Lugo to Castrelo

Lugo (Plaza Mayor)

7.30km to

Seoane de San Xoán do Alto

Lugo is the capital of the province of Lugo, and one of the most populated cities in Galicia.

The once defensive "Muralla" that surrounds it was built by the Romans in the 3rd c. and is as tall as 15 meters in parts. If you have not had your fill of walking, make your way to one of the many staircases or ramps (one directly in front of the Cathedral) and enjoy an elevated view of the city from the pedestrian path that now encircles the old town. It is over 2km long, but that's nothing. It also has 71 towers and 10 gates.

As is the case with most places dating back to the Romans, the actual origin of the name Lugo is not clear. Some argue that is is named after Lugos, the God of Light. However back when the Romans were first conquering these parts (13 B.C.) it was called Lucus Augusti, and some argue that the name actually comes from the latin Lucus, or sacred grove. When gods and topology vie for the namesake, nobody wins.

The walled city is obviously well placed, perched high above the three rivers (Minho, Rato, and Chanca) that provide for natural boundaries. It's prosperity survived for many centuries, but was abandoned by the middle of the 8th. century. A slow revival began and by the middle ages the pilgrimage to Santiago had once again brought prosperity to the region.

It has continued to grow up to the present day, and the city that was once bound by a wall has expanded to an area much larger.

During the last weeks of June the city celebrates Arde Lucus or Burn Lugo. The residents dress in full Roman regalia and celebrate Lugo's origins. If you are lucky enough to pass through at this time, allow for an extra day to take in all of the activities, but be advised that the celebration draws a crowd of people nearly a half a million strong and book your room.

Some notes about the camino between here an Melide, or to Palais de Rey, are in order. This guide only includes the route to Melide as it is the most sensible and well serviced one. The stretch from Lugo to Melide (roughly 50km) is no longer devoid of any place to sleep. There are now 4 albergues and at least one casa rural which cover this stretch. They include a municipal and a private albergue in Castrelo (just beyond San Roman), a private albergue in Ponte Ferreira, and a new municipal albergue in Seixas.

With that in mind, finding food and drink along the stretch is not as easy as you would think, and nothing before 10km.

Fountain:

Yes

Bar:

Yes

Grocery:

Yes

Bakery:

Yes

Butcher:

Yes

ATM:

Yes

Medical Center:

Yes

Hotel, Pensión, or Casa Rural:

Yes

Restaurant:

Yes

Tourist Information:

Yes

Public Phone:

Yes

Public Pool:

Yes

Pharmacy:

Yes

Internet:

Yes

Albergue	Type	Total Beds	Price	STAMP
Albergue de Lugo	Xunta	42	5€

Things to see
Lugo Cathedral

Seoane de San Xoán do Alto

1.50km to

Carrigueiros

0.70km to

San Vicente del Burgo

3.70km to

Bacurín

The bar here is the first stop from Lugo. Ignore the worn out sign on the building, it's open daily from 8. They serve food and can wrap you up something to take away if you like. Very pilgrim friendly.

Bar:

Yes

Things to see
Iglesia de San Vicente do Burgo

Bacurín

2.40km to

O Paso

0.90km to

San Pedro de Abaixo

1.90km to

San Romao da Retorta

0.90km to

Castrelo

The bar in San Roman is open daily from 11. Nice and helpful, they keep tabs on the availability in the two albergues up the trail.

Things tend to get a bit tricky here if you are not fully aware. San Romao sits at the intersection of two country roads, and from here the camino goes off in two different directions. With the addition of a few new albergues along the stretch to Melide the northernmost route has gained favor. In years past it was common to turn to the south from where it was easier and shorter to make a detour to a nearby guesthouse.

From the bar in San Roman head west (turn right when leaving the bar). When you emerge on the road some 70m later, cross the road and take the path opposite you. The albergues are a short distance onward.

Bar:

Yes