Today, the path leads you through Astorga, a city with deep Roman roots and a rich pilgrim tradition. Once a strategic outpost guarding the gold mines of Las Médulas, Astorga now welcomes pilgrims with its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant energy. The Palacio Episcopal, designed by Antonio Gaudí, stands out with its fairytale-like turrets and Gothic revival style. Inside, the Museum of Los Caminos inside the Palacio Episcopal offers a fascinating look at the history of pilgrimage and the region’s cultural heritage.
Before leaving Astorga, be sure to sample its famous chocolate, a local specialty with roots in the colonial trade routes. Whether you enjoy it in a café or pick up a bar for the road, it’s a sweet way to mark your time in the city.
From Astorga, the Camino gently makes its way toward Murias de Rechivaldo, a quiet village nestled among fields and low hills. The terrain begins to shift here, hinting at the mountains to come.
This stage is a beautiful blend of history, flavor, and transition—a day that connects the agricultural soul of Spain with the architectural wonders of its past, all while preparing you for the changing landscapes ahead.
