The town of Astorga with its more than 11,000 inhabitants, is one of the most important centers that crosses the Camino de Santiago, particularly known for the richness of its historical and artistic heritage. It also occupies a privileged geographical place on the Way, being the point where the French Way crosses the old Silver Way.

Photo Angel M Felicisimo

The “pallozas” are traditional buildings that remain in some areas of the Spanish northwest, the most famous are those of O Cebreiro, in the French Way. Their main feature is their circular or oval shape. Their size usually ranges between ten and twenty meters in diameter, they have low stone walls and are covered with a thatched conical roof, made of straw and stalks of rye.

Foto Wikipedia SanchoPanzaXXI

You shouldn’t miss the church of St. John de Portomarín, also known as Saint Nicholas, its name as a parish. It was built in the late twelfth century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Malta, to whom Alfonso IX had donated the village. Portomarín was then a tiny village but with two enormous sources of wealth: the Way of St. James and a bridge that allowed pilgrims and traders to cross the Minho River.