Today we walk from Sarria to Ferreiros. Sarria is named after the river that flows through it, the River Sarria. There is a fairly accepted hypothesis that the origin of the river’s name (and thus the town’s) comes from a Pre-Roman Gaelic tribe that had settled in this region, the Seurri.
Sarria is also the unofficial starting point for pilgrims who only can or want to do the required last 100 kilometres. Indeed, only a few hours on our way to Portomarín, we will pass by the 100 km marker to Santiago de Compostela.
Perhaps Sarria’s best-known monument is the Mercedarian monastery of the Magdalena(Magdalene). It is right at the top of the hill and you can visit it (assuming it is open) just before initiating the descent out of town. It is a Gothic structure that boasts a lovely cloister. The convent also offers a basic but appropriate pilgrim’s hostel. Note the interesting sculptures in relief by the main door, which depicts the arrival of Mary Magdalene (hence the name of the convent) by boat to the city of Marseille where she preached and lived until her death.
The Mercedarians (aka. Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy)
This religious order was founded in the early 13th century by Saint Peter Nolasco after receiving instructions from the Virgin Mary. Its main mission, apart from monastic duties to God, was to pay the ransoms of captured Christians.
The ransoming of captives and the slave trade of captured Christians was a prosperous business during the Middle Ages (moreover for the Muslim side as they traded in slaves). Thus, pirate pillaging and plundering was a common occurrence throughout these times, especially in regions that were under Christian control. St. Peter Nolasco, concerned about the plight of these Christian captives set up a network of monasteries throughout Europe that gradually became very successful thanks to popular, noble and royal patronage. The order is supposed to have freed up to 70.000 captives, of which 2.700 were freed during the saint’s time.
Apart from the three classic monastic vows (obedience, conversion of life, and stability), the Mercedarians take a fourth vow, which is to give their life for someone who is in danger of losing his or her faith.
Later that evening, we will hop on the bus and explore the famous Royal Benedictine Monastery of San Julián de Samos. As we will learn from our guides, this structure dates back to the 6th century, making it one of the oldest monastic complexes in Spain. Over the centuries, it has been reconstructed and expanded, resulting in a unique architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
For pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the Monastery of Samos holds a special significance, having traditionally offered hospitality to weary travelers, providing them with food, shelter, and guidance.
After a full day of beautiful views, rewarding walks, and local cuisine, your Fresco Tours guides will sit down with the group for the evening meeting where we will talk about tomorrow’s walk, and explain the map, including the terrain, the checkpoints of the support vehicle, and our picnic point, to get us ready for the next day.
