Stage 17: Terradillos de los Templarios – Calzadilla & El Burgo Ranero Distance: 26.5km
Terradillos de los Templarios
Take the road out of Terradillo de los Templarios and carry on across the arroyo Templarios and after a few kilometres you’ll reach the small village of Moratinos
Moratinos
Here you’ll find a rest area and fountain beside the 16th century Iglesia Parroquial Santo Tomás de Aquino
Continue on through the village on to the next village of San Nicolás del Real Camino
San Nicolás del Real Camino
San Nicolás del Real Camino is an old Knights Templar village where you’ll find the with its ornate Baroque altar.
Head out of the village and continue on until you come to a sign reading ‘Senda de Peregrinos’ that points to the right along the road. It’s recommended that you go right onto a field path that runs along the river. The two routes meet at the 12th century Mudéjar style Ermita de la Virgen del Puente next to a Roman bridge.
Carry on towards Sahagún on the track along the main road. After passing the town’s industrial estate you’ll take a left after passing the white grain silos. Continue on passing the town’s bullring, take the crossing over the rail tracks into Sahagún
Sahagún
It was here that San Facundo was martyred and a monastery, Abadia de San Benito el Real de Sahagún, was built in his name in the 9th century. The town of Sahagún came about as a result and is allegedly named after San Fagun, which is derived from San Facundo.
The monastery became very important during the reign of Alfonso III de Asturias and more so during the reign of Alfonso VI de Castilla who bestowed many privileges to the monastery and town in return for the help he received from the monastery during his fight with his brother Sancho III. The town became very wealthy and the monastery very powerful as a result.
The monastery was very important on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and in the 14th century housed a University. In the 19th century, the Benedictine monastery was disbanded.
Only the 12th century Capilla de San Mancio, the 17th century and the 19th century Torre del Reloj remain.
In the Plaza San Lorenzo you’ll find the 13th century Romanesque Gothic Iglesia de San Lorenzo built in the Mudéjar style as is the 12th century Iglesia de San Tirso in the Plaza de San Tirso.
Also worth a visit is the Convento de Santa Clara also built in the Mudéjar style with it’s adjoining museum which houses a statue of the Nuestra Señora la Peregrina.
Tourist Office, Calle del Arco, 87. Tel. +34 987782117
Email: otsahagun@hotmail.com
Leave Sahagún through the old town and past the museun and the Arco de San Benito.
Cross the Río Cea via the Puente Canto, which was originally built by the Romans and restored in the 11th century by Alfonso VI.
The poplar grove next to the Camping Pedro Ponce marks the spot of the Legend of the Flowering Lances when it is said the lances of Charlemagne’s troops turned into saplings over night.
After this event, Charlemagne went on to lose over 40,000 troops in the battle against the Moors.
After a few more kilometres the village of Calzada del Coto comes into view. You’ll come to a junction and it is here that the route splits.
Alternative Route
Keep straight on for the Real Camino Francés, and follow the path alongside the road, passing the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Perales before coming to Bercianos del Real Camino
Bercianos del Real Camino
Head through the village onto the path on the other side and continues along the road to El Burgo Ranero
El Burgo Ranero
Recommended Route
The original path, Calzada de los Peregrinos offer a more pleasant walk. Cross the bridge and head into Calzada del Coto
Calzada del Coto
Here you’ll find a fountain, shop, restaurant and bar .
Continue on though the village on the main street past the Iglesia de San Esteban . Follow the track to the railway bridge, cross over and continue on the track passing nothing but a few sheep on the way into to Calzadilla de los Hermanillos
Calzadilla de los Hermanillos
Here you’ll find the Iglesia de San Bartholomé with it’s statue of the saint fighting the devil.
There’s also a small shop and a couple of nice bars.
The Comedor Via Trajana next to the albergue is highly recommended.
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