Are you going on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela? Depending on your itinerary, here are some ideas of cities where to stay along this pilgrimage!
A journey now more cultural and spiritual than religious, the pilgrimage to Compostela has been traveled since the 9th century and is a hiking trail that attracts more than 200,000 walkers and pilgrims each year. Catholic pilgrimage whose objective is to reach the tomb of the apostle Saint James the Greater in the crypt of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain), it is an old sacred way of over 1,200 years.
Do you wish, for religious, cultural or sporting reasons, to take part of this path? But where to sleep along the Camino Francés (“French path”, name given to the path crossing Spain from France, concentrating 2/3 of the walkers)? The town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is often considered a starting point for hikers. For you who have chosen to make this spiritual journey for your holidays, here, on the Spanish side, is where to sleep along the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela!
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Located in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a town classified “Most Beautiful Villages of France” since 2016, on the foothills of the Pyrenees. For your first stop, be sure to see the Citadel of Mendiguren, the ramparts of the upper town, and the Porte Arrankuntzea (or Porte Saint-Jacques ), or the Bishops’ Prison. In the old town, take a look at the rue de la Citadelle – its pink sandstone facades, some houses dating from the 16th century, the bridge and the Porte Notre-Dame or the church of the Assumption-of-the- Virgin.
Roncesvalles (Roncesvalles)
It is better to choose to sleep in Roncesvalles if your feet and calves are not seasoned enough to continue the hike.
This stage is on the Spanish side, about thirty kilometers from your first stage. There are many hotels to stay in Roncesvalles (compared to the size of the municipality), in order to recharge the batteries for the following days of walking. Roncesvalles is home to an interesting historical and cultural heritage to discover, including the Pilgrims’ Cross, the Collegiate Museum, the Santiago Chapel or Roland’s Table.
Pamplona
Pamplona – Pamplona – could be your fourth or fifth day of walking.
Capital of Navarre, it is home to a population of 197,989 and is home to many historical monuments to visit. Are you planning to find a place to sleep in Pamplona? Take the opportunity to discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Pamplona or the Church of Saint Nicholas if you like religious buildings. In the city center there are many hotels to stay between Avenida Conde Oliveto and the banks of the Arga.
Logrono
Staying in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, will allow both to find an urban life as well as a green setting in which to stroll: Logroño is crossed by the Ebro, the most powerful river of the Spanish rivers, and has a large amount of green space.
In addition to this, the city concentrates a large-scale architectural, historical, cultural and religious heritage: the Santa Maria la Redonda cathedral, the bridge and the city center prove it in themselves. The Porte del Revellín is a vestige still standing of the old medieval fortifications of the city.
Burgos
Why choose to stay in Burgos ? Because it’s about half way through.
If you continue to Santiago de Compostela, save a night or two to visit Burgos, the cradle of Old Castile. Visit the Santa Maria cathedral – in Gothic style, built between 1221 and the 15th century, the old town via the Santa Maria bridge. Enjoy the cafes, terraces and gardens of the Paseo del Espolón esplanade, a pleasant area to sleep in Burgos, lively day and night.
Leon
Tthe city of León, 125,317 inhabitants (2017), is a common stage of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela where pilgrims found lodging and covered at the Monastery of San Marcos.
To see in León: the cathedral, the Saint-Isidore basilica, the San Marcos hostel, the Guzmanes palace. Night owls will love staying in León’s Wet Quarter ( Barrio Húmedo ), a party zone. The city also receives the processions of Holy Week (preceding Easter).
Santiago de Compostela
Have you finally arrived at the end of the pilgrimage, after about a month of walking and a 1,500 kilometer journey? Santiago de Compostela – Santiago de Compostela – has 95,671 inhabitants and is the culmination of the pilgrimage, to the cathedral – built between 1098 and 1750 in Romanesque and Baroque styles, where pilgrims have honored the tomb since the 9th century by Jacques de Zebedee.
The old town is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has many buildings, squares and alleys that are essential to visit. Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela allows you to travel through time, between tradition, spirituality and modernity.