The Primitive Way in Galicia

The Primitive Way is so called as it is traditionally believed to be the oldest route to Santiago de Compostela. It links Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela and shares a lot of its paths with ancient Roman roadways.

Today, growing numbers of pilgrims are looking to rediscover this route between the Northern Way and the French Way, with which it merges in the town of Melide. This route crosses mountains, lush forests, historic towns, and a Roman city: Lugo.

The Original Way enters Galicia through the mountainous town of O Acevo, at an altitude of 3,379 feet (1,030 m). From this point, it takes pilgrims 106 miles (171 km) to reach Santiago de Compostela. Shortly after leaving this town, the route forks with one path going via A Pobra de Burón and the other via A Fonsagrada.

This town was named after the sacred fountain in the town center: laFons Sacrata. It seems to be related to Saint James the Greater as there are many legends about the fountain and the care of pilgrims.

A small detour from the Way gives travelers the opportunity to visit the impressive Church of Santa María de Vilabade. The church has the status of a Bien de Interés Cultural, which is the heritage register in Spain. The church was built in the 15th century in a gothic style, but it also has baroque and neoclassical elements in its intriguing façade.

The keep of the ancient 14th-century fortress in Castroverde welcomes pilgrims to the municipality. It was owned by the Osorio y Moscoso family.

The lands of this municipality belong to many of the most important noble families in Galicia's history, such as the houses of Lemos and Altamira.

Before leaving Castroverde, travelers may come across the ancient abandoned hamlet of Soutomerille. This site features one of the most symbolic landmarks of all the Way routes in Galicia: a small chapel with a pre-Roman lattice that dates back to the early centuries when pilgrimages started.

The history of Lugo is marked by its importance in the Roman era, though later periods have also made a special contribution to the city's heritage. In the Cathedral of Santa María, different elements of Roman, Gothic, baroque, renaissance, and neoclassic styles merge together.

Before leaving the ancient city of Lugo via the Door of Saint James (Puerta de Santiago), pilgrims can explore the charming corners of one of the best-preserved cities in Galicia and visit the many Roman sites peppered across the city.

Leaving Lugo, it is worth taking the time to take a little detour from the Way route to visit the mysterious temple of Santalla de Bóveda from the late Roman Empire. This structure is the only remnant of Roman ruins to be kept in such a good condition. The building features original paintings from the Roman Imperial period and a ritual pool.

The next stage of the journey brings travelers to San Romao, where a replica of a Roman milestone from the time of Caligula's reign serves as a reminder that the Original Way traces the ancient Roman roads. The original milestone, which was found here, is on display in the Museum of the Ways to Santiago (Museo de los Caminos a Santiago) in Astorga.

The Way's legacy is sometimes discreet, but that does not make it any less relevant. This is a photo of the tiny medieval footbridge in A Ponte Ferreira. Travelers can imagine walking in the footsteps of history as pilgrimages have been made over this bridge for centuries.

The Original Way has dozens of lodgings belonging to the St. James Way Public Network of Hostels (la Red pública de Albergues del Camino de Santiago) in Galicia, where pilgrims can rest from long days of walking. The As Seixas hostel in Palas de Rei can be found 9 miles (14 km) outside the municipality of Melide.

The forests of Vilouriz in the river basin of the Furelos river mark the point where the Original Way meets the French Way.

This ancient pre-Romanesque church in Toques, which was originally a monastery, is no longer included in the Way route. Pilgrims must take a small detour to visit it, but this magical site, which has been adapted to suit the difficult terrain, reminds travelers of this Way route's antiquity.