CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM LUGO TO SANTIAGO

STAGES FROM LUGO TO SAN ROMAN DE RETORTA AND MELIDE

We start with the incredible historic center of Lugo and its walls they will not leave you indifferent.

In San Román de Retorta, its small Romanesque-style church from the XNUMXth century stands out.

In Melide as a stage closing town we recommend the following places to visit:

> First of all, we cannot pass by without tasting its famous octopus, in any of its famous grocery stores. It also has a magnificent ethnographic museum, Terra de Melide, recently built and unique in the area.  Gastronomy on the French Way It is one of the most famous not only on the Camino de Santiago but also at the level of Spain as a whole.

> In turn we highlight the Melide Cruiser They say it dates from the 10th century and they say it may be the oldest in the entire Galician region. Next to this magnificent stone cross we find the Chapel of San Roque (Jewel of the Romanesque) and many have found it similar to the current €XNUMX bill. The ticket simply reflects an example of a Romanesque in the strict sense and is not associated with any specific monument (thus avoiding problems). At least if we can say that the arcades and columns of the door of this chapel in Melide show the purity and perfection of the Romanesque style.

> The Church of the Sancti Spiritus and the Romanesque temple of Santa María should be highlighted.

> In the vicinity of Melide we can also visit the pre-Romanesque Church of San Antoniño de Toques, located in a spectacular setting in the middle of a waterfall that runs along the side of the Church. The pre-Romanesque style church has a nave. Above the triumphal arch is a Romanesque carving of a Calvary dating from the XNUMXth century.

Already off the route of what to see on the Camino de Santiago Primitivo from Lugo but which is well worth a trip if we have time for it, in Sobrado dos Monxes, near Melide, is located The Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes, it is one of the main monasteries of medieval origin in the province of A Coruña and all of Galicia. It is believed that it dates from the XNUMXth century, since several writings have been found where it is mentioned. It has undergone numerous reforms from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth centuries.

Today the Church of the Monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes is preserved in good condition, as well as part of its monastic dependencies thanks to the work of the Benedictine monks who inhabit it. The Church dates from the XNUMXth century, in a baroque style. The spectacular façade with two slender towers stands out. Everything inside is worth admiring. The Monastery preserves three cloisters. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.

Arriving in Melide, we meet the pilgrims who make the route of the Road from Sarria to Santiago belonging to the variant of the French Way to, in a single route, head towards Santiago. From Monte do Gozo, at the gates of Santiago, we will enjoy the exceptional view of the Cathedral and the city of the Apostle.

STAGE FROM MELIDE TO ARZUA

In Boente, the Church of Santiago stands out, presided over by a carving of the Apostle from the XNUMXth century.

In Ribadixo do Baixo, after passing the bridge of medieval origin, the Ribadixo pilgrim hospital, the last historical space that remained open for pilgrims. In the Ribadixo recreational area we can stop along the way to refresh our feet in the river.

In Arzúa, the Church of Santiago stands out, with the Gothic Chapel of La Magdalena, belonging to a disappeared hospital. Along with a carballeira, the A Mota chapel also stands out.

And about 5 kilometers away, off the route of what to see on the Camino de Santiago Primitivo from Lugo, stands out the Pazo de Brandeso, where Valle-Inclan set part of his novel Sonata de otoño. The Pazo is privately owned and cannot be visited. It is a stately building with a chapel on its main façade.

STAGE FROM ARZUA TO PEDROUZO

Firstly, we highlight the Parish Church of San Verisimo, in the town of Ferreiros.

In Santa Irene we can visit the Chapel of the Saint, which gives its name to the town. Hermitage dedicated to this Portuguese Holy Martyr. It also highlights a baroque fountain that they say has healing properties for the skin.

We cannot miss the opportunity to taste the magnificent tetilla cheese from Arzúa. Since 1989, this handmade cheese, made from natural and whole cow's milk, has received the name of Producto Galego de Calidade. It is produced in all the municipalities of the Arzúa-Ulloa region: Arzúa, Curtis, Melide, O Pino, Santiso, Sobrado dos Monxes, Toques, Touro and Vilasantar (in the province of A Coruña) and Friol, Monterroso and Palas de Rei ( in the province of Lugo)

PEDROUZO-SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA STAGE

Before reaching Santiago, about 4 Kms approximately, the Monte de Gozo offers an incredible panoramic view of the city.

We finish our post of what to see on the Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela with the culmination in the city of Santiago de Compostela, where we find the most important monument on our entire route, the Cathedral of Santiago, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago.

It was consecrated in the year 1128 and is a good example of a pilgrimage church.

Romanesque in style, with later Renaissance and Baroque elements from the XNUMXth century. With a Romanesque Latin cross plan, it has three naves divided by semi-circular arches, tribune, transept and ambulatory.

Highlight, from Master Mateo, the Porch of Glory, the best sample of Spanish Romanesque.

As a tradition and finishing touch in our what to see and do on the Camino Primitivo from Lugo, any pilgrim who wants and can, can attend mass at 12 and 19.30 pm in the Cathedral. In it, with a bit of luck, you will be able to see the magnificent botafumeiro in action. * Year 2019 due to the works inside the Cathedral this mass will be held in other nearby churches. The Cathedral prepares its best finery for the next Holy Year 2021.

The entire old town is spectacular, it moves us without realizing medieval times. In  he is the market of supplies of Santiago. On the other hand you can also know the surroundings of Santiago and perform excursions organized by the Costa da Morte and Rias Baixas.

Another tradition is the embrace of the image of the Apostle Santiago and the visit to his tumba.

It is a must visit the museum of the same, as well as the visit to the covers of the Cathedral.

The Monastery of San Martín Pinario, in front of the Plaza de la Azabachería.

The Cover of the Parador de los Reyes Católicos, in the Plaza del Obradoiro, which was founded as pilgrims hospital.

The entire old town is spectacular, it takes us without realizing it to medieval times. In it you will find the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago, the Galician Pavilion in the San Lázaro neighborhood, the illustrious Galician Pantheon (next to the museum), As Animas Chapel, Praza de Cervantes, the Casa de la Troya Museum, etc. .

We indicate the different options of How to get to the Camino Frances starting in Lugo. Town that marks the minimum distance, if you do the Camino on foot, of 100 km to obtain the "La Compostela" certificate

Option 1: Private car and leave the vehicle parked in Lugo. You can park in the vicinity of the accommodation where you stay. It is a very safe and small town where to date there has been no security problem. Another option is to request private parking.

Option 2: Bus

> Route from Santiago to Lugo

- From Santiago de Compostela city or from its Airport, to Lugo you can travel with the bus company Freire.

> Route from Madrid to Lugo

- From Madrid to Lugo with the company Alsa, with frequent departures from Madrid's South Bus Station, and from Madrid Airport (Terminal 4)

Option 3: Plane

The closest airport to Lugo is Santiago de Compostela, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

From here there are two possibilities to get to Lugo:

- By bus, option previously seen.

- Private transfer with us: pick up at Santiago Airport and direct transfer to Sarria in approximately 1h 15 ′ Consult us for the service fee.