Padrón

There was such an incredible amount of scenery and history on today's walk from Caldas de Reis towards Padrón. Almost half of the Way was on natural pathway and I had to stop often for picture taking. 

Arriving into the heart of the river valley, I was less impressed with the natural beauty. I was also glad I had not forgone the coastal route for the "variante espiritual" route looking at the river entry by the factory. 

But Padrón had its history. This is where St. James came first to spread the words of Jesus. And where his body was delivered after his beheading in Jeruselum. The church bearing his name had the history in various mediums, paintings and statues and there was the stone monument where his boat had been moored. The stone is also a Roman altar for the god Neptune. 

The altar. 

Pilgrim

Moor slayer 

After my tour in Igrexa de Santiago, I walked the historical center and enjoyed lunch in the former salt depot and one of the oldest existing buildings in Padrón,  12th century, Alfoli. 

We had decided to push past Padrón and walk to Picaraña to shorten the next day's entry into Santiago. Much of the rest of the path alternated between roads and villages. 

I loved walking under the arbors filled with the vibes and grapes dripping from above. Many households use these raised vineyards as animal pens too. 

One more day and we're entering Santiago. It's already feeling bittersweet. Another Camino ending...