Primitive way of santiago

primitive way of santiago

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Primitive way of santiago

As you know, there are several options when it comes to walking the Camino de Santiago. Here are the details about the Camino de Santiago Primitivo.

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Characteristics of the Primitive Way of Saint James

If the Primitive Way is characterised by anything, it is for being very similar to what is considered to be the original route of the Camino de Santiago.This route has been used since the 9th century. Right from the moment when the tomb of the apostle St. James was discovered.

It is a perfect route for nature lovers since pilgrims who opt for this route will have the opportunity to go on nature trails. All of this, through one that goes from Oviedo, in Asturias, to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, and to do so, it has to cross the forests and valleys of Asturias.

Those who opt for this route should bear in mind that it is probably the most demanding option, and is also a perfect possibility for mountain biking.

Stages of the Primitive Way of Saint James

It is a route with 14 stages with 313 stages and a route that crosses 3 provinces: Asturias, Lugo and A Coruña.

There are frequent climbs on this road, such as the one to be made at the Puerto de Palo. As we said, it is a path with slopes and two different alternatives. On the one hand, there is the so-called Hospitales route and, on the other, the Santa María de Burón route.

Ruta de Hospitales

Thus, during the so-called Ruta de Hospitales, the pilgrim will enjoy a great natural landscape with a lot of history, as it is one of the oldest roads that takes the pilgrim through an interesting place, located no less than 1,100 metres above sea level.

Santiago's road

La Ruta de de Santa María de Burón

If you are looking for a less dangerous and quiet route, you can opt for the so-called Ruta de Santa María de Burón. It is a path that runs along the bottom of the valley and will take you through different villages with services.

In any case, one of the great advantages of choosing the Primitive Way of St. James is that it is an uncrowded route, perfect for sportsmen and women and nature lovers.

This route allows you to cross sparsely populated mountain areas that are full of beauty, enjoying a unique experience when doing the historic Camino de Santiago.

History of the Primitive Way of Saint James

As for the history of the Camino de Santiago Primitivo, to say that it is a road that began to be made in the Middle Ages, and specifically with King Alfonso II the Chaste King of Asturias , one of the first Hispanic Christian kingdoms that had emerged in the heat of the struggle against the Andalusian Caliphate , being him one of the first people of certain renown that began the habit of pilgrimages to Santiago. After him an endless series of great aristocrats and members of European royalty would go down the same road over the centuries.

Undoubtedly, a path of great beauty that has not gone unnoticed by anyone and a proof of this is that since 1993, together with the French Way, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the First European Itinerary of Cultural Interest by the Council of Europe.