Foncebadón

Camino Frances

To end of camino
231.7
Altitude
1410

Rabanal del Camino

5.20

Foncebadón

2.30

Cruz de Ferro

Services
ATM
ATM
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes

Various guidebooks (and a few novels) have given Foncebadón a reputation for being the home of rabid dogs eager for a tasty pilgrim snack. While this may once have been true, it no longer is.

In fact the mountain outpost has experienced something of a renaissance. In between utterly ruinous piles of stone are a smattering of lovingly restored old homes, most of them converted into accommodation for pilgrims.

This elevation is typically shrouded in fog or buried in deep snow; both have their charm.

History

Foncebadón is perhaps best known as the home of the hermit Guacelmo. He cared for pilgrims as they navigated their way over the often treacherous mountain pass and was protected by King Alfonso VI. This pass was, until the mid 18th century, the preferred route into Galicia and the townspeople of Foncebadon dedicated themselves to marking the way and serving as guides.

The Road

The Cruz de Fierro, or Iron Cross, is a steady climb ahead. If you stopped at the road-side bar be sure to get back to the camino and avoid following the cyclists as they take the road.

Comments

Camino de Sant…

Stopped in for pizza it was very good I thought it to be pricey ($22.00) for a pizza that two of us had no problem eating. But it was good.

Camino de Sant…

9/9/19
Very worth stopping at El Trasgu de Foncebadón tienda/minimarket.
They have everything a pilgrim could ever want and all in miniature sizes!
Very lovely staff too.