If you’re planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, there is one treasure you cannot miss: Castrojeriz. This little corner of Burgos is much more than just a stop on your journey, it’s an experience that will add magic to your pilgrimage. Have you already contacted one of the agencies organising the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Well, get ready, as they will most likely have a visit to this village planned for you.
In the midst of your journey, Castrojeriz presents itself as a special chapter, a palette of history and landscapes that will leave you breathless. From its centuries-old walls to the mysterious Castle that crowns the town, every corner tells a story that intertwines with yours.
Join us on this journey through the unique essence that makes this a must-visit stop on your pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago.
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The splendour of its history
Did you know that Castrojeriz has roots that date back to the Middle Ages? Walking through its streets is like stepping on centuries of history that whisper with every step. The walls surrounding the town are like silent guardians of a time when every stone told a tale. They invite you to get lost in their nooks and crannies, uncovering secrets that only the wind seems to know.
In the heart of Castrojeriz, history unfolds like an ancient scroll. The layout of its cobbled streets is a canvas that tells the deep connection between this town and the Camino de Santiago. Since the 11th century, it has been a meeting point for pilgrims who, like you, seek more than just a destination.
The imposing walls, built in medieval times, not only protected the town but also embraced the travellers who ventured within. Each stone in its ancient structures bears the mark of thousands of pilgrims who have left their trace over the centuries.
Exploring Castrojeriz is like opening a treasure chest waiting to be discovered around every corner. Among the most notable are:
- The Star Viewpoint: Imagine walking along a path that leads you to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of the Camino. The Castrojeriz Castle offers a panoramic view that will take your breath away. Watch the vast horizon as the sun sets, and the stars take their turn to light up your path.
- The Pilgrims’ Hospital: Castrojeriz has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of countless pilgrims over the centuries. The Pilgrims’ Hospital, operational since 2002 with its sober yet welcoming architecture, is a reminder of the solidarity that flows through the Camino. Stop, breathe, and soak up the energy this place has to offer.
- Fitero Bridge: In reality, it is located 8 kilometres from the town. Crossing the Pisuerga River has never been so picturesque. The Fitero Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval engineering, is the perfect place to reflect on your journey. Feel the breeze, listen to the murmur of the water, and let yourself be carried away by the serenity that only the Camino can offer.
- San Juan Church: Its Gothic arches and serene interior invite you to pause and contemplate. Breathe deeply and absorb the serenity that emanates from this place, where faith and history intertwine in every architectural detail.
- San Antón Monastery: An ancient architectural gem, it is an emblem of serenity on the Camino. Its ruins, embraced by nature, tell stories of a vibrant spiritual past. A place where silence speaks and the Gothic arches rise majestically to invite you to a moment of inner peace.
- Iacobeus: The heart of the Camino de Santiago, it is a meeting point full of life and tradition. Here, pilgrims share experiences and hopes, weaving a network of stories and dreams. Its welcoming, energetic atmosphere is a refuge for the traveler’s soul.
- Santa María del Manzano Church: In Santa María del Manzano Church, art and devotion intertwine, creating an unrivalled space of beauty. Its walls treasure centuries of faith, with an impressive altarpiece that captivates both the gaze and the heart. A haven of peace that invites reflection and contemplation.
- Santo Domingo Church: Santo Domingo Church is a spiritual oasis on the Camino. Its open doors welcome pilgrims and visitors, offering a moment of respite during the journey. Its interior, full of art and history, is a living testimony to the tradition and culture that enrich the Camino de Santiago.
What every pilgrim should know
Before embarking on your pilgrimage towards the majesty of Castrojeriz and beyond, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your journey as rewarding as it is enriching.
- Before packing your backpack, remember that every gram counts. Go for the essentials: comfortable clothes, sturdy footwear, and a good hat to protect yourself from the sun. The Camino will teach you to appreciate simplicity.
- Although spontaneity has its charm, planning the stages of your Camino will allow you to enjoy every step without worry. Familiarise yourself with the distances between hostels, points of interest, and make sure you have time for contemplation.
- The sun and the walk can be demanding, so carry a water bottle with you. Stay hydrated, as water not only nourishes your body but also refreshes your spirit during the journey.
- Every pilgrim has their own pace. Don’t rush, let each day flow naturally. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
- Embrace the opportunities to share experiences with other pilgrims. Every encounter is a lesson, and every shared story will enrich you.
- Prepare to discover more about yourself as you progress. Introspection and reflection are inseparable companions on this journey.
Pilgrimage on other routes
If due to time or physical limitations, starting the pilgrimage in Castilla y León is not possible, you might be interested to know that there is a shorter alternative: the journey from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which can be completed in about 8 days. Sarria is a beautiful town in the province of Lugo, and one of the milestones on the Camino Francés to Santiago.
You might also be interested in learning about the stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese. In fact, you have two alternatives: the one starting from Porto (Portugal), heading north, which takes about two weeks, and the Camino de Santiago from Tui, which starts in that town in Pontevedra, on the Miño River, a shorter route that can be done in about 8 days.
And of course, according to many pilgrims who have completed it, the most demanding sections are the stages of the Camino del Norte, which run along the coasts of the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias.
