One of the most traditional pilgrimage routes in Christendom leads under the sign of the Pilgrim’s Scallop to the cathedral of Santiago De Compostela to the tomb of the apostle James.

We start in Burgos, the former capital of the kingdom of Castile with its Cathedral De Santa Maria. In its heyday, Castro Jeriz is said to have housed seven pilgrims' hospices. After passing the river Pisuerga begins the province of Palencia and we follow the Canal De Castilla until we reach León, which was the centre of a kingdom in the Middle Ages. Its highlight is undoubtedly the Gothic cathedral Santa Maria De Regla, begun in the 13th century. Soon we reach Astorga with the Palacio Episcopal by Antoni Gaudi, completed in 1913 and in Ponferrada Surviving the ages, the Castillo De Los Templarios rises picturesquely on the highest rock. Again there are small towns to pass through, and an up and down trek through El Bierzo and Cacabelos a typical village of winegrowers. The small mountain village of Las Médulas is located near Carucedo, about 25 kilometres south-west. The natural gateway to a unique cultural landscape which was once created by mankind. An extraordinary site enthroned on gold, this was at least the case in Roman times.

Then there is the Cathedral, the destination of the pilgrimage is reached. In front of it hangs the Botafumerio, the largest incense burner in the Catholic Church, which waves and distributes the fragrance to the faithful.

This hike still inspires fascination. The legend of Camino De Santiago remains.