DAY 25 : SPAIN : HOSPITAL DEL ORBIGO to ASTORGA - 16.2 kms - 4 hours

Distance walked so far in France and Spain : 1252.8  kms (59 days)

Weather : frosty and clear : 10o

Today we walked to Astorga. One of the main towns
on the Camino de Santiago. It is a sophisticated town
of a population of 12,000.
with a fascinating Visigoth, Roman and Medieval history.

 

 

We left Hospital del Obigo about 7.30 at dawn.

 

A cold, clear morning and a spectacular sunrise.
 

 

A comfortable walk with some interesting diversions on
the way. A 'hippy' fellow had set-up a coffee/ tea stand
for walkers - donation only. He even had 'Women's Health'
tea amongst his collection - probably for agro females.
 

 

Our first sight of Astorga, with the cathedral at its centre.

 

Impressive shopping precinct -
a feast for us after small towns
with very few outlets.
Tomorrow is a national holiday
for All Saints' Day so we are so
pleased to be able to enjoy the
facilities and sights today.

 

Town clock in the Plaza Mayor
The characters are in traditional
dress of Maragato. Some suggest
that these people were descended
from the Berber tribe with the invasion
of the Moors.

 

The Bishop's Palace designed by Gaudi at the beginnng
of the 20th century. The bishop did not approve of his
elaborate and unconventional taste and refused to move in
 so it is now a museum  dedicated to the history of the Camino.
 There is even  a book from a 17th century albergue with
comments from pilgrims.





 

Roman ruins unearthed and on public display.
Mosaic work of particularly good quality
 

 

Cathedral Santa Maria - 15th century
A combination of Gothic and Romanesque
We were impressed with the immense height
and visited the cathedral museum with
its treasures of robes, paintings,sculptures
 and ornate communion vessels.

 

Locals celebrating halloween.

 

We are staying in the large municipal albergue in a
4-bed room - bright, airy and convenient, all for 5 euros.
Our washing has been washed and dried for 6 euros. Bliss.
We are enjoying our day in such an interesting and engaging town.


 

M&M

31/10/12

Our email : mm_smith@bigpond.net.au