O Hío Cross

Cangas

Considered by many as the most beautiful cross in Galicia, this majestic piece located in the parish of O Hío in Cangas was built in 1872, as can be read in one of its carvings. Experts attribute it to the master Cerviño and highlight the detail and variety of the sculptures that can be seen from its base to its highest point. The original sin, the Immaculate Conception and the unlocking of Christ are some of the images that make up this spectacular cross located at a point from which we can also enjoy views of the Aldán estuary.

Os Cruceiros Bonitos

Abegondo

Its peculiar shape and beauty have led to the unique and descriptive name under which this cross is known in the municipality of Abegondo in A Coruña. It was built in 1787 and although it is currently located on the margins of the AC-542 road, it was originally located on the English Way. The four columns crowned by two figures flanking the pole and linked to it by metal pieces distinguish it from the majority of the crosses that can be seen in Galicia and link it to some of the pieces from the French Brittany.

Melide Cross

Melide

In the centre of town of Melide (A Coruña), in the middle of the French Way, we find this piece of the 14th century. This dating makes it the oldest cross in Galicia, although some specialists consider that it is not a cross itself, but a cross that was originally part of another set of sculptures and was later converted for that use. In fact, the pole is more modern and the piece has changed location at least three times. In any case, it is an emblematic work.

Mondariz Cross

Mondariz

The cross located in the municipal cemetery of Mondariz could share paternity with that of O Hío, although the reason for its inclusion in this list is very different. What makes this piece a singular monument is its dimensions. Its eight and a half metres in height, of which more than five correspond to the pillar and the rest to the capital and the cross, make it the tallest cross in Galicia ahead of other monumental pieces such as those located in the collegiate church of Santa María del Campo, in A Coruña; the church of Santa María A Antiga, in A Pobra do Caramiñal, or in the village church of Romelle, in Zas.

Cristo Enxoito

Xermade

Some crosses have been protected under later constructions of different types to protect them from bad weather, but in the case of the one located next to the parish church of Xermade, the solution adopted makes it a unique case. A small circular stone disc stands out over the cross as an umbrella or parasol. 

Holy Trinity Cross

Baiona

Dated to the 15th century, this cross located in the upper part of Baiona is notable for the pyramid-shaped canopy that covers it, but also for the figures that adorn the whole and for the polychrome that can still be seen in them and that relate them to those of the Portico de la Gloria. During the time of the Black Death, the place served as an altar from which to offer mass.

Arousa Sea Route and Ulla River Crosses

Municipalities of the Ria de Arousa

A total of 17 crosses make up this unparalleled set, as they form the only river crosses. They were built in the 1960s to remember and commemorate the route that, according to tradition, the boat that carried the remains of the Apostle Santiago would have taken to Pontecesures. They are located at designated points along the coast of the municipalities on both banks of the Ría de Arousa: from Ribeira to Pontecesures.

Pedra da Serpe Cross

Corme (Ponteceso)

The importance of this monument located at a crossroads near the village of Gondomil does not lie in the cross, but in what lies beneath it: a winged serpent carved directly into a granite stone and which could have originated in some ancient pagan cult. The cross placed later would have the aim of Christianising the place and freeing it from its original meaning.

O Cebreiro Cross

O Cebreiro (Pedrafita do Cebreiro)

Its location, in one of the most emblematic points of the French Way, makes the influence of the Jacobean phenomenon and the cult of the Apostle very visible in this cross. Santiago itself is represented on the pillar of the cross with the typical costumes of the pilgrim and several scallops, another of the great symbols of those who make this route, decorate the corners of the capital.

ACCESSES – O Cebreiro is a beautiful rural town, a major stage on the Road of Santiago, located on the LU-633 highway on the border between Galicia and León province.

DISTANCE – 157 km.

POINT OF DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL – O Cebreiro (Pedrafita do Cebreiro) / Santiago de Compostela.

ROUTE – O Cebreiro, Triacastela, Samos, Sarria, Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa and Santiago de Compostela.

DIFFICULTY – Medium. A very long route.

DURATION – 50 hours. Five days in excess of 30 km.

CONNECTIONS – With GR 94.

MATERIAL – This route is generally completed in one go, for reasons that go beyond the pathway itself. It is recommended to pack a rucksack well, although it is easy to find provisions along the way.

SERVICES – In all the towns that the pathway runs through. Xunta de Galicia hostels in: O Cebreiro, Hospital da Condesa, Triacastela, Calvor, Sarria, Barbadelo, Ferreiros, Portomarín, Gonzar, Ventas de Narón, Ligonde, Palas de Rei, Mato Casanova, Meli- de, Ribadiso, Arzúa, Sta. Irene, Arca, Monte do Gozo.

ACCESS BY BICYCLE – Totally suitable.

ACCESS ON HORSEBACK – Totally suitable.

Pilgrimage is essentially an act with an existential and religious aspect. But nowadays, the Road of Santiago is a route open as much to pilgrims as to walkers who come to discover new, attractive elements such as art, culture and contact with towns and customs.

The Road of Santiago, classified as First European Cultural Itinerary in 1987 by the European Council and declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1998, is a journey of initiation that leads into the heart of Galicia through settings that take us back to Medieval Europe. On foot, by bicycle or on horseback, we are travelling pathway laid down by the mark of men throughout history and one of humanity’s most-travelled roads.

The different monumental sights are a complete ar- tistic pleasure: thatched huts and the monumental site of O Cebreiro, Monastery of Samos, Sarria old quarter, Church of Portomarín, Romanesque Church of Vilar de Donas and Melide cruceiro (stone cross), are just some of the countless architectural trea- sures that culminate in Santiago de Compostela’s old quarter.

CARTOGRAPHY I.G.N. 1:25.000 – No 94-IV Santiago de Compostela, 95-III San Marcos, 95-II O Pino, 95-IV Touro, 96-II Arzúa, 96-IV Palas de Rei. S.G.N. 1:50.000 No 97 Guntín, 123 Portomarín, 124 Sarria and 125 As Nogais.

FURTHER INFORMATION – Information telephone number of the Xacobeo: 902 332 010