During medieval times, El Camino de Santiago or The Way of St. James was one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages. From the Middle Ages onward the popularity of the route declined, reaching a low point of less than 1000 annual pilgrims during the late 70’s and early 80’s. Since then, the pilgrimage has undergone an international revival; today the route attracts almost 200,000 participants every year.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be uncovering some of the Camino’s secret places: those, ‘off the beaten track’ locations overlooked by many tourist guides. The starting point for all my discoveries is the sleepy
village of Vilatan, in the province of Lugo. Here you’ll find the luxury farmhouse rental, Campo Verde: quality accommodation for the discerning traveller. Its central location provides the ideal base from which to explore Galicia and northern Portugal.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be uncovering some of the Camino’s secret places: those, ‘off the beaten track’ locations overlooked by many tourist guides. The starting point for all my discoveries is the sleepy
village of Vilatan, in the province of Lugo. Here you’ll find the luxury farmhouse rental, Campo Verde: quality accommodation for the discerning traveller. Its central location provides the ideal base from which to explore Galicia and northern Portugal.
My first outing takes me 18 km from Vilatan, to Monforte de Lemos: the gently beating heart of the Ribeira Sacra wine region. Initial impressions are one of a bustling modern town with busy roads and dated apartment blocks but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a rich history and proud culture. Lively cafes line both sides of Rua Cardenal, creating a lively atmosphere as they spill out onto the pedestrianized street. Meandering slowly through the town is the river Cabe. On bright, sunny days, colourful reflections dapple the cool water. Following its course are tree lined paths that attract a vast array of visiting water fowl.
This picturesque town forms a welcoming stopover along The Winter Way of the camino: a route favoured by pilgrims during the winter months to avoid the snow covered peaks around O Cebreiro. With a population of under 20,000, the town of Monforte is in fact a city: an honour bestowed on it by King Alfonso XII in 1885.
This picturesque town forms a welcoming stopover along The Winter Way of the camino: a route favoured by pilgrims during the winter months to avoid the snow covered peaks around O Cebreiro. With a population of under 20,000, the town of Monforte is in fact a city: an honour bestowed on it by King Alfonso XII in 1885.
The city skyline is dominated by the Torre da Homenaxe or Homage Tower, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. In its shadow, local peasant farmers swore an oath of allegiance to their rulers the Counts of Lemos; giving the tower its name. Next to this stands the Palace of the Counts of Lemos and the 17th century monastery of San Vincente do Pino. After years of neglect, both these buildings were restored and opened in 2004 as the Parador of Monforte (Luis Góngora e Argote s/n, Monforte de Lemos +34 982 418 484).
Below these impressive monuments lies a labyrinth of narrow streets and paved alleyways that form the old town. Head for the 16th century Romanesque bridge and take a seat outside the café bar Cantón de Bailen (Pza Dr. Goyanes +34 982 405 004). Enjoy a mouth watering array of traditional and regional tapas and sample a glass of the local wine. My choice would be Peza do Rei Blanco. Made predominantly from the local Godello grape, it’s a refreshing young white wine with a hint of green apples and a touch of candied lemon. It’s an excellent accompaniment to a thick wedge of freshly cooked tortilla.
Below these impressive monuments lies a labyrinth of narrow streets and paved alleyways that form the old town. Head for the 16th century Romanesque bridge and take a seat outside the café bar Cantón de Bailen (Pza Dr. Goyanes +34 982 405 004). Enjoy a mouth watering array of traditional and regional tapas and sample a glass of the local wine. My choice would be Peza do Rei Blanco. Made predominantly from the local Godello grape, it’s a refreshing young white wine with a hint of green apples and a touch of candied lemon. It’s an excellent accompaniment to a thick wedge of freshly cooked tortilla.
On the opposite side of the bridge, which spans the river Cabe, is the convent of the Clarissa nuns: a working convent that houses the Museum of Sacred Art. This collection of religious artefacts is regarded as one of the best in Spain and underlines the importance of the town during the Middle Ages.
But perhaps Monforte’s most architecturally impressive building is the 16th century college of Nuestra Señora la Antigua, known locally as El Escolapios. Designed by Jesuit priests, the central part of the
college is dedicated to a high domed church. Today, the former sacristy is home to a small museum of fine art including paintings by El Greco.
But perhaps Monforte’s most architecturally impressive building is the 16th century college of Nuestra Señora la Antigua, known locally as El Escolapios. Designed by Jesuit priests, the central part of the
college is dedicated to a high domed church. Today, the former sacristy is home to a small museum of fine art including paintings by El Greco.
Later that evening, I head for Manuel Bistró (c/duquesa de alba 62, +34 982 402 747). Manuel, the owner and head chef, welcomes each guest personally and provides an excellent selection of regional and international cuisine. The perfect place to indulge in Galicia’s famed beef. Fillet steak cooked al punto with fois gras and accompanied with a rich port sauce: a fitting end to my first adventure.
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To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit our website at http://www.getaway-galicia.com
Craig’s book, Journey To A Dream, is available exclusively from Amazon, follow this link for your national store. http://bit.ly/188lOj2
Visit Craig’s website at http://www.journeytoadream.co.uk
Or join in the fun on Facebook http://facebook.com/craigbriggs.spain
*************************************************************************
To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit our website at http://www.getaway-galicia.com
Craig’s book, Journey To A Dream, is available exclusively from Amazon, follow this link for your national store. http://bit.ly/188lOj2
Visit Craig’s website at http://www.journeytoadream.co.uk
Or join in the fun on Facebook http://facebook.com/craigbriggs.spain
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