{"id":117916,"date":"2025-02-28T18:53:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T18:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/?p=117916"},"modified":"2025-02-28T19:06:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T19:06:48","slug":"camino-del-salvador-the-prelude-to-the-primitive-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/salvadors-way-route-from-leon-to-oviedo\/","title":{"rendered":"Camino del Salvador, the prelude to the Primitive Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Although less popular, the <\/span>Camino del Salvador<\/b> is one of the most iconic routes within the network of Camino de Santiago paths. It connects two key points in the history of Christianity in Spain, <\/span>Le\u00f3n and Oviedo<\/b>, making this journey both historically and religiously significant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the Middle Ages, thousands of pilgrims have travelled this route in search of a <\/span>deeper spiritual connection<\/b>, passing through incredibly beautiful mountainous landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

This route is not only known for its devotion, but also as the <\/span>perfect precursor to the Camino Primitivo<\/b>, one of the first routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Want to know more? Let\u2019s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is the Camino del Salvador?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>Camino del Salvador<\/b> is a route that connects the cities of <\/span>Le\u00f3n<\/b> and <\/span>Oviedo<\/b>. It is a journey full of history, where pilgrims face mountainous landscapes and ancient religious traditions. For centuries, this path has been a chosen route for many devout pilgrims, acting as a link between more extensive paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, those looking to better organise this pilgrimage can rely on <\/span>Santiago de Compostela agencies<\/b><\/a>, which offer guide services and assistance at various stages of the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is its connection with the Camino Primitivo?<\/b><\/h3>\n

This route has the particularity that it <\/span>ends where the Camino Primitivo begins<\/b>. It takes between 5-9 stages, depending on the pilgrim’s physical condition and preferences, serving as a <\/span>training ground<\/b> for what lies ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What makes the Camino del Salvador different from other Camino de Santiago routes?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Unlike other more popular routes, such as the <\/span>Camino de Santiago Ourense<\/b><\/a>, which crosses Galicia with a gentler profile and less challenging terrain, it runs through the <\/span>Cantabrian Mountains<\/b>. In this case, you will encounter demanding ascents and high mountain landscapes that make it a unique experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another aspect that distinguishes it is its <\/span>symbolic and religious significance<\/b>. While routes like the <\/span>Camino de Santiago from Lugo<\/b><\/a> follow historical paths with a strong medieval legacy, the Camino del Salvador originated due to devotion to the <\/span>Cathedral of San Salvador in Oviedo<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, in terms of landscape, it is completely different from alternatives like the <\/span>Camino del Norte Irun Bilbao<\/b><\/a>. Here, the route <\/span>runs alongside the Cantabrian Sea<\/b>, with coastal views and a milder climate. In contrast, the Camino del Salvador offers a <\/span>pure mountain environment<\/b>, with beech and oak forests, mountain trails, and the imposing climb to the <\/span>Puerto de Pajares<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Itinerary of the Camino del Salvador in 5 stages<\/b><\/h2>\n

The actual itinerary of the Camino del Salvador is <\/span>divided into five stages,<\/b> though the experience can be extended to more days depending on personal pace and preparation,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stage 1: From Le\u00f3n to La Robla<\/b><\/h3>\n

This first stage covers an approximate distance of <\/span>27 km<\/b> and traverses terrain with <\/span>moderate elevation changes<\/b>, making it a manageable day for most pilgrims.<\/span><\/p>\n

The route starts at the <\/span>Cathedral of Le\u00f3n<\/b>, one of the most impressive Gothic temples in Spain. From here, it heads into the Le\u00f3n province, passing through locations like <\/span>Puente Castro<\/b>, where you can see remains of medieval settlements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along the way, pilgrims pass through <\/span>Cabanillas and La Seca<\/b>, areas with a strong agricultural tradition. The route runs parallel to the <\/span>Bernesga River<\/b>, providing tree-lined areas that offer some shade on hot days. The journey ends in <\/span>La Robla<\/b>, marking the end of the first day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stage 2: From La Robla to Poladura de la Tercia<\/b><\/h3>\n

The second stage is a shorter stretch, about <\/span>23 km<\/b>, but with a <\/span>considerable ascent<\/b>, making it a physically demanding day.<\/span><\/p>\n

From La Robla, the path enters a more rural environment, passing through small villages like <\/span>Nocedo de Gord\u00f3n and Buiza<\/b>, where pilgrims can admire ancient churches and mountain landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ascent begins as you reach Buiza, where the path enters the <\/span>Forcadas de San Ant\u00f3n<\/b>, a challenging stretch that crosses meadows and narrow trails. During this part of the journey, it\u2019s common to see horses and cows grazing, along with stunning views of the Cantabrian Mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day finishes at <\/span>Poladura de la Tercia<\/b>, a small village with limited services.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stage 3: From Poladura de la Tercia to Pajares<\/b><\/h3>\n

This is <\/span>the highlight stage of the Camino del Salvador<\/b>, with a distance of approximately <\/span>15 km<\/b>, but with a high mountain route that <\/span>requires considerable effort<\/b>. From Poladura, pilgrims ascend towards <\/span>El Alto de la Gobia<\/b>, crossing rocky paths and alpine meadows. As the altitude increases, panoramic views of the Le\u00f3n and Asturias mountains unfold.<\/span><\/p>\n

The route continues through <\/span>Canto de la Tusa<\/b> and descends to <\/span>Arbas del Puerto<\/b>, where the <\/span>Colegiata de Santa Mar\u00eda de Arbas<\/b>, a beautiful Romanesque temple from the 12th century, stands.<\/span><\/p>\n

After one final push, pilgrims reach the <\/span>Puerto de Pajares<\/b>, a landmark mountain pass marking the entry to Asturias. From here, the descent to Pajares is steep and <\/span>requires caution<\/b>, especially on rainy or snowy days.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stage 4: From Pajares to Pola de Lena<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

With a distance of <\/span>25 km<\/b>, this stage is <\/span>less demanding than the previous one<\/b>, but still has some ascents and descents that can be challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Pajares, the path continues through rural paths and beech and oak forests, gently descending towards <\/span>San Miguel del R\u00edo and Campomanes<\/b>. Here, you\u2019ll begin to see traditional Asturian constructions, like <\/span>h\u00f3rreos and stone houses<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the highlights of this stage is the passage through <\/span>La Cobertoria<\/b>, where you get breathtaking views of the <\/span>Valle de Lena<\/b>. Finally, the route reaches <\/span>Pola de Lena<\/b>, a town with a wider range of services, including supermarkets, pharmacies, and comfortable accommodations.<\/span>
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

The final stage is <\/span>32 km<\/b> long, although many pilgrims choose to split it into two days to make it more manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n

The route passes through towns such as <\/span>Mieres del Camino<\/b>, one of the largest on the route, with a rich mining history. Here, pilgrims can visit the <\/span>Church of San Juan<\/b> or sample the local cuisine, with dishes such as <\/span>Asturian pote<\/b> and <\/span>natural cider<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the journey progresses, pilgrims pass through <\/span>Olloniego<\/b>, a village with a medieval bridge that once was a key point on trade routes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, after a final ascent, the path descends into <\/span>Oviedo<\/b>, where arriving at the <\/span>Cathedral of San Salvador<\/b> marks the end of the Camino del Salvador. This cathedral houses the famous <\/span>Holy Shroud<\/b>, a relic venerated by pilgrims since the Middle Ages.<\/span><\/p>\n

With this final stage, you can choose to continue your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela via the Camino Primitivo or explore the city of Oviedo in more depth before continuing your journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Landmarks on the Camino del Salvador<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some of the highlights along the route include:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Le\u00f3n Cathedral<\/b>: the starting point, with its stunning Gothic architecture and majestic stained glass windows.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    • Puerto de Pajares<\/b>: a challenge for the pilgrim, but also a source of unforgettable landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      • Cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo<\/b>: the final destination of this route, it houses a highly venerated relic in the Jacobean world.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        • Mieres del Camino and Pola de Lena<\/b>: towns known for their history, cuisine, and cultural offerings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Nature and landscapes: beauty among the mountains<\/b><\/h3>\n

          During the journey, pilgrims cross the <\/span>Cantabrian Mountains<\/b>, with mountains, beech and oak forests, as well as stunning valleys. The ascent to Puerto de Pajares is one of the most striking moments of the route, where physical effort is rewarded with panoramic views.<\/span><\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Practical tips for pilgrims<\/b><\/h2>\n

          Here are some tips to make the most of the <\/span>Camino del Salvador<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Physical preparation<\/b>: the route is of medium-high difficulty, so prior training is recommended.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            • Proper equipment<\/b>: good hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and a light backpack are essential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              • Accommodation and services<\/b>: there are pilgrim hostels and basic services along the route in the main towns.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                It is important to plan each stage, keeping in mind the more demanding sections, especially in mountainous areas like Puerto de Pajares. Many pilgrims who have completed the Camino del Salvador describe how this experience allowed them to disconnect from the daily grind and reflect on their personal goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Difficult stages, such as crossing Puerto de Pajares, are often described as moments of transformation and overcoming challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                Spiritual connection, cultural and gastronomic aspects of the route<\/b><\/h2>\n

                The <\/span>Camino del Salvador<\/b> is considered a <\/span>spiritual and physical preparation<\/b> for those who continue on the <\/span>Camino Primitivo<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                The local cuisine is another attraction. Visitors can taste traditional dishes such as <\/span>cachopo<\/b>, <\/span>fabes with clams<\/b>, and the famous <\/span>Asturian cider<\/b>. Additionally, local festivals in Mieres and Oviedo enhance the cultural experience of the pilgrim.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Connecting Le\u00f3n and Oviedo historically, this route becomes an ideal option for those seeking an authentic path, full of history and faith. <\/span>Ready to begin your adventure?<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Although less popular, the Camino del Salvador is one of the most iconic routes within the network of Camino de Santiago paths. It connects two key points in the history of Christianity in Spain, Le\u00f3n and Oviedo, making this journey both historically and religiously significant. Since the Middle Ages, thousands of pilgrims have travelled this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":117887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[538,536,534],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-historia-en","category-camino-a-pie-en","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}