Valdeviejas

Valdeviejas

Valdeviejas, a village in the region of La Maragatería in the Province of León, stands out as a point of historical and cultural interest on the Camino Frances. This village, part of the municipality of Astorga, offers a unique combination of heritage, tradition and hospitality that makes it a notable stop for pilgrims and visitors.

Valdeviejas on the Camino Frances

Located just over a kilometre from Astorga, Valdeviejas lies to the right of the Camino Jacobeo, making it one of the first villages pilgrims come across when leaving the city. This proximity lets walkers enjoy a quiet setting without straying far from the main route.

What to see in Valdeviejas?

Iglesia

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Iglesia de San Verísimo Valdeviejas

Iglesia Parroquial de San Verísimo en Valdeviejas En el corazón de la comarca maragata, a escasos kilómetros de Astorga, se

Ermita

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Ermita del Ecce Homo Valdeviejas

Ermita del Ecce Homo en Valdeviejas En la Provincia de León, a las afueras de Astorga, se encuentra Valdeviejas, una

Religious Heritage: Ermita del Ecce Homo and Parish of San Verísimo

The Ermita del Ecce Homo, an 18th-century building restored in 2007, is an emblematic symbol of Valdeviejas. Located right by the Camino, it offers pilgrims a place for quiet reflection.

The parish church, dedicated to San Verísimo, a 4th-century martyr, stands out for its traditional architecture and for once housing a 16th-century Gothic altarpiece, now kept at the Museo de los Caminos in Astorga.

Hospitality History: The Old Hospital of Sancha Pérez

Valdeviejas once had a pilgrims’ hospital founded in 1481 by Sancha Pérez. This establishment, mentioned in documents from the 15th and 16th centuries, provided assistance to walkers travelling the Camino de Santiago.

Maragato Gastronomy: The Pico Pardal Chickpea and Cocido Maragato

The village is known for growing the Pico Pardal chickpea, a small native variety with a distinctive flavour. This ingredient is essential to cocido maragato, a typical dish known for being served “in reverse”: meats first, then chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the soup.

Pilgrim Hospitality: Ecce Homo Municipal Hostel

The Ecce Homo municipal hostel, opened in 2010, offers accommodation to pilgrims wishing to rest in Valdeviejas. Located about 150 metres from the ermita, it has 10 beds and provides a cosy, quiet atmosphere for walkers.

Local Traditions and Festivals

Valdeviejas celebrates various festivities throughout the year, most notably those tied to Holy Week and the patron saint festival honouring San Verísimo. These celebrations reflect the village’s rich cultural and religious tradition.

Valdeviejas

Valdeviejas, with its historical, cultural and gastronomic wealth, stands as an essential stop on the Camino Frances. Its Maragato legacy and the hospitality of its residents offer pilgrims an authentic and enriching experience.