The pilgrimage to Santiago began thousands of years ago, when the Apostle’s tomb was discovered in the early 9th century. At the end of the 12th century Santiago evolved to the most significant pilgrimage in Europe and the attraction of this city seems to be increasing every year. Many monasteries and hospitals were built along the route to assist the pilgrims and nowadays several of them will be restored for the pilgrims of these days.
After picking up our credentials and having a nice lunch, our bus will transfer us to Puente de Orbigo were we began our walk till San Justo de la Vega. In this town were held in 1434 the famous jousts organised by Suero de Quiñónez, during which he challenged many European knights. Pilgrims will find the church of San Juan, built by the Knights Hospitaller. After leaving this epic village the Route crosses Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias which lead us to San Justo de la Vega. From here our bus then drove us to our accommodation in Astorga. Today we have had a mixture of weather, sun. rain and wind all part of the adventure.,
Astorga is a beautiful village of old and new, the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral, from the 15 C presides over the town. It has a Baroque façade and some Renaissance elements. The second day of our walk we departed at around 9am it is still dark at 8am, the bus transferred us to Castrillo de los Polvazares a town that has an outstanding architectural heritage, where the genuine atmosphere of the region of Maragatería still remains. Our way then continued to Rabanal del Camino a quaint village and authentic hotel.
Filed under: Adventure travel