Image Alt

Blog

Welcome to O Pedrouzo

The French Way 31: from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela

For pilgrims who begin the Way of Saint James in Saint Jean Pied de Port, this is their thirty-first stage, the last of the Pilgrim’s Way. A route of nineteen kilometres, which from O Pedrouzo goes to Monte do Gozo and reaches the foot of the Cathedral of Santiago.

The day presents no difficulties and puts an end to the pilgrim’s journey. It is advisable to get up early to arrive early at the temple and not have to wait in long queues. The Pilgrim’s Mass is celebrated every day at midday and half-past seven in the evening.

O Pedrouzo

The town of O Pedrouzo is, together with Monte do Gozo, the last stop before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobean route skirts the village without crossing it. However, many pilgrims make a detour to rest here before finishing their journey. O Pedrouzo is of livestock farming origin and belongs to the parish of Arca. It is also the capital of the municipality of O Pino.

The parish church of Santa Eulalia de Arca is located in O Pedrouzo. It is a neoclassical temple with a very ornate interior. It is notable for its scallop-shaped altar, a symbol of the pilgrimage route. According to History, during the War of Independence, the Napoleonic troops on their way to Santiago took refuge in its atrium.

Tower of the church of Santa Eulalia Arca

Tower of the church of Santa Eulalia Arca

Every year, on the first Sunday in August, the town celebrates the Festa do Galo e Mostra Cabalar. An event in which a Celtic fair is organised with stalls selling craft products and exhibitions. There are also several musical performances and expositions with roosters and hens of the Piñeira breed.

On the way to Santiago de Compostela

The last stage of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela starts next to the public hostel in O Pedrouzo. After passing through the town hall, the pilgrim reaches some sports tracks and takes a dirt track that leads into a forest of eucalyptus trees.

The first village to be reached is San Antón, next to the river Brandelos. The route continues through a large oak grove along a track that leads to the Castro Amenal. It is the last significant enclave before reaching Santiago.

From this point, the pilgrim faces a steep slope that leads to Cimadevila. The climb continues for more than a kilometre and a half to the highest point and the road. A fence full of small crosses separates the road from the airport grounds.

After going around the fenced perimeter, the pilgrim enters San Paio, a village built around a stone temple. The Way resumes along a road that connects with another path that goes through pine and eucalyptus trees. A Esquipa and Lavacolla are left behind. After a bend, we come to the parish church of San Pelayo, which dates from 1840.

The national road soon reappears, and the route continues along the turn-off to Villamaior. A hundred metres further on, we cross the river Sionlla, and along an asphalted track, we begin an easy ascent to Villamaior. The next enclave you pass through is the San Marcos housing estate, an antechamber to Monte do Gozo.

The Way continues straight on until the hermitage of San Marcos. There it turns left to reach Monte do Gozo. From this elevation, pilgrims have the first great panoramic view of the city of Santiago de Compostela.

Monte do Gozo

Monte do Gozo. Photo: Galicia Turism

Further on, the pilgrim must cross the motorway and the tracks over a bridge that extends to the rúa San Lázaro. The pilgrim joins the rúa do Valiño and continues along Avenida de Lugo. Through where the Puerta do Camiño used to be, the pilgrim finally enters the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela.

After crossing Rúa das Casas Reais and Cervantes Square, the route continues along Rúa de Azabachería and reaches the Inmaculada Square. After passing the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, the pilgrim crosses the Arch of the Palace and arrives at the Obradoiro Square, where the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela rises imposingly.

Post a Comment

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit sed.

Follow us on