Leon to O'Cebreiro
The city of Leon epitomises European ancient history. The Romans established a military garrison for it's V11th Legion from which Leon's (Legion) name was inherited. It became a regional Kingdom, eventually conquered by Visigoth (the Goths), the Moors from Northern Africa and subsequently the Christians in the earliest of wars against Islam still reverberating to this day. In fact, despite the religious slant of the Camino's history, the Pilgrim path across Northern Spain was established as a trade route after the area was euphemistically 'cleared' of it's Muslim inhabitants (another story). Coming from our 'new world' experiencing places such as Leon can be historically daunting and amazingly fascinating at the same time.
Pilgram Monument, and above 2 photos from 2018
Leon Cathedral
Early start passing the Paradore Hotel (old convent). The 2nd top photo is the same under renovation back in 2018
On reaching the outskirts of Leon there is a choice of two routes to take. One follows the busy highway for 21kms and the alt. route climbs back up to the Meseta Plateau in open country to Villar de Mazarife also 21kms. This was our chosen route as in 2018 for peace and quiet. This also turned out to be the wettest next two days of our Camino.
The last and wet stage of the Meseta
Villar de Mazarife
Rain
More rain, but snug!
Water tower
Still more rain
Puente de Orbigo. The bridge over the Orbigo River is one of the oldest, best preserved and longest medieval bridges in Spain built over an original Roman Bridge
Approaching Astorga
Biggest railway pedestrian crossing you'll ever see
Astorga Cathedral
Another memorial site
Cruz de ferro. It is a tradition to leave your burdens behind here. Your burden takes the form of a rock you bring from home and place here to leave behind
Highest point of the Camino Frances
It's high
Molineseca, a favourite
Busy skies
Castle at Ponferrada
The top of O'Cebreiro (Sculpture of woman pilgram resting)
Into Galicia
