Sarria

Camino Frances

To end of camino
113.6
Altitude
451

Vigo de Sarria

1.10

Sarria

3.60

Vilei

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Bus Terminal
Yes
Correos
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes
Train
Yes

Sarria now holds the record for the most albergues in one town. Don’t be alarmed by the swell of pilgrims that appear overnight once you reach this point; the closest city to the minimum 100km point set by the church to be eligible to receive the Compostela Certificate. The effect can be dramatic during the high season and if you have been on the road for a few weeks it can be a challenge to adapt to the change.

If you have arrived early and plan to stay the night, consider the local pool as a place to pamper your feet a bit.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the Rúa Maior, where the bulk of the albergues are centered. To get to the grocery shopping though, you have to make your way to the main road where options abound.

The Rúa Maior evolved as a market street during the Middle Ages, due primarily to the pilgrim traffic; and this hasn’t changed. As you walk through town take a moment to admire the well-preserved coats of arms on several of the houses that line the street.

The Iglesia de Santa Maria is an unspectacular example of modern church building, but it does sit atop its 12th century predecessor. The Iglesia de San Salvador is recently restored and is located at the top of the Rúa Maior. Beyond it are the Convento de la Magdalena and the remains of the old Castle. The convent has roots in the 12th century and currently operates as a hospice and a primary school. The Castle is more recent, from the 15th century, and like most castles in Galicia, it is in poor shape. Only one tower remains, the rest was destroyed during the Irmandiña uprisings of 1467 (see below). It was rebuilt, but those efforts also fell into ruin. The remnants have been re-used to pave several of Sarria’s sidewalks.

Notice

Along the way between Sarria and Portomarin it is common to find beggars and buskers and the occasional scam artist soliciting your support and money and signature. Do your best to avoid becoming ensnared, the best method is to keep on walking.  Also, you are advised to get your credential stamped at least twice a day between here and Santiago. 

History

Archeological digs in the area around Sarria have revealed the presence of a considerable pre-Roman settlement. Documentation supporting more recent inhabitations, on the other hand, is hard to come by, and the earliest written records don’t appear until the 6th century.

Whatever existed at that time was destroyed by the Muslim invasion, and the area wasn’t repopulated until around 750. The town was favored by later Kings and it received funding for several building works from Alfonso IX of León. He was its biggest supporter and he died here in 1230 and is buried in the Cathedral in Santiago.

Irmandiña Uprisings: Also known as “The Great Brotherhood War,” The Irmandiño revolts took place in 15th century Galicia against attempts by the regional nobility to maintain their rights over the peasantry and the bourgeoisie (and by a string of bad crops).

The revolts were also part of the larger phenomenon of popular revolts in late medieval Europe caused by the general economic and demographic crises in Europe during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. In Galicia it meant the destruction of any type of fortified structure owned by nobility; over 130 castles were destroyed. The success of the Irmandiña revolts was mixed; the nobility fled to Castile where they rounded up reinforcements and returned to exact revenge on the leaders of the Brotherhood, but few of their former estates and strongholds were ever rebuilt.

The Road

The camino exits town along the Rúa Maior in the old town and passes the Convento de la Magdalena. Take note that the camino actually turns left BEFORE arriving at the convent. It goes steeply downhill to the road, turns right, and soon crosses the río Celeiro on the Ponte Áspera. It follows along the river, and in the shadow of a super bridge before crossing the train tracks. The first climb of the day (excluding the stairs in Sarria) is ahead and passes through an ancient forest full of gnarly oaks and chestnut trees. 

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Amazing old house, lovingly restored by 2 young guys. Well worth a splurge - quiet, sparkling clean and lovely to support 2 people who are slowly restoring the home.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

In the main street of the old center where the camino runs through as well, there s a lovely and as far as quality food goes, very fine Italian restaurant with great and personal service. It s called Matias Locanda. It s good food and a good hangout with large wooden tables and an old stone wall.

Camino de Sant…

You will find this historic hotel very charming. Room was clean and the bathroom was modern. Expect to get a special credential stamp and a selfie with the owner when you leave. The Italian restaurante up the street was great.

Camino de Sant…

Loved the chicken meal for 4. great food and great price. On rua major.

Camino de Sant…

Casa Solance is a new hotel on Rue Major. Owners have given new life to this old building in the center of town. If you feel you have earned a little luxury at this point, this is a great choice. Lovely!

Camino de Sant…

A bit north of the Camino there is an excellent coffee spot called Cafe Bar Cubano. They have single origin roasts as well as blends. The owner takes great pride in his coffee. Such a welcome change from some of the sludge other places.
It is also right next to the Museo Etnografíco de Pan (Ethnographic museum of bread) which has a bakery with possibly the best pastries of my life. Do not miss!