Now a quiet town with good shops and all facilities, Carrión once had a population of 12,000 and is reputed to be the place where the Moorish overlords required the Christians to surrender 100 virgins every year. The scene is depicted on the portal of Santa María del Camino. The Church of Santiago in the Plaza Mayor has an excellent sculpture above its doorway. There is a small museum attached to this church, open May-Sept, 1€. The Monasterio de San Zoilo, at the western end of the town, has a Plateresque cloister and contains the tombs of the counts of Carrión, after whom the town is named. Open 10:30-14:00 & 16:30-19:30. 1€. The monastery itself is now a hotel. There is a Camino Library and Study Centre in the cloister - www.bibliotecajacobea.org. The 13th c. convent of Santa Clara has a museum open Apr-Oct (X Mondays). 10:30-13:30 & 16:30-20:00.

Church and Mass - Iglesia de Santa María del Camino. International Pilgrim Mass at 20:00.

Hiking Gear: across from Iglesia de Santa María del Camino there is a shop shich sells pilgrim equipment such as boots, shoes and ponchos.

Horse and Carriage: A horse and carriage is available to carry a minimum of 5 pilgrims the 17km stretch from Carrión to Calzadilla. Cost 15€ per person. Leaves at 10am. Reservations: Tel: 867 885 147.

Warning: Please note that there are no services and no shade during the 17.2 kms stretch to Calzadilla de la Cueza and you should ensure you have adequate water and food supplies.