Video Stage 31: Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela | Camino Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Video Stage 31: Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela | Camino de Santiago Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios takes us through Stage 31 of the Camino de Santiago Frances, running from Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, covering 19.5 km. This stage was part of the journey undertaken between 26 April and 26 May 2022.
During this stage, Jhonatan felt mixed emotions. He felt the joy and satisfaction of being close to finishing the Camino, while also feeling a certain melancholy at the thought of it ending soon. Before reaching his destination, he paused to enjoy one last breakfast in the charming village of Lavacolla, opposite the imposing Iglesia de San Paio.
Monte do Gozo offered Jhonatan a striking view of the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, towards which he was heading with excitement and determination. Despite his tiredness and eagerness to reach Santiago’s old town, he finally crossed the Plaza del Obradoiro and found himself in front of the imposing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The experience was indescribable; beyond the tears, it was a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment at having reached his goal.
After enjoying a moment of rest in the Plaza del Obradoiro, Jhonatan went to collect his Compostela, the prized certificate attesting to the pilgrimage completed. There, he was offered a free version and another requiring a payment of 3 euros (2022 prices), to record the distance covered on the Camino.
Stage 31: Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela with Jhonatan Barrios
The Final Stage of the Camino de Santiago: From Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Jhonatan Barrios recounts the experience of the final stage of the Camino de Santiago, from Albergue El Mirador in Pedrouzo to the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. This 19-kilometre stretch, which marks the end of a long journey, is charged with emotion and reflection, both for pilgrims and casual travellers. In this article, we’ll explore every aspect of this route, from setting out to arriving at the cathedral, focusing on the personal experience and the traditions that accompany pilgrims on their final leg.
Setting Out from El Mirador de Pedrouzo
Emotions at the Start of the Final Stage of the Camino Frances
As the day begins, Jhonatan Barrios and his group get ready to take on the final stage of the Camino de Santiago Frances. It’s nearly 8am when they leave Albergue El Mirador de Pedrouzo. The departure is charged with mixed feelings: the joy of being close to finishing the route and the melancholy of knowing this is the last stage. The awareness that this will be the final stretch of the journey heightens the emotion of every step they take towards Santiago de Compostela.
The Pilgrims’ Experience
For Jhonatan and his companion, this stage is more than just a walk; it’s a reflection on everything experienced in the previous stages. The importance of every kilometre and the personal meaning of reaching Santiago become the focus of their thoughts. As they walk, they recall the challenges and joys of their journey, making every step towards the goal even more meaningful.
Arriving in Lavacolla
Tradition and Preparation
On the way to Santiago, Jhonatan and his group reach Lavacolla, a place with a rich Jacobean tradition. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims would wash in the Río Cianilla to arrive clean and tidy before the city of Santiago. This symbolic act of purification is a reminder of the importance of ritual and preparation for the culminating moment of the journey.
One Last Breakfast
In Lavacolla, the group stops at a café opposite the Iglesia de San Paio to enjoy one last breakfast. This moment is not only a necessary pause before continuing, but also a chance to enjoy the peace and beauty of the place, while mentally preparing for the arrival in the city of Santiago.
Monte do Gozo
Views and Feelings at Monte do Gozo
As they carry on, the group heads towards Monte do Gozo, also known as Monjoy or Colina de San Marcos. From this point, Jhonatan and his companion can see the majestic Catedral de Santiago in the distance. Monte do Gozo is a place steeped in history and meaning, since in ancient times pilgrims would walk barefoot from here to the cathedral as an act of devotion and humility.
The Road to the Catedral de Santiago
Arriving in Santiago’s old town becomes an experience of mixed emotions. The accumulated tiredness, the blazing sun and the anticipation of seeing the cathedral create a unique feeling. As the group makes its way into the city, they encounter locals, tourists and other peregrinos, and every step towards the Plaza del Obradoiro heightens the anticipation.
The Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral
Arrival and Reflection
Finally, Jhonatan and his group reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the imposing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. This moment brings a rush of emotion: awe, satisfaction and a deep sense of achievement. The cathedral, with its majestic facade, marks the culmination of a journey full of effort and dedication.
The Compostela and the Botafumeiro
After resting in the square and reflecting on the experience, the next step is to collect the Compostela, the certificate attesting to the completion of the Camino. Getting it involves waiting in line, where pilgrims can choose between a free Compostela and the The Distance Certificate, which details the distance covered.
At the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Jhonatan has the chance to see the famous Botafumeiro in action. This giant incense burner, swung by the “tiraboleiros,” is used to purify the air and is one of the most iconic traditions of the place. The Botafumeiro ceremony and the visit to the urn holding the remains of the Apostle Santiago round out the journey’s spiritual and cultural experience.
Final Thoughts on the Camino de Santiago Frances
The Camino as Personal Transformation
Jhonatan reflects on how the Camino de Santiago Frances has been more than a mere physical journey; it has been an experience of personal transformation. The importance of enjoying every moment of the Camino, discovering new places, and finding oneself, is an invaluable lesson. Although the final goal is reaching Santiago, the true value lies in the journey and the experiences gathered along the way.
An Unforgettable Journey
The journey to Santiago de Compostela is not just a destination, but an experience that leaves a lasting mark on those who live it. Jhonatan Barrios points out that, although the goal is reached on arriving at the cathedral, the true reward is the introspection and personal growth experienced along the way.
In short, the final stage of the Camino de Santiago, from Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, is a journey full of intense, meaningful emotions. Every step is a blend of history, tradition and personal reflection, culminating in an arrival that transforms and enriches every pilgrim who completes it.
Sources and Further Resources
For those who want to learn more about the Camino de Santiago and the experience of reaching Santiago de Compostela, it’s worth checking out further resources and other pilgrims’ accounts. Jhonatan Barrios’s experience is just one of many stories that enrich the journey to this historic city.
