The Ebro Way

The Camino de Santiago, one of the oldest and most renowned Christian pilgrimages, has attracted millions of pilgrims over the centuries. This journey is not merely a physical trek to the tomb of the Apostle James in Compostela. It is a spiritual odyssey that allows pilgrims to reconnect with their faith and find a deeper meaning.

Throughout history, its network of paths has been a crucial link between peoples and cultures, influencing Europe’s history in religious, cultural, and economic aspects.

The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro is one of the many routes that form part of this network. It follows the course of the Ebro River from the Mediterranean to Logroño, where it joins the French Way. This route stands out for its historical significance. During the Middle Ages, it was an important route for pilgrims arriving at the port of Tortosa.

Today, this route allows pilgrims to enjoy diverse landscapes, from wetlands to vineyards, while exploring a rich cultural heritage that includes monuments, cathedrals, and churches.

History of the Camino Jacobeo del Ebro

The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro has its roots in antiquity when the Romans built roads along the Ebro River, thus facilitating the movement of people and goods. With the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle James in the 9th century, these ancient roads gradually transformed into pilgrimage routes.

The Camino de Santiago journey through the Ebro was once a quite significant route. For several decades, pilgrims from the Mediterranean and the eastern Iberian Peninsula began to use it to reach Santiago de Compostela.

During the Middle Ages, it was vital for the expansion of Christianity in the region. Furthermore, this route facilitated the flow of pilgrims, along with ideas, art, and culture. The path served as a conduit for the spread of the Christian faith, uniting different cultures and promoting a cultural and religious exchange that explains the evolution of Christianity in Spain.

In recent decades, this route has experienced a significant resurgence, reflecting a renewed interest in pilgrimage as a form of spiritual and cultural enrichment. This revival has attracted pilgrims from all over the world and has driven efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage along the route.

The Route and Main Stages of the Camino del Ebro

The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro begins in the city of Tortosa, in Tarragona, and follows the course of the Ebro River to the city of Logroño, where it connects with the French Way and where Mundiplus Starts working. This segment of the journey offers an alternative rich in history and natural landscapes.

Stages and Important Locations

For those interested in an organised French Camino de Santiago journey from Sarria, or who are looking for a guide to the French Way or the Portuguese Way, the stages of the Camino del Ebro can serve as an excellent introduction or complement. They provide a culturally and naturally enriching context before reaching the more travelled paths to Santiago.

These are the stages this journey offers:

• Tortosa to Xerta (13 km): this is a short stage that follows the river, passing through rural landscapes until reaching Xerta, a small village with a charming riverside setting.

• Xerta to Gandesa (27 km): continuing through the heart of Terra Alta, this stage takes pilgrims through vineyards to Gandesa, a key point in the history of the Battle of the Ebro during the Spanish Civil War.

• Gandesa to Fabara (30 km): this stage moves westward, passing through agricultural landscapes to Fabara, a village known for its Roman heritage.

• Fabara to Caspe (30 km): from Fabara, the route continues to Caspe, famous for its reservoir and as an important historical centre during the Middle Ages.

• Caspe to Escatrón (30 km): the path leaves Caspe and traverses more arid areas until reaching Escatrón, near the Rueda Monastery, located on the banks of the Ebro.

• Escatrón to Quinto (34 km): this long stage offers views of the gradually changing landscape as it approaches the province of Zaragoza, ending in Quinto.

• Quinto to El Burgo de Ebro (30 km): continuing along the banks of the Ebro, this stage ends in El Burgo de Ebro, a small village with a tranquil riverside environment.

• El Burgo de Ebro to Zaragoza (18 km): the shortest stage to the Aragonese capital, where the Basilica of El Pilar awaits as an important religious and cultural destination.

• Zaragoza to Alagón (29 km): leaving Zaragoza, the route heads north, passing through urban landscapes that gradually give way to more rural areas, ending in Alagón.

• Alagón to Gallur (21 km): this stage follows the Ebro further north, through agricultural fields, until reaching Gallur.

• Gallur to Tudela (36 km): a longer stretch that takes pilgrims into Navarra, ending in Tudela, known for its blend of Moorish, Jewish, and Christian heritage.

• Tudela to Alfaro (24 km): from Tudela, the route heads into La Rioja, ending in Alfaro, where the famous collegiate church with its storks can be visited.

• Alfaro to Calahorra (25 km): the route progresses through the wine region of La Rioja to Calahorra, a city with a rich Roman heritage.

• Calahorra to Alcanadre (20 km): a shorter stage that passes through small villages and fields to Alcanadre.

• Alcanadre to Logroño (32 km): the final stage of the Camino del Ebro concludes in Logroño, where you will follow the French Way.

Recommendations of Notable Places

For those looking to plan their route, having a Map of the Northern Way to Santiago de Compostela or exploring options such as the Camino de Santiago from Tui, it is essential to recognise these landmarks to incorporate them into your itinerary.

Here are some of the most iconic points to consider when undertaking this transformative journey.

• Santa Maria Cathedral, Tortosa: located at the beginning of the Camino Jacobeo del Ebro, this cathedral is a marvel of Gothic art. Its construction began in the 14th century and continued for centuries, giving it a mix of architectural styles.
• Mequinenza Castle: This castle, dating back to the 11th century, majestically stands at the confluence of the Segre and Ebro rivers. Rebuilt in Renaissance style, it is now a museum housing exhibitions on the region’s history and life in the castle.
• Basilica of El Pilar, Zaragoza: one of the most important Marian shrines in Spain. According to tradition, it is the first temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its imposing baroque architecture and Goya’s frescoes make the Basilica a place of great religious and artistic significance.
• Landscapes of the Ebro River: these surroundings offer a serene setting for reflection and meditation. From wetlands rich in biodiversity to extensive vineyards and rugged rock formations, the path offers views that are a balm for the spirit and a delight for the senses.