As I mentioned in a prior post, I started the Camino de Santiago around kilometer 110 in Sarria due to time constraints. However, the group that organized the trek, Trekking for Kids, knew from a prior trek that O Cebreiro was a town we could not missed. So on our way to start our Camino, we made a stop to see O Cebreiro in Lugo, Spain.
O Cebreiro is just 151 km away from Santiago. The yellow arrow indicates the way to Santiago for the pilgrims.
If you are already on the Camino, you will go one up to the most challenging uphills in all the Camino (not THE most, but one of the most from what I am told) to get to O Cebreiro. But based on what I saw, I would say you would be rewarded by arriving at O Cebreiro.
The town has a few souvenir shops and eateries: a good stop for a pilgrim!
O Cebreiro is known for its “pallozas” (huts). It is said they belie the pre-Roman history of the town.
The palloza architecture
Another example of the architecture typical of the town
Even the trash bins espouse the palloza architectural style!
O Cebreiro is also known for a miracle that happened there. The miracle happened in the early 14th century when a peasant struggled on a harsh winter day to get to the town to hear Mass and the Virgin Mary appeared during the consecration of the host and wine. Back in those days, the story of what happened traveled through Europe and even the Catholic Monarchs themselves, Ferdinand and Isabella, did a pilgrimage to the town.
Its current church, Santa María la Real, is not that old at all but it is built on ruins discovered in the 1960s of a pre-Romanesque church. The baptismal font does that from the 9th century so there is something really old in there 🙂
Looking into the church…
Close up of the altar
Side altar at the church
The church is simple and charming but definitely a great place for a wedding!
Wedding guests enjoying the town as a waiting room
The bride and groom’s ride! Awesome!
As we wrapped up our visit to get to Samos (where we would visit its famous and huge monastery), we saw where the Camino leaves town headed west towards Santiago de Compostela. It only made us more eager to get our show on the road at Sarria, our departure point. But first, Samos!
Pilgrims leaving O Cebreiro to continue their Camino… (Note the yellow arrow on the building.) Buen Camino!
