O Cádavo to Lugo

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.

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

Things to see
Lugo Cathedral