San Xulian

Camino Frances

To end of camino
63.8
Altitude
467

Carballal

2.00

San Xulian

1.10

Ponte Campaña

Services
Bar
Yes
Notice

A one horse town, the bar and albergue here are not likely to open before noon. 

History

Saint Julian is one of the favored Saints of the camino and is the patron of hospitallers and hoteliers. The legend that surrounds his calling to the camino is a dark one: As a young noblemen fond of hunting, he receives a prophecy (by a deer no less) that he would kill his own parents. A believer, young Julian decides to put distance between himself and his parents, getting as far away as Portugal. He finds both work and favor from the King and is married to a young widow.

By a most remarkable circumstance of chance, his parents in the meanwhile had set off looking for him only to find his young wife at home alone. The wife, of course, was overjoyed to realize the family connection and immediately welcomed Julian’s parents into the home and went as far as to offer them rest in her bed while she went to church for her prayers. When Julian returns home to find two people in his marital bed, he slays them both in a rage. Of course, it doesn’t take long for him to realize his mistake, to curse that deer, and to begin his own pilgrimage to Rome seeking forgiveness.

That forgiveness would not come easily; the Pope declared that he would have to care for pilgrims along the road to Santiago. He then returned and with his wife set up a hospice to do as the Pope demanded. He got more than forgiveness for his labors and so did his wife, both were canonized. He, of course, is St. Julian and his wife St. Basilisa. All of this makes for great storytelling of course, but the church itself is undecided on the veracity of it. There are several Julians, surprisingly many Basilisa’s, and chances are good that this tale takes the best of each.

The Road

Near San Xulain the camino is undergoing a rerouting to accommodate the new highway connecting Santiago with Lugo. Most recently this meant walking across the unfinished highway. Changes are frequent and it is best to follow the detour signage.

City Map
Accommodation in San Xulian
Private

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

It’s hard to choose a best one, but this is definitely one of the top contenders. The pies and cakes look great too, but I’m still full from breakfast so didn’t get to eat them. Service is really good too.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Handmade jewelry and other. Natural healing therapies.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Both the Albergue and the bar are beautiful, the food was great, and the service top notch. Would certainly recommend!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Just down the hill from the bar is a fantastic coffee shop called "the essential coffee home". Perfect in every way. Do not miss! And no waiting even at 8:15 because so many stopped up the hill. A perfect distance to walk from Palas and enjoy an American style apple pie, coffee, or other homemade baked goods!!!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We are here at 8:30 and others were here before us, the owner was very gracious and they offer a nice breakfast menu including yogurt with fruit or honey - not a little container but nice yogurt!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

They are open early too. Nicer than the breakfast we had in town before leaving.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Café The essential, todo fresco y bueno

Camino de Sant…

at Alb. Abrigadoiro, which is open. Very fresh. Good coffee, homemade pie and yougurt with fresh fruit.

Camino de Sant…

There is now a tunnel under the roadworks

Camino de Sant…

There is a pension called La Pallota de San Cristóbal, which is owned by Mario and Belen a very nice and hospitable couple. They have a bar and restaurant. Me and another pilgrim stayed there in a three bedroom with a nice shower for 70€ and that included breakfast.