Video Stage 19: Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de Las Mulas | Camino Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Video Stage 19: Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de Las Mulas | Camino de Santiago Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios invites you to explore the exciting Stage 19 of the Camino de Santiago, running from Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de Las Mulas, covering a distance of 26 kilometres. This journey was filmed over the course of a month, from 26 April to 26 May 2022.
In the video he shares, you can join Jhonatan on this journey to Mansilla de Las Mulas, a stage that turned out somewhat tedious, since after 17 rain-free stages a downpour finally caught him out. Despite this, the chance to discover Mansilla de Las Mulas, a historic landmark on the Camino de Santiago Frances, was well worth it. Jhonatan also highlights the warmth and hospitality he received at the hostel where he stayed, thanks to the kind treatment of its hosts. It was an unforgettable experience, now shared in this video!
Stage 19: Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de Las Mulas with Jhonatan Barrios
On stage 19 of the Camino Frances, Jhonatan Barrios begins his day at the La Perala hostel, ready to cover the 26 kilometres separating him from Mansilla de Las Mulas. This stage, under partly cloudy skies, promises a mix of physical effort and cultural discovery. Join us on this walk through an iconic stretch of the Camino de Santiago, combining natural beauty, history and the spirit of pilgrimage.
A Promising Start
The day begins with Jhonatan and his companion leaving the hostel a little late, around 7:40 a.m. The clouds in the sky seem to offer a break from the sun, a blessing for anyone walking under the summer heat. With favourable weather expected, they head to the next village for breakfast to refuel.
Looking Forward to Special Reunions
This stage holds special meaning for Jhonatan, since his girlfriend has arrived in Spain to join him for the final stages of the Camino, from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela. With 355 kilometres still to walk together, Jhonatan is full of excitement to reunite and share this unique experience.
The Route and Points of Interest on Stage 19 of the Camino Frances
El Burgo Ranero: A Town with History
After walking several kilometres, the group arrives at El Burgo Ranero. This small town has a name that has sparked several theories about its origin. Some suggest it comes from an ancient settler named Ranarius, while others believe the name is due to the abundance of frogs in the nearby ponds. With documents dating back to the 12th century, El Burgo Ranero was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1962, a testament to its cultural value and its evolution over the centuries.
Reliegos: History and Tradition
Continuing along the Camino, the group reaches Reliegos, known for its rich history and its links to ancient Rome. Three Roman roads converge here, and the Roman settlement of Ballantia bears witness to the region’s historical importance. Reliegos is also famous for the meteorite that struck in 1947, now displayed at the National Museum of Natural Sciences.
Bar Elvis, a notable stop in Reliegos, is known for the many notes left by pilgrims on its walls, a testament to the community and spirit of the Camino de Santiago. Despite the rain accompanying the walk, the atmosphere at the bar offers a warm break and a chance to socialise with other pilgrims.
Arriving in Mansilla de Las Mulas
A Rainy Walk
With rain as their companion, Jhonatan and his group continue towards Mansilla de Las Mulas. Despite the bad weather, perseverance is key, and arriving at this walled medieval town is a significant milestone on the journey. The combination of rain, wind and cold adds an extra challenge to the day, but the history and charm of the final destination make up for the effort.
Mansilla de Las Mulas: A Historic Refuge
Mansilla de Las Mulas, on the banks of the river Esla, is a place of great historical and cultural importance. The name “Mansilla” comes from the Latin “mansiella”, and the town dates back to the 12th century, when King Ferdinand II of Leon built walls to protect the city. Although only remnants of the original walls survive today, the town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site since 1931.
Mansilla is also a meeting point between the Jacobean route and the Roman road known as the Via Trajana, giving it special significance in the history of the Camino de Santiago.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Stage 19 of the Camino de Santiago Frances
Getting Ready for Stage 20
With stage 19 complete, Jhonatan gets ready for stage 20 of the Camino (Video Stage 20: Mansilla de Las Mulas to Leon with Jhonatan Barrios). The day has been a testament to the beauty and complexity of the Camino Frances, with all its challenges and rewards. The chance to explore historic sites, share experiences with other pilgrims and look forward to his girlfriend’s arrival have been highlights of this stage.
Exploring Mansilla de Las Mulas
The day ends with a visit to the main sights of Mansilla de Las Mulas, including the parish church of Santa Maria and the tower of the Church of San Martin. On the recommendation of the host at the Gaia hostel, Jhonatan tries some of the local specialities before returning to the hostel to rest and prepare for the next stage.
Every step on the Camino de Santiago is a blend of effort, discovery and connection with history. With stage 19 behind him, Jhonatan is one step closer to reaching his final goal at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela.
