Apr 04 -
All Documents
Padrón
Caldas de Reis
to
Padrón
Apr 22,
Stage 12 -
19 km
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Tonight's Accommodation
Interesting Facts
Practical Insights:This 19km stage involves some forest climbs but generally moderate terrain. Forested sections provide welcome shade but limited water sources; carry sufficient supplies. Padrón offers several accommodation options, with the Convento del Carmen being a historic choice. The town's famous small green peppers are a must-try local specialty – some are spicy, some mild, creating the local saying 'some are hot, some are not.'
Highlights:Begin by crossing the Roman bridge over the Umia River, then climb gently through eucalyptus and pine forests. Pass the elegant Baroque church at Santa Mariña de Carracedo before descending to the Ulla River valley. Enter historic Padrón, traditionally where the boat carrying St. James' body first landed in Spain, giving the town profound significance in the Camino's origin story. Try the famous local peppers (pimientos de Padrón).
Natural Beauty:The route passes through the transition between coastal and interior Galician landscapes. You'll walk through lush river valleys with diverse vegetation and bird species. The confluence of the Sar and Ulla rivers creates fertile plains that have supported agriculture for millennia. Oak and chestnut forests alternate with introduced eucalyptus, while traditional crops including corn, potatoes and the famous Padrón peppers fill small field systems.
Historical Context:Padrón (Roman Iria Flavia) holds central importance in Santiago's story – according to tradition, the stone where the apostle's boat was moored can be seen in the church of Santiago. The town was known to Romans, who built the original causeway you walk on parts of. Nearby Iria Flavia was a bishop's seat before Santiago existed. The region has rich literary connections, particularly to medieval troubadour poetry and Galicia's 19th-century literary renaissance.
Spiritual or Reflective Spots:The Church of Santiago contains the Pedrón, the stone where tradition says St. James' boat was moored, making this site fundamental to the entire Camino's spiritual significance. Nearby Santiaguiño do Monte, a hillside shrine reached by 130 steps, marks where disciples reportedly preached. The Convento del Carmen houses a significant religious art collection. Many pilgrims find special meaning in approaching Santiago via the same waterway that supposedly carried the saint's remains.
Highlights
Begin by crossing the Roman bridge over the Umia River, then climb gently through eucalyptus and pine forests. Pass the elegant Baroque church at Santa Mariña de Carracedo before descending to the Ulla River valley. Enter historic Padrón, traditionally where the boat carrying St. James’ body first landed in Spain, giving the town profound significance in the Camino’s origin story. Try the famous local peppers (pimientos de Padrón).
Practical Insights
This 19km stage involves some forest climbs but generally moderate terrain. Forested sections provide welcome shade but limited water sources; carry sufficient supplies. Padrón offers several accommodation options, with the Convento del Carmen being a historic choice. The town’s famous small green peppers are a must-try local specialty – some are spicy, some mild, creating the local saying ‘some are hot, some are not.’
Historical Context
Padrón (Roman Iria Flavia) holds central importance in Santiago’s story – according to tradition, the stone where the apostle’s boat was moored can be seen in the church of Santiago. The town was known to Romans, who built the original causeway you walk on parts of. Nearby Iria Flavia was a bishop’s seat before Santiago existed. The region has rich literary connections, particularly to medieval troubadour poetry and Galicia’s 19th-century literary renaissance.
Natural Beauty
The route passes through the transition between coastal and interior Galician landscapes. You’ll walk through lush river valleys with diverse vegetation and bird species. The confluence of the Sar and Ulla rivers creates fertile plains that have supported agriculture for millennia. Oak and chestnut forests alternate with introduced eucalyptus, while traditional crops including corn, potatoes and the famous Padrón peppers fill small field systems.
Spiritual or Reflective Spots
The Church of Santiago contains the Pedrón, the stone where tradition says St. James’ boat was moored, making this site fundamental to the entire Camino’s spiritual significance. Nearby Santiaguiño do Monte, a hillside shrine reached by 130 steps, marks where disciples reportedly preached. The Convento del Carmen houses a significant religious art collection. Many pilgrims find special meaning in approaching Santiago via the same waterway that supposedly carried the saint’s remains.