The Finisterre Way was followed by pilgrims who, upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, decided to extend their journey to Finisterre or Muxia.
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In addition to the experience of completing the Way of Santiago, there is also the opportunity to enjoy true gems along the route. Both in terms of nature and architecture, many of them will leave you amazed.
In the case of the Way to Finisterre and Muxia, this is no different. On the contrary, natural beauties are everywhere. Remember that this route is practically along the coast, so maritime landscapes are constant companions.
Unlike the rest of the available routes and the well-known and popular Way of Santiago from Sarria, here the starting point is the city of Santiago de Compostela, with the final destination being Cape Finisterre.
However, what many do not know is that millions of pilgrims have traversed it since the Middle Ages. As you may know, it was the last known stretch of land. Many nicknamed it as the end of the world, hence its name: Finis terrae.
Here are the five most important monuments of this Jacobean route:
Built over the Aguapesada River, this structure is also known as Rego dos Pasos. In the case of the tributary, it is part of the Ames or Covas valley. It ends at A Condomiña de Bertamiráns, where it joins the Sar River.
The structure we know today was built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. However, as Aguapesada was an important road junction, there probably was an earlier construction, according to some vestiges.
It is a stone bridge designed with a lowered semicircular arch and two overflow channels. Its roadway was made from large granite stone slabs with a volume profile. Additionally, its parapets are also made of stone.
One of its main characteristics is the strange position it is in. In reality, it does not follow the historical route of the Way to Finisterre and Muxia, which should descend from O Lombao parallel to the current one. However, it disappeared as the plots grew.
Next to the bridge is an old mill powered by the water of the same river. According to documents found, it has been here since the mid-18th century.
Mazaricos is a municipality in the province of La Coruña with a wide and very rich historical heritage, such as the case of San Juan Church. It is located near the river.
Although not particularly striking at first glance, it is noteworthy for its historical past. This area, due to its location, has a strong Catholic devotion. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, a series of chapels were built, such as San Juan.
It is octagonal in shape and has a main chapel in Gothic style, as well as a fairly slender Baroque-style tower.
In 2009, the complex underwent a profound rehabilitation. During this process, workers discovered the remains of the ancient temple that once stood in this area in the basement. According to studies, this construction dates back to the 9th century.
The Port of Corcubión enjoys a strategic geographical location. In the past, it was a fixed stop for expeditions heading both to the Mediterranean and to Northern Europe.
In fact, this inlet was used on hundreds of occasions to carry out different raiding incursions in neighboring towns. Therefore, defensive solutions became necessary.
It was then, in the 17th century, that the construction of three fortresses began: Cardenal Castle in Corcubión, Del Príncipe in Cee, and finally San Carlos in Fisterra.
In the case of the Cardenal Castle, construction began in 1742 under the direction of Lana Ferrieri. The project was completed by Carlos Lemaur and Francisco Llovet. Alongside the Prince’s Castle, which is practically opposite, they formed a powerful defense of the estuary, based on crossfire.
The garrison was composed of 12 mounted cannons, as well as a permanent establishment of 96 men.
Although it achieved its goal at the time, which was to protect the entrance of the estuary, it fell into complete abandonment over time, remaining so for at least two centuries. In 1956, the local administration decided to put it up for sale, and since then it has remained in private hands.
The San Carlos Castle is a must-visit stop that stands out from a distance. It is quite a unique building. Firstly, it has an irregular shape. It was built on rocky terrain, so it had to be adapted.
It was constructed around 1757 under the direction of the renowned engineers of the time: Demaur and Exaccha. It was part, as we have already mentioned, of a defensive plan for the Corcubión estuary, although initially only the terrain excavation, foundations, and a certain section of the wall were completed for this project.
It took 10 years of work, which were interrupted several times. Finally, under a royal decree, Carlos III ordered its completion. It had three different fronts, as well as an interior nave, powder magazine, and barracks. Years later, the central nave was practically completely renovated.
During the War of Independence, it was set on fire and practically destroyed after an assault by French troops. Some years later, it was finally restored and regained its original shine and beauty.
If you’re looking to do the organized Camino de Santiago, you’ll surely know this point. It’s undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of this route.
It is the lighthouse that is the westernmost point of the entire European continent. It was built in 1853, at 138 meters above sea level, with the intention of providing protection on one of the most dangerous coasts.
Apart from the lighthouse keeper’s house, the complex also includes a small square that pays homage to the well-known General San Martín.
It has an octagonal masonry base tower 17 meters high. The light, of course, is the protagonist, located at 143 meters above sea level. It has a range that exceeds 23 nautical miles. In 1888, as a result of the heavy fog in the area, it was decided to add a lantern.
However, despite this, shipwrecks in this area were always constant, some much more tragic than others.
