This morning we will depart from the town of Melide, which houses Galicia’s oldest cruceiro from the 14th century, though it is still intact! Melide’s best-known monument is the church of Sancti Spiritus, better known as la iglesia (the church) by the locals. The church was once part of a much larger convent complex dating from the 14th century and tradition believes that it was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi on his way back from Santiago.
Along the Way we will come across what used to be an important pilgrim stop, Sanctus Iacobus de Boento that Aymeric Picaurd mentions in his Códex Calixtinus. However, nothing remains of the church today. In its place sits a quaint, renovated 19th century church that honors an iconic Santiago pilgrim at its altar. After walking through rolling hills and tiny hamlets we stop for a picnic to rest our legs and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Before we finish walking for the day we cross the last Medieval/Roman bridge on the Camino to Ribadiso da Baixo. The view across the river Iso is stunning in its serenity and peacefulness and is definitely one of the favorite places for current pilgrims on the Camino.
Our day comes to a close as we arrive in Arzúa. Though the town may date back to Roman times, it is because of the Camino that Arzúa is put on the map in the 11th century when pilgrims were attended to at the hospice in Ribadiso da Baixo.
As we plan for the day ahead, we will enjoy local food and wine and hopefully learn more about the fellow pilgrims on our journey. Finally, we return to bed at our Galician manor home to rest for the day tomorrow!
