The surroundings
San Justo lies on the plain of the Tuerto river, at about 850 metres above sea level, on fertile flat land just four kilometres from Astorga. Before going down into the village, the pilgrim passes the wayside cross of Santo Toribio, from where Astorga and its cathedral come into view for the first time.
What to see in San Justo de la Vega?
History
The place was already inhabited in Visigothic times and grew in the shadow of Astorga, on one of the roads leading out of Asturica Augusta. With the Camino Frances, San Justo became the last stop before entering the city.
Heritage
Church of Saints Justus and Pastor
The church, much renovated, keeps the bell gable of the old building and holds an image of the patron saint, an 18th-century altar and a modern altarpiece by the local artist Sendo.
The bridge over the Tuerto
To set off towards Astorga you cross the Tuerto river on an old stone bridge, at the spot called La Molinería, which for centuries has been the pilgrims’ crossing.
The early Christian sarcophagus
A 4th-century sarcophagus from early Christian times was found in San Justo; it went to Astorga cathedral and is now kept in a museum.
Population
The municipality, of 48 km², has about 1,800 inhabitants spread between San Justo and its hamlets.
Transport links
It is crossed by the AP-71 motorway between León and Astorga and by the N-120.
The León–Monforte railway has a station in the hamlet of Nistal.
The nearest airport is León, about 40 km away.
Traditions
Holy Week
The confraternity of the Holy Cross and Our Father Jesus the Nazarene, from 1838, organises the processions; the most eagerly awaited is the «carrera de San Juan» on Good Friday.
Patron saint festivities
Saints Justus and Pastor are celebrated at the beginning of August, after a cultural week.
Painting competition
In September an open-air painting competition is held that brings artists from many provinces.
In short
San Justo de la Vega is the last step before Astorga: a river-plain village with a fine bridge and the best view of the city from the wayside cross of Santo Toribio.
| Country | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous community | Castilla y León | |
| Province | Leon Province | |
| Comarca | Vega del Tuerto | |
| Judicial district | Astorga | |
| Association of municipalities | La Vega del Tuerto | |
| Location | 42°27′15″N 6°00′53″O | |
| Elevation | 847 m | |
| Area | 48.39 km² | |
| Settlements | Celada de la Vega, Nistal, San Justo de la Vega y San Román de la Vega | |
| Population | 1,775 inhabitants (2024) | |
| Density | 36.67 inhabitants/km² | |
| Demonym | sanjusteño, sanjusteña | |
| Postal code | 24710 | |
| Dialling code | 987 | |
| Patron saint | Santo Toribio (Monday of the Octave of Easter) | |
| Website | Official | |