Anyone understands that the Camino de Santiago revolves around the figure of the Apostle Santiago. This route has great transcendence given the significance of the arrival of the corpse of the Apostle in a stone boat through the Ria de Arousa and the Ulla River to Iria Flavia (Padron). The pebble with which it is believed that the boat was moored is in the Church of Santiago, in Padron. It is a further example of the magic and singularity that is perceived throughout this itinerary, given the beam of mystery and legend that surrounds the history of the Apostle. There is no better way to follow the footsteps of Athanasius and Theodore when they moved his mortal remains.
This route combines water and land, as it can be understood. In the localities bordering the estuary there are different sealing points for the approaching ships, both derived from the tourist service and the rest of them. From them, following a fluvial via crucis, it is easy to enjoy the beauty of the beaches, the value of numerous historical constructions and the authenticity of the seafaring activity. The terrestrial itinerary, as explained above, begins in the municipality of Padron: refuge of history, patrimonial samples and, also, poets. We can highlight specific attractions that the pilgrim can enjoy, such as the wonderful Botanical Garden, the Church of Santiago or the local peppers. On the other hand, Iria Flavia has a wide historical relevance since it was even Episcopal See in the time of the visigodos. It emphasizes there the Casa dos Coengos, coming from the 18th century. Already between Rois and Teo, we can enjoy the wonderful natural space that surrounds Pazo do Faramello, place of the first paper mill in Galicia. There, the exceptional biodiversity stands out, with special native and worthy specimens.
In Ames, arriving at the outskirts of O Milladoiro, the pilgrim is already noticing the end of the journey, by the evidence of the landscapes.
Stage: Ribeira - Padrón
What to see
At the beginning of the route we have the Natural Park of the Dunas de Corrubedo e Lagoas de Carregal e Vixióan, a complex of 5 km of beaches and a unique ecosystem. The Lighthouse of Corrubedo of 1853 and the Island of Sálvora that belongs to the Natural Park of the Atlantic Islands make Ribeira a mandatory visit. There are also numerous megalithic monuments including the Dolmen de Axeitos with more than 4000 years of antiquity.
Already in A Pobra, the Torre de Xunqueiras from the 15th century, the Torre de Bermudez from the 16th and the Valle-Inclán Museum are three of the most important points to visit in this city hall. The viewpoint of the Curota is the highest point of the peninsula with 498 m. of altitude, from which it is possible to contemplate a unique panorama of the estuaries. In addition to the numerous coves and beaches, we can also refresh ourselves in any of the numerous natural pools in the Pedras river.
The Castro de Neixón from the 1st century is one of the main archaeological sites of the estuary. Located in the municipality of Boiro, this territory offers a great variety of megalithic monuments such as the A Laxe de las Cabras' petroglyphs and Pedra da Bouza, from the Bronze Age, or the megalithic necropolis of Amañecida, among others.
Municipalities which the stage goes through:
- Riveira Council
- A Pobra do Caramiñal Council
- Boiro Council
- Rianxo Council
- Dodro Council
- Padron Council
Stage: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela. 25.2 km
What to see
In Iria Flavia, we find the footprint on the road to the Camilo José Cela Foundation, located in the Casas dos Coengos, built at the end of the 18th century. In front of it, the collegiate church of Santa María de Iria. Contiguous to the collegiate church, we find the cemetery of Adina, which preserves a Suevi necropolis from the 5th century.
Further on, continuoing the way to Compostela, we can visit the Santuario da Escravitude from the 18th century.
We find in this path two ruins of great interest. On the one hand the legendary Castro Lupario, where the queen Lupa lived; and on the other hand the Castelo da Rocha Forte from the 15th century, destroyed during the revoltas irmandiñas.
Municipalities which the stage goes through:
More information on The Route of the Sea Arousa and River,Ulla here.
