The Mozarabic Way, or the Silver Way in Galicia

The route is a modern one. It links the historic Silver Way (Mozarabic), which connects the cities of Emerita Augusta (Mérida) and Asturica Augusta (Astorga) with Santiago de Compostela, entering Galicia to the southeast and covering several beautiful regions.

As a heavily Christianized area, as is the case in the river valleys of Ourense province, this route survived the Middle Ages. By the time of the Early Modern era, it had given rise to a small network of pilgrimage routes connecting the original Roman route with Santiago de Compostela.

This route enters Galicia via the town of Verín. Verín's climate, landscape, and traditions mean that it is one of Galicia's most unique cultural spots, which is in constant contact with its neighbors, Castile and Portugal.

The municipality, whose Suebi name originated in the 6th century, is now one of Galicia's best-preserved historic sites, as well as an important landmark that should not be missed by travelers and pilgrims.

The town's center abounds with churches and convents, despite its relatively small size. The large number of places of worship is a reminder of this town's medieval splendor. It was a strategic route for travelers and goods during the reign of Alfonso VI of León and Castile, and that of his grandson, Alfonso VII.

Located practically in the center of Allariz, the Church of Santiago (St. James) is archetypally Romanesque in style, with its charming, simple figurative decorations, assailed by monstrous beasts.

Allariz is not just famous for its churches, however. The beautiful, original village is one of the best examples of its kind in Galicia, with its wide variety of traditional Galician homes. This precious historic architecture has been sympathetically restored, becoming a landmark for which the modern-day town is famous.

The most iconic of them all is Ponte Vella. Even today, this medieval bridge, built during the Roman era, is one of Europe's most magnificent stone bridges. Its strategic importance has ensured that it has been maintained over the years.

At the very top of Ourense's old town is its cathedral, dedicated to St. Martin. Built as a defensive fortress, its medieval interior is a classic example of late Romanesque architecture.

The modern city of Ourense grew in tandem with its river and its thermal bathing tradition, which originated in Roman times. The waters of this area, which have been famed throughout history, are a symbol of their identity for the people of Ourense, as well as a popular visitor attraction.

The pure geometry of the church's design still retains some remnants of its rich Baroque decoration, lost in the serious fire that destroyed much of the church in 1552.

One of the monastery's best-known spaces is its late-15th century Gothic chapter hall. Its turned pillars and decorative ribbed vaults have earned it the nickname "the hall of palm trees."

The grandeur of this stone building, and its unexpected presence in an almost uninhabited rural location, has captivated pilgrims and visitors over the years. It is for this reason that the building has often been compared to other grand buildings, such as El Escorial.

Via the municipalities of Lalín and Silleda, this route takes pilgrims through sites of magnificent natural beauty. This return to nature and the shared sense of spirituality are the perfect complement to the journey undertaken by today's pilgrims.

The monastery of Carboeiro, perched on the banks of the Deza River, is probably Deza's greatest landmark. Its romantic location and the fact that it has stood abandoned since the 19th century have shrouded the building in myths and legends.

On the approach to Santiago de Compostela, the town of Vedra and its surroundings have traditionally been regarded as the city's kitchen garden. The steep valley of the Ulla River, which marks the provincial border, has shaped the landscape of this region.

Anyone who chooses this route for their pilgrimage will be lucky enough to pass the summit known as Pico Sacro. Its unusually shaped peak and its caves have been the source of several legends. One such legend links the peak to Queen Lupa, a powerful Pagan lady who St. James' disciples asked for help in burying the body of the Apostle.

The reward for all the pilgrims' hard work in completing the Camino de Santiago is the view of the cathedral of Santiago's facade, which marks the end of the pilgrimage. This is the culmination of the entire pilgrimage, with its wealth of experiences, memories, and unique moments.