Itinerary Vía de la Plata Routes Salamanca to Santiago de Compostela

Salamanca or Salmanticeis known as a University City, being recognized around the world because of its artistic wealth: cathedrals, palaces, churches… It is also a place where many artistic styles combine:Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, etc.This variety helped it to be declaredWord Heritage City by the UNESCOand namedEuropean City of Culture in 2002. The main landmarks are the Main Square, Casa de las Conchas, the two Cathedrals and the University.

Accommodation in Salamanca.

Breakfast in Salamanca.

You will start this stage from Plaza Mayor, continuing via Calle de Zamora until you get close to the bull ring; then, continue on road N-630 towards Zamora. You will pass byAldeaseca de ArmuñaandCastellanos de Villiquera.Soon, you will also get toCalzada de Valdunciel, where you can visit its church, from the 12th Century and rebuilt in the 16th Century; inside, you will find a statue of Santiago as Pilgrim.You will continue your way toEl Cubo de la Tierra del Vino, passing by close to Topas Prison. Later on, you will arrive at the first village inZamoraprovince.You leaveEl Cubo de la Tierra del Vinoand take the old road, crossing a bridge and coming back to the causeway parallel to the railroad; continue on it for 5 km. From the top of a hill, you will be able to seeVillanueva de Campeán. You will enter the village via Calle Calzada and keep going on Calle Santiago, taking a path that leads to San Marcial, which you will leave to the left to then ascend a mound; from here, you will see Zamora in the distance. You will enter Zamora via San Frontis Borough, enjoying a wondrous sight of the Cathedral. Bordering the river Duero, you will leave on the left the remains of the Roman bridge and will enter the city via the medieval bridge. This is a really important city for the pilgrim on the Silver Route since here, and thanks to Ramos Castro Foundation, was born the idea of reviving this old route for the pilgrims to get to Santiago.It is highly recommendable to stop and visit this city, considered a true gem of the Romanesque with the greatest concentration of art of this kind in the whole Europe, and also with an important number of Modernist buildings.

Accommodation in Zamora.

Breakfast in Zamora.

Leaving Zamora, you will head towards Santa Croya de Tera, passing by many interesting places such as Montamarta (where you can visit the Chapel of Virgen del Castro), the ruins of Castrotorafe, Granja de Moreruela and its impressive monastery, Ricobayo Reservoir and Tábara (which features a nice Romanesque church).

Accommodation in Santa Croya de Tera.

Breakfast in Santa Croya de Tera.

This stage offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Valley of Tera. Some interesting sites along the Way are the dam and reservoir of Agavanzal, Rionegro del Puente and its Sanctuary of Virgen de la Carballeda and Mombuey (famous for the delicious bread they bake). Once you get to Puebla de Sanabria, you should visit the old town and the main square, the Castle and the church of Nuestra Señora del Azogue.

Accommodation in Puebla de Sanabria.

Breakfast in Puebla de Sanabria.

You will leave Puebla de Sanabria crossing the medieval bridge over the river Castro. You will keep cycling until reaching the Church of St James, next to the village of Terroso. This stage is quite challenging, as you will have to go up Padornelo Pass before reaching A Gudiña. This town belongs to Ourense (Galicia), and it features the churches of San Martiño (from the 18th Century) and San Pedro (from the 17th Century).

Accommodation in A Gudiña.

Breakfast in A Gudiña.

This stage will take you from A Gudiña to Xunqueira de Ambía, passing by some nice villages along the Way, such as Campobecerros, Portocamba and As Eiras. Finally, you will arrive at Laza, where you can visit the church of San Xoán de Laza. This town is also very popular beacause of the Carnival festivities.You will leave Laza and will head towards Xunqueira de Ambía, which features the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Real.

Accommodation in Xunqueira de Ambía.

Breakfast in Xunqueira de Ambía.

Leaving Xunqueira de Ambía you will pass by Ourense, where you should not miss the opportunity to visit its wonderful Cathedral, a great temple of Romanesque style. Other landmarks to take into account include the Ponte Vela over the river Miño, the church of the Saint Trinity, the old town and the Church of Saint Francis. You will leave Ourense through the Roman Bridge and will start walking towards Oseira, which features a beautiful monastery from the XIII century. On the Way, you will pass by Cea, where you can taste their delicious bread.From the Monastery of Oseira, you will continue the route passing by Vilarello, Carbadeliña and A Gouxa, entering the province of Pontevedra. Greenery and rural landscapes surround the Way.

Accommodation in Castro Dozón.

Breakfast in Castro Dozón.

You will leave Castro Dozón and contine towards A Laxe and Prado.Leaving Prado, you will walk towards Ponte Ulla, crossing the beautiful bridge of Taboada. Before arriving at Silleda, the biggest town on this stage, you will get the chance to see the Romanesque church of Santiago do Transfontao and lovely 18th- century manor. You will keep walking, crossing the river and entering the province of A Coruña, arriving at Ponte Ulla.This last stage leaves from Ponte Ulla, crossing several roads and railway lines, until reaching the nice chapel of Santa Lucía. Once in Santiago, you will be surrounded by many landmarks. The main points of interest are the Cathedral and the Square of Obradoiro, but that does not mean those are the only remarkable places, as it is also recommendable to take a stroll around the historic district, to taste the gastronomy and to visit some other iconic buildings such as the Catholic Monarchs Inn, the Monastery of San Martín Pinario or the Pazo of Raxoi.

Accommodation inSantiago de Compostela.