Camino Frances

Puente de Órbigo → 0.60 → Hospital de Órbigo → 4.90km → Villares de Órbigo

Location
To end of camino
273.5
Altitude
823
Services
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes
Fiesta

A medieval jousting competition is held in early June, recreating the saga of Don Suero. San Juan is celebrated on the 24th of June. 

History

Where there are rivers with bridges there is always history to be found. Not much exists on paper, but historians theorize about Suevi and Visigoths battling in the 5th century as well as a few other skirmishes during the 10th century. All of these have been overshadowed by the much more romantic and noble story of Don Suero.

Don Suero de Quiñones was a Leonese knight who made history here in the summer of 1434, though the feats were not recorded until 1588.  During that 150 years, we can assume that exaggerations were made, but that is of no matter when you are standing on the bridge and imagining a scene out of Don Quixote.

It was here that Don Suero and nine of his fellow knights defended this pass against all challengers; the event was staged but very much real and was approved by the king as a means for Don Suero to prove his love his lady, Leonor de Tovar.  He and his men were determined to break 300 lances but after 166 of the 700 scheduled battles they were too injured to reach their goal. Don Suero, also injured in the event, ultimately set off for Santiago on his own pilgrimage.

The Road

‌Minor Detour via Villares de Órbigo

When leaving town, the camino once again splits. The preferred (though unofficial) path is to the right, passing through nearby Villares de Órbigo and scenic countryside. Both routes now rejoin in Santibañez, though if you take the road route it is also possible to stay on the road all the way to San Justo de la Vega. Unless it has been particularly rainy the route through Santibañez is the recommended and most scenic route. For either option, take plenty of water when departing Santibañez.

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

So there is no detour anymore. All signs point in this direction.
The detour had become the official route

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Be sure to wander down toward the river north of the bridge for a relaxing spot!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The most relaxed I have felt in an Alburgue on the Camino. The real deal with excellent care. Yoga studio, vegan, beautiful outdoor space.

michael

We stayed Albergue Casa de los Hidalgos that just opened in September 2018. One of my favorite Albergues yet, and the owner is a great guy!

michael

Restaurante Jabel - fantastic lunch, friendly staff, very well priced
We had a three course meal with wine by the glass and coffee, no dessert, for 12.50€ pp. fantastic!!

michael

Restaurant Los Angeles, excellent quality and value!!! So good!!!!

michael

One of the most wonderful spaces I’ve ever stayed in, let alone Alburgue! Treated like an absolute family member. The most delicious vegetarian dinner while being serenaded by live music, free yoga, an impeccable garden with a hammock, gorgeous home space, no timelime of waking up or pressure to leave - systems built on complete trust and love. 10/10 would recommend.

michael

Los Angeles bar opens for evening serving at 19:00/07:00PM. I just went there and had a nice menu de peregrino for €10. The Karl Leisner albergue is OK, using the stove/hotplates costs €1 so if you wanna cook thats the price. Toilet in the yard outside of the bedrooms which is quite unconvincing but OK for the price. Wifi is free and works fine for casual surfing.

michael

If you are having breakfast in Hospital we highly recommend the bar on the left side after crossing the bridge. The bocadillo con tortilla francesa was delicious and we enjoyed it on the terrace with a lovely view of the bridge.

michael

I stayed at Albergue San Miguel October 9, 2019. The owners are kind, helpful and welcoming. The room held four people. It was quiet and clean. The bathroom was clean. The kitchen was available to those who wanted to cook a dinner. I walked to Lis Angeles, a restaurant nearby with a pilgrim menu. I ordered trout soup. It was more like a thick stew. It’s flavor was unusual. It was filling, and I am sure it was nutritious. I would stay at Albergue San Miguel again.