Stage Notes & History

HISTORY: The approach to this ancient town is discouraging. It was once the seat of the largest, most powerful Benedictine Monastery in Spain. All that remains of that now is a huge arch of the gateway and belfry, which requires a slight detour as you arrive. Also there are the 12th c churches of San Lorenzo (open 10:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00; closed Monday & Thursday) and San Tirso, in mudéjar style (open summer Tues/Sat 10:30-13:30 & 17:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-15:00; and winter Tues/Sat 10:30-13:30 & 16:00-19:00, Sun 10:30-13:30). Near San Tirso is La Peregrina, the remains of a mudéjar monastery and a restored 13th c. chapel. Through the archway of San Tirso is the Monasterio Santa Cruz, where the nuns have an interesting museum of religious art. Open 10:30-12:30 & 16:00-18:30.

HISTORY: Church and Mass - Monasterio de Santa Cruz (Benedictinas). Mass daily 08:30, Sun 09:00. Vespers Daily at 19:00 - pilgrims invited.

PLAIN: Several restaurants, farmacias and a zapatería which sells sports shoes. There are also two shops selling shoes, boots, backpacks, as well as repairs and resupplying camping and outdoors gear.

DIRECTIONS: From Sahagún cyclists take the N120, now a pleasant road with only light traffic.