Stage Notes & History

HISTORY: In the 12th c. a hermit named Gaucelmo (hence the name of the albergue in Rabanal) obtained permission from the King to build a church and a hospice for pilgrims in Foncebadón, the next village on the Camino. The original document giving permission is in the Diocesan Museum in Astorga and you can see a copy in the entrance hall of the Refugio Gaucelmo. The ruined buildings outside the village on the left of the camino as you leave Foncebadón are the remains of the church and hospice built by Gaucelmo.

HISTORY: Church and Mass - Benedictine monastery of San Salvador de Monte Irago. The monks welcome pilgrims who wish a spiritual retreat for a minimum 3 nights which must be arranged in advance. Tel: 987 631 528. Pilgrims wishing to speak to the monks may do so between 17:00 and 18.45. Vespers at 19:00, Compline at 21:00, with pilgrim blessing and blessing of stones traditionally left at the Cruz de Ferro. Lauds at 07:30 and Mass at 12:30. All pilgrims are invited.

PLAIN: 2 small shops near Gaucelmo refuge - one open all year, the other closed from late September to mid/late April.

DIRECTIONS: The Ermita del Bendito Cristo de la Vera Cruz on the left as you approach the village. Immediately after the Ermita the Camino bears right up the c/Real, whilst the modern tarmac road goes on up to the village square. Further up you pass the site of the original pilgrim hospital (now a private house with a ramp outside) and the 18th c. Church of San José, before reaching the Romanesque Church of Santa María.