Gonzar on the Camino
Gonzar, in the municipality of Portomarín, lies about 8 km from the town on the Camino Frances. After the long climb from the Miño, pilgrims find hostels here and a good place for breakfast on the way to Palas de Rei.
What to see in Gonzar?
Services
There are public and private hostels, rural houses and a bar with a pilgrim menu. You can get your credential stamped.
Many pilgrims stay in Gonzar to avoid the crowds of Portomarín and Palas de Rei.
From Gonzar to Castromaior
Just over a kilometre away is Castromaior, with one of the largest and best-preserved hill forts in Galicia, worth a short detour. Then the Camino continues towards Hospital da Cruz and Ventas de Narón.
Where it is
Gonzar lies at about 540 metres above sea level, in a landscape of hills, meadows and oak woods with an oceanic climate.
The parish
The parish of Santa María de Gonzar brings together three places:
- Gonzar
- Toxibó
- A Ferrería, now uninhabited.
Population
The parish has about forty residents, fewer every year, as in so many Galician hamlets.
History
Gonzar has always lived beside the Camino leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, and in the Middle Ages it was linked to the Order of Saint John, lord of Portomarín.
Church of Santa María
The parish church of Santa María, of Romanesque origin and much altered, is simple, with stone walls.
Economy
Livestock and farming are still the basis, with the Camino an increasingly important source of income.
Festivities
The main festival is that of Santa María, with Mass and a procession.
In short
Gonzar is a quiet stop after Portomarín, with the hill fort of Castromaior a step away.
| Coordinates | 42°49′31″N 7°41′46″W | |
|---|---|---|
| Entity | Parish of Galicia Village | |
| Country | Spain | |
| Autonomous community | Galicia | |
| Province | Lugo | |
| Comarca | Lugo | |
| Municipality | Puertomarín | |
| Population centres | 3 | |
| Elevation | 540 m a.s.l. | |
| Population (2020) | 39 | |
| Postal code | 27188 | |