Stage 27: Triacastela – Sarria Distance: 18.5km
Triacastela
Walk through Triacastela and on leaving the town you come to a junction. You have a choice of two routes to Sarria.
Alternative Route
This route is shorter and stays on the main road for less than 2km at which point take a left along the road into Balsa, passing the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
Continue on the path up through woods along the valley of the Río Valdeoscuro until you come back to the road where there is a fountain and large scallop shell.
Carry on along the road which climbs steeply into San Xil. From here continue along the Alto do Riocabo, which offer great views of the surrounding Galician hills, into Montán and the Iglesia de Santa María.
The path now leads through Furela and into the small hamlet of Pintín
Pintín
From Pintín proceed along the path into Calvor
Calvor
A little further along the road you will come to Aguiada where the path joins up with the recommended route.
Recommended Route
Turn left at other side of Triacastela and follow the road down along the Río Oribio and turn right to walk into the village of San Cristovo do Real.
Cross over the river and onto an oak and chestnut tree lined track which leads to a road at Renche where you’ll find a bar if you feel like having a rest.
Head through Renche back onto the track which leads through a tunnel before continuing down into Samos
Samos
The history of the Samos is closely linked to that of the monastery.
The Monasterio de Samos, built on the banks of the river Oribio, was the site of a community of hermits who gradually built the monastery in the 5th and 6th century.
The monastery, which has been Benedictine since the 10th century, is a combination of styles with its 12th century Romanesque doorway, 16th century Gothic cloister and Baroque altar.
During the war with Napoleon in the early 19th century, the monastery was used as a military hospital.
The monastery was almost burnt to the ground by fire at the beginning of the 20th century, fortunately it was rebuilt and visitors can still stroll through the cloisters, one of which is named after Padre Benito Feijóo and other is called Nereidas.
Padre Benito Feijóo, a native of Ourense who died in the 18th century and his memory forms part of the history of Galicia, lived and taught in Samos.
Leave Samos along the main road past a small chapel in Teixos before passing through Foxos and Teiguin.
It is possible to continue on along the road into Sarria but for the recommended route take a right a couple of kilometres after Samos.
Follow the path along the river valley passing through small hamlets and farms before crossing a small stream and up to Aguiada where the two paths join.
Take the track along the road through San Mamed del Camino
San Mamed del Camino
Proceed along the track passing the campsite, which rents tents and has bar & restaurant facilities (Tel: (0034) 982 53 54 67)
Continue on until you reach Vigo de Sarria
Vigo de Sarria
Carry on past the tourist office until you reach the Puente Ribeira over the Río Sarria. Turn right on the other side of the bridge and climb the Escalinata Maior, granite steps, into the Rúa Maior
Sarria
Sarria was founded by the last king of León, King Alfonso IX, in the 13th century. He died here in 1230 whilst on a pilgrimage to Santiago.
The town went on to be one of the major points along the Camino de Santiago boasting several churches, monasteries and chapels as well as seven pilgrim hospitals.
At the entrance of the town is the 13th century Convento de la Magdalena which was founded as a hostel by two Italian pilgrims and is now home to the Order of Mercedarians.
The 13th century Gothic Iglesia de San Salvador with it’s ornate door stands next to the County Court building which until the mid 19th century was a pilgrim hospital.
The Rúa Maior, which runs through the centre of the old town, is lined with grand 18th century houses and leads all the way up to the site of the ruined castle, Fortaleza de Sarria.
Only the fortress tower is still preserved.
A cattle and food market is help here on the 6th, 20th and 27th of the month.
Enjoyed this article?
WebsiteWordPress themes!
