Now home to 4 albergues and many pensions, Rabanal is a common (and wise) stopping point along the way. Ahead is a high mountain pass that demands a bit of rest.
Vespers are sung by the monks every night at 7pm at the small parish Iglesia de Santa María and a benediction for pilgrims is held afterward.
The town has always enjoyed a level of prosperity because of the camino, and in recent years has developed a slightly bohemian feel.
As the camino leaves Astorga, the terrain becomes more rugged and the risk to pilgrims (historically speaking) increased. It is for this reason that the Knights Templar settled here and in the larger town of Ponferrada on the other side of the mountain.
The camino leaves town along the same cobbled path that you found at the start of town, which leads past the church. It does NOT leave along the road.
Comments
Camino de Santi... (not verified) said:
I will stay here again if I am ever in Rabanal in the future!!!
Camino de Santi... (not verified) said:
A lady from the states started this small hotel... only 3 rooms... very nice and peaceful. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone... somewhat granola... but in a good way... Fabulous brekky!