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| The journey down this road continues to seduce the eager
traveler time and again because of its religious nature,
its historical continuity, its large cultural heritage
ubiquitous throughout cities, towns, villages, convents,
bridges and chapels. We will enjoy its varied landscapes
and cultures accompanied by the perennial presence of
contemporary pilgrims. Participating in mass and possibly
enjoying long walks will help us better appreciate this
phenomenon and understand the endurance of this centuries
old tradition. |
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The first route of our journey takes us to the
Bilbao Airport, designed by the renown architect Calatrava, followed by another
landmark of contemporary art, Frank O. Gehry's Guggenheim Museum, the newest icon
of the Basque Country's industrial capital city. We will further explore this
refurbished city with a scenic tour that takes us from the newer suburbs to the
historic old town and its Seven Streets, where we will have our first encounter
with the Path of Saint James while visiting the Santiago church, nowadays a Cathedral.
Travel to Logrono for overnight. |
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In the morning we will visit the old section of
Logrono, capital city of La Rioja and shall follow in the footsteps of those who
have made the pilgrimage, along the Old Route with the late Gothic church of Santiago,
the Fountain of the Pilgrims and the Shelter, as well as the con-Cathedral and
the church of St. Bartholomew. The Calle Mayor in Navarrete will guide us along
homes and palaces, leading to the Romanesque gate of the cemetery. We will go
on to Najera, the former venue for the Kings of Navarre, some of whom are buried
in the monastery of Santa Maria la Real. Our next stop will be Santo Domingo de
la Calzada, a site created for those making the pilgrimage, with its walls, a
beautiful Main Square, pilgrimage hospital, and its noted Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral.
On our way to Burgos, we will ascend the hills to find, in the midst of nature,
the late Romanesque church of San Juan de Ortega, another landmark created for
and by the pilgrim. Possibility of hiking along the Path of Saint James from Ermita
de Valdefuentes to San Juan de Ortega (6,4 km) Overnight in Burgos |
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Burgos welcomes us with its
tale of the origins of Castile at the Renaissance gate of Santa Maria, with special
reference to the historical figure named El Cid. We will visit the Cathedral,
an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and World Heritage Site. A walk
through the city will take us to the Casa del Cordon, the Main Square, the Paseo
del Espolon promenade, and the Consulate. In the outskirts we will discover two
great monuments: the Cistercian monastery of Las Huelgas, a royal pantheon from
the 13th century; and the Cartuja de Miraflores, church and burial place for the
parents of Isabella the Catholic, Queen of Castile. Possibility of celebrating
or attending Holy Mass Overnight in Burgos |
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We resume our journey along the Path of Saint James in the Castilian plains as
we encounter the narrow Arch of Saint Anton near Castrojeriz. Possibility of hiking
along the Path of Saint James from Hontanas to Castrojeriz (9 km) Awaiting us
in Fromista is the church of Saint Martin, one of the purest examples of Romanesque.
A few kilometers away lies a village with an important Jacobean past: Carrion
de los Condes and its two magnificent Romanesque facades in the churches of Santiago
and Santa Maria del Camino. Sahagun will take us to the Mudejar style brick of
the church of San Tirso, while San Miguel de la Escalada represents the other
medieval Arabic style from the north of Spain known as Mozarabe. Continue to Leon
for overnight |
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As one of the capitals of Medieval Spain, Leon offers Romanesque style
works of art in painting, sculpture and architecture in San Isidoro, and one of
the most important collections of stained glass in its Gothic Cathedral. We cannot
leave without first contemplating the beautiful facade of the former pilgrimage
hospital of San Marcos, nowadays a luxurious Parador. Our journey will take us
to Astorga, another city of Roman origin, with its picture perfect Roman and Medieval
city wall, its Gothic Cathedral and its Modernist Episcopal Palace, designed by
famous architect Antonio Gaudi. Possibility of organizing a traditional "Maragato"
lunch near Astorga In the afternoon we will traverse one of the most authentic
and untouched sections of the Path of Saint James -Rabanal del Camino, Cruz de
Ferro and Molinaseca- ending at Ponferrada, known for its famous castle of the
Knights Templar. Possibility of hiking along the Path of Saint James from Acebo
to Molinaseca (7,6 km) Overnight in Ponferrada |
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Villafranca, the ancient capital of
El Bierzo offers an important urban setting in which the Romanesque church of
Santiago stands out. Here is where pilgrims began their climb to O Cebreiro, the
entry gate to Galicia. This hamlet surprises with its particular architecture
and the legend that surrounds its humble church. Possibility of celebrating or
attending Holy Mass We will continue our journey along the green countryside of
Galicia until arriving at the Mino River in Portomarin, where we will discover
the Romanesque church-fortress of Saint Nicholas. Possibility of hiking along
the Path of Saint James from Sarria to Mouzos (6,2 km) Overnight in Santiago |
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| A walk through
the narrow streets of the historical district will lead us to the Cathedral of
Santiago that, since its construction, has been the object of almost all the Christian
pilgrimages, and the monumental Plaza del Obradoiro, surrounded by granite works
of art. Possibility of attending Pilgrims' Holy Mass Possibility of organizing
a special farewell dinner Overnight in Santiago |
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| Transfer to the Santiago Airport. |
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