San Martín del Camino

Stage 22 · León – Hospital de ÓrbigoLeon Province
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What is there in San Martín del Camino

San Martín del Camino is a village in the municipality of Santa Marina del Rey, in Leon Province, on the Camino Frances.

Its history is that of a village that moved closer to the Camino: it grew from two old settlements documented since the 12th century and apparently, in the 17th century, moved to its present site beside the route, perhaps to make the most of passing pilgrims. Its people were known as traders who travelled around Spain selling turkeys and working leather. Today, with about three hundred and fifty inhabitants, it is a farming village of irrigated land and maize, with the church of San Martín, from around 1676, as its landmark. For many pilgrims it is a strategic stop, with hostels for shortening the stage before Hospital de Órbigo, about seven kilometres on along the path parallel to the road.

Accommodation in San Martín del Camino

Hostel Saint Martin of Tours del CaminoHostelHostel Saint Martin of Tours del CaminoHostel La Casa Verde San Martín del CaminoHostelHostel La Casa Verde San Martín del CaminoHostel La Huella San Martín del CaminoHostelHostel La Huella San Martín del CaminoHostel Santa Ana San Martín del CaminoHostelHostel Santa Ana San Martín del Camino

Distances from San Martín del Camino

From San Martín del Camino to Hospital de Órbigo it is about 5.9 km.

To Villares de Órbigo it is about 8.4 km.

And to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Santiago de Compostela, about 286.1 km remain.

San Martín on the Camino

A hamlet of Santa Marina del Rey, San Martín lies between León and Astorga, about 24 km from the capital. It is the end of the stage for many pilgrims, who stop at the gates of the Órbigo.

The next day you soon reach Hospital de Órbigo and its famous Paso Honroso Bridge, one of the great moments of the León stretch.

What to see in San Martín del Camino?

Church
Iglesia San Martin del Camino Camino de Santiago Frances 768x403

Church of Saint Martin of Tours San Martín del Camino

Parish Church of Saint Martin of Tours, San Martín del Camino In the heart of the Camino de Santiago Frances,

History

Acheulean tools have been found in the municipality, now in the Museum of León, proving that the place was inhabited in prehistoric times.

A village of free men

The first document dates from 1157: Bishop Diego of León granted a behetría charter to several places on the Páramo, among them San Martín de Bustillo and Bustillo de San Miguel, the settlements from which the village grew. Its residents could choose their own lord.

Beside the Camino Real

In the Early Modern period the village moved to its present site, beside the Camino Real from León to Astorga, perhaps after an epidemic or for the advantage of being on the route. The church bears a stone dated 1676.

In the 19th and 20th centuries the residents were known for their travelling spirit: the paveros walked turkeys all the way to Barcelona to sell at Christmas, and the pellejeros traded hides across the region.

Heritage and festivities

The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours.

The festivities are those of the Bendito Cristo and Saint Martin, with Mass, traditional games, roast chestnuts, octopus and music.

Services

For its size, it covers what you need:

  • A food shop.
  • Butcher’s and bakery in the same shop.
  • Bars and hostels serving meals.

There is no pharmacy or ATM; there is a doctor’s surgery for the basics.

The surroundings

The waters of the Órbigo arrived in the 20th century and turned the dry upland into an irrigated plain of maize and beans.

In short

San Martín del Camino is a good stop for pilgrims who want to reach the Paso Honroso well rested, in a village of people used to travelling.

CountrySpain
Autonomous communityCastilla y León
ProvinceLeon Province
MunicipalitySanta Marina del Rey
Location42°29′41″N 5°48′28″W
Population354 (INE 2017)
Postal code24393
Camino de Santiago Frances
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