Having enjoyed a good night’s sleep and an energizing breakfast, we get ready to travel west across the Galician countryside. A good stop for a coffee is in Palas de Rei. The name of the town translates to “Palace of the King” and it is believed to have been named after the royal palace of the Visigoth King Witiza that once stood in the area in the Middle Ages. King Witiza lived sometime around the end of the 7th century, while his death is said to have coincided with the beginning of the Moorish invasion in 711. According to legend and tradition, Witzia was the archetype of the evil ruler. His personal life, filled with mistresses and murder, is reputed to have mirrored his regency of cruelty and tyranny.
One of today’s highlights is the town of Melide, where we can enjoy some traditional Galician pulpo (octopus). Melide also houses Galicia’s oldest cruceiro, which dates to the 14th century and is still intact! Melide’s best-known monument is the church of Sancti Spiritus, better known as la iglesia (the church) by the locals. Tradition holds that Saint Francis of Assisi founded the church while returning from Santiago, when it was a part of a much larger convent.
Before reaching the end of today’s stage, we’ll pass through Arzúa – a modern-looking town with roots that trace back to Roman times. Arzúa was put on the map in the 11th century, when pilgrims were attended to at the hospital in nearby Ribadiso da Baixo.
Don’t forget to sample the local delicacy! Arzúa is considered the cheese capital of Galicia, known for producing the region’s famous creamy cow’s milk cheese.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at our manor house before settling in for a good night’s rest. Santiago de Compostela is just one day away!
