Located between the cities of Palencia and León, the charming town of Sahagún It stands like a treasure on the route of the Camino de Santiago. With its cobbled streets, historical monuments and deep connection with Jacobean tradition, it invites pilgrims to immerse themselves in a unique experience.
From the imposing Saint Benedict Monastery up to the picturesque Canto Bridge, each corner tells a story that is intertwined with the rich heritage of the Camino de Santiago. This is undoubtedly a connection point between the medieval past and modernity, where spirituality and history converge to enrich the journey of each pilgrim.
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The Camino de Santiago through Sahagún
Sahagún stands like a lighthouse in the landscape of the Camino de Santiago, and marks a crucial milestone on the route connecting Saint Jean Pied de Port with Santiago de Compostela. This charming municipality in León has played a fundamental role in the development of the French Way, not only as a geographical point, but as a center of deep spiritual significance. Whether you make the journey on your own or hire one travel company for the Camino de Santiago, Sahagún is a must-see on your pilgrimage to Compostela.
This destination is a living testimony of the symbiosis between historical development and medieval pilgrimages. As one of the most important towns in the León region, Sahagún marks the equator of the French Way.
Beyond the cultural wealth of all the cities, towns and regions that you will find on the French Way, you may also be interested in knowing other pilgrimage routes to Compostela:
- El Northern Way, along the Cantabrian coast from East to West.
- El Portuguese Way of the Coast, from Porto, passing through Viana do Castelo and Vigo.
- El Portuguese Way of Tui, which you can explore in about 8 days.
Tour planning
Begin the journey in the Plaza Mayor, with the imposing Church of San Lorenzo, of the XII century, is an approach to the fusion between the past and present of Sahagún. He old moorish neighborhood, where this architectural gem is located, also houses the Museum of Holy Week, adding an additional layer of cultural meaning.
The exploration can continue with a visit to the Church of San Tirso, the ruins of Saint Benedict Monastery and Chapel of San Mancio. For lovers of nature and history, the Puente Canto is presented as a monumental entrance to Sahagún from where you can trace various hiking routes that connect the French and Madrid Caminos.
In addition, the tour is enriched with the visit to the hermitage of the Virgin of the Bridge and Sanctuary of the Pilgrim, dated in thirteenth century and adorned with spectacular plasterwork. These sites not only offer a spiritual break, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the documentation of the Camino de Santiago at the Camino de Santiago Documentation Center.
Many pilgrims opt for a shorter route and make the road to Santiago de Compostela from Sarria, in the province of Lugo. The truth is that if you have the time and the physical fitness, starting in Sahagún is a much more enriching adventure, because it allows you to get to know the geography of León, including its capital, and contemplate its architectural and cultural wealth.
Monuments that tell stories
The itinerary through Sahagún reveals monuments that tell the history of the place. Whether you are planning to do the bike path or, as is more traditional, on foot, this city has countless places to reveal to you.
The Church of San Tirso is one of the first Romanesque-Mudejar churches in Spain, which captivates with its high tower. The columns at the head, converted into brick pilasters, tell the evolution of architecture over time.
This place, now transformed into a small museum of sacred art, offers visitors an exhibition of models that detail the emblematic monuments of Sahagún.
Located on the outskirts of Sahagún, the Convent of San Francisco rises like a architectural treasure and spiritual. The uniqueness of its architectural features, with a single nave divided into five sections and three side chapels, attracts the attention of visitors.
Furthermore, legends such as the vision of the Divine Pilgrim by a walker or the visit of Francis of Assisi who miraculously revived a dry cherry tree, surround the convent in an aura of mysticism.
El Saint Benedict Monastery, with its origins dating back to year 904 , played a vital role during the Middle Ages.
Although time and historical vicissitudes have left their mark, the ruins that persist, such as the Chapel of San Mancio and the Clock Tower, tell the story of a glorious past. Also, the Arch of Saint Benedict, is presented as a triumphal arch that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich architectural and spiritual heritage of the monastery.
El Canto Bridge It stands majestically over the Cea River in Sahagún and not only represents a work of engineering, but also a crucial point on the Camino de Santiago.
This bridge is considered the most important work of civil architecture in Sahagún. Its function transcends that of a simple crossing over the waters; It is the gateway to Sahagún from the old national highway N-120 towards León and marks the crossroads between the Camino Frances and the Camino de Madrid.
Tradition and modernity
Walking through the streets of Sahagún is not only a journey through time through ancient monuments, but also an artistic experience. about one twenty colorful murals They adorn the streets, each telling a unique story.
From representations of traditional folklore to tributes to the Camino de Santiago, these murals fuse tradition with the contemporary. They offer pilgrims a visual experience that complements the historical richness of Sahagún.
