San Marcos

Stage 34 · O Pedrouzo – Santiago de CompostelaA Coruna Province
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What is there in San Marcos

San Marcos is a hamlet in the parish of Bando, in the municipality of Santiago de Compostela, in A Coruna Province, on the Camino Frances.

About five kilometres from the centre and at 370 metres, San Marcos is where pilgrims start to feel they have arrived. Within its bounds is the Monte do Gozo, the rise from which, tradition says, medieval walkers first saw the cathedral towers and shouted for joy; hence the name. Beside the Camino stands the small chapel of San Marcos, an almost obligatory stop to stamp your credential and take a last break before going down into the city. The village, of about seven hundred and sixty residents, has changed a great deal in recent decades, with the headquarters of Galician radio and television and the large Monte do Gozo hostel complex. From here only the descent to the San Lázaro district remains.

Accommodation in San Marcos

Hotel Akelarre Saint Mark the EvangelistHotelHotel Akelarre Saint Mark the Evangelist

Distances from San Marcos

From San Marcos to Monte do Gozo it is about 1 km.

To Santiago de Compostela it is about 6.5 km.

And to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Santiago de Compostela, about 6.5 km remain.

San Marcos on the Camino

San Marcos is a small hamlet in the municipality of Santiago, about five kilometres from the cathedral, just before Monte do Gozo. It is the last village before entering the city.

It has bars and some accommodation, and many pilgrims stop here for a moment before the end.

What to see in San Marcos?

Chapel
Capilla de San Marcos Camino de Santiago Frances 768x403

Chapel of Saint Mark the Evangelist

Capela de San Marcos The Capilla de San Marcos stands in the parish of San Marcos, within the municipality of

The chapel of San Marcos

At the top of Monte do Gozo stands the Chapel of Saint Mark the Evangelist, simple and built of stone. It is a good place for a moment of silence before entering Santiago.

The view of Santiago

From the hill beside the hamlet you can see the towers of the cathedral, the first view of the goal for many pilgrims.

Services

San Marcos has basic services:

  • Rest areas.
  • Simple accommodation.
  • Bars for something to eat.
  • Good waymarking for walkers and cyclists.

The large Monte do Gozo hostel is very close by.

Between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo

San Marcos lies between Monte do Gozo, a few minutes away, where pilgrims see the cathedral towers for the first time, and A Lavacolla, where, according to the Codex Calixtinus, they washed before arriving.

Festivities

The feast of San Marcos is held on 25 April.

Tips

  • Stop here for a moment before the entry into Santiago.
  • Climb Monte do Gozo to see the cathedral towers.
  • Take photos from the hill on clear days.

In short

San Marcos is the last hamlet on the Camino: from here, only Monte do Gozo and the city remain.

Camino de Santiago Frances
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