ‘passport’ stamped at the Pilgrim’s Office to show you’ve signed up to the walk. The village’s cobblestone setting, medieval buildings and mountain backdrop setting will make you excited and ready to start your trek into Spain.

pamplona

Pamplona

Soon you’ll cross the border into Spain and enter one of the most majestic cities and the capital of Navarra. Pamplona is well known for its Running of the Bull festival, San Fermín festival in July. If you come at a different time, however, this beautiful city will enthral you and capture your imagination. Some good examples include the Museo de Navarra, a museum housed in a medieval hospital, the Catedral de Santa María, the Ciudadela fortress and Café Iruña.

Perdón Hill

From the top of Perdón Hill, you will encounter a historic row of statues. Forged with iron, they show pilgrims making the trek. The statues include donkeys, dogs and children. As well as this magnificent work the view from the top is simply awe inspiring. From here you can experience rolling green valleys and mountains that stretch far into the distance.

Pintxos and wine bars in Logroño

Although the Camino de Santiago is a walk of rural wonder, cities such as the vibrant Logroño are a good example of hidden gems along the way. The city has a reputation for being lively and possessing some great nightlife. The historic centre of the city has plenty of Pintxos bars where you can eat grilled mushrooms dripping in butter and garlic.

Burgos cathedral

Burgos Cathedral

Burgos Cathedral or the Catedral de Santa María de Burgos is considered to be one of the most amazing cathedrals in the whole of Spain. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and was constructed in 1221. You simply have to admire its gothic construction and its presence.

León

The city of León resides in the Castilla y León region and is blessed with many grand historic monuments. The Anton Gaudí designed Real Colegiata de San Isidoro which features a museum, Panteón Real, and royal sarcophagi,  are a good example of this.  Today, a national monument and hotel originally the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro was a parliament building.

Other Gaudi treats in León include the Casa Botines.

astorga

Astorga

If you’re a fan of Gaudí’s architecture then you are in for a treat in Astorga. Although the city itself is little known the Astorga Cathedral and the Palacio Episcopal are both visual and cultural treats.

The Village of O Cebreiro

O Cebreiro is a small village located between Castilla y León and Galicia. The round stone buildings with thatched roofs give a sense of travelling back in time which is very apt given the historic value in the walk you are undertaking. The quite divine Taberna Moreno restaurant provides a great meal to a hungry traveler.

catedral santiago compostela

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia

When you see the spires of the Catedral de Santiago you know the end of your journey is near. Many walkers attend mass in the great cathedral. It is an experience you must savour. People from all over the world make the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Given that to make the 790km trip across 30 days is not an easy task to accomplish, outpourings of emotion are common.

Some travelers are hobbling others just elated at their achievement.

Mass runs twice daily at 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm and you will be welcomed by a priest.

As well as the service you will see the giant Botafumeiro. This is one of the biggest censers in the world and ways 53kgs and measures 1.5m. It is suspended 20m above the ground and eight tiraboleiros operate the huge device using a system of ropes and pulleys. Traveling at speeds around 60km/hour it can dispense incense to cover every worshiper.

It is believed it was invented to mask the smell of sweaty pilgrims and today it is a ritual in its own right.

the walk

Making the Walk

Making the Camino de Santiago can be done either as a 30 day, 790km journey or you can do certain stages of it. Given the cultural and historic wonders, you will experience, you may want to make several visits to cover the whole journey year on year if you feel the 30-day experience is a little far for one trip.

Either way, the Camino de Santiago is a journey you will love.