St. James's Way
Take a walk into the past
The northern routes of St. James's Way, that end in the Principality and with Oviedo/Uviéu in the centre, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region actually has four different routes, all with their own beauty and uniqueness. These pilgrimage routes to Santiago have a modernised network of pilgrim´s lodgings along the way, suitable for the 21st century pilgrim and offer the perfect place to rest your legs after having walked many kilometres, offering the opportunity for you to enjoy the warm welcome of the Asturians, picturesque architecture and delicious cuisine.
The Coastal Way (Carreño).
Don't miss...
- El Salvador statue in the Cathedral (Oviedo).
- Monastery of San Salvador de Cornellana (Salas).
- Salas Collegiate Church.
- Monastery of Santa María la Real de Obona (Tineo).
- Peñalba Cienfuegos Mansion (Allande).
- Chao Samartín Castro (Grandas de Salime).
The two main routes are the Coastal Way, which leaves from Irún (Basque Country) and runs in parallel with the Cantabrian Sea, and the Primitive Route which, according to legend, is the route taken by Alfonso II in the first pilgrimage, starts in Oviedo/Uviéu and continues through southwestern Asturias into Galicia.
History, spirituality and friendliness and community spirit is guaranteed whichever route you decide to take.
The Coastal Way (La Isla - Colunga).
The Coastal Way is 284.1 kilometres long, divided into 11 sections which barely depart from the coast. It crosses over medieval bridges, through beaches, cities and old pilgrim hospitals. Along this route you can discover the Santa María del Conceyu Church (Llanes), San Salvador Church and the Santa María la Real de Valdediós Monastery or the Temples of San Salvador de Priesca and San Juan de Amandi, all in Villaviciosa; Campa Torres Archaeological Nature Park and the Monte Areo Necropolis between Gijón and Carreño, Avilés's Old Quarter, Guazón Castle, in Castrillón; Santa María de Soto de Luiña Church and Quinta Selgas in Cudillero.
Campa Torres Archaeological-Nature Park (Gijón/Xixón).
Cathedral of The Salvador (Oviedo/Uviéu).
The first pilgrim
King Alfonso II of Asturias, known as the Chaste, is considered to be the first pilgrim to Santiago. Legend or history? Tradition has it that during his reign the tomb of the Apostle was discovered and the King set off on a journey to check whether this was true or not. The journey he took is that known as the Primitive Way. There is a popular saying that tried to reaffirm this version. It goes like this " he who goes to Santiago and not to the Salvador (the Cathedral of The Salvador in Oviedo/Uviéu) visits the servant, but not the Lord".
We recommend...
- The Original Way
- The Coastal Way
- El Salvador Way
- Connection between the Coastal Way and the Original Way
- Connection between the Original Way and the Coastal Way
- Pilgrim´s lodgings
The Primitive Route is 148.6 kilometres long and is divided into 9 sections of rural and mountain landscape. You can take variations or take the original Hospital route, between Tineo and Allande which, as its name indicates, has five old pilgrim hospitals along the way and is considered to be the original route.
There is nothing better than starting off your journey in the Salvador Cathedral of Oviedo/Uviéu and taking this opportunity to get to know the Asturian Pre-Romanesque buildings of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo.
Peñaflor Bridge (Grado-Candamo).
Take in the sights of the bridges of Gallegos, in Las Regueras or Peñaflir, in Grado. Located in this municipality is also the Los Dolores Chapel. Discover the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor de Salas and the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Obona, in Tineo.
In Allande you will find the Peñalba Cienfuegos Mansion and the Parish Church of Santa María de Burducedo. Cross the challenging port of El Palo or learn about the legend of the devil that baptised the towns of Salime or Susalime, now buried under the waters of the giant dam containing the hydraulic waterfall of Grandas de Salime water, these are just another two of the Route's charms.
The Route continues through Galician territory until reaching Santiago de Compostela.
In Allande you will find the Peñalba Cienfuegos Mansion and the Parish Church of Santa María de Burducedo. Cross the challenging port of El Palo or learn about the legend of the devil that baptised the towns of Salime or Susalime, now buried under the waters of the giant dam containing the hydraulic waterfall of Grandas de Salime water, these are just another two of the Route's charms.
The Route continues through Galician territory until reaching Santiago de Compostela.
The Original Way (Nonaya - Salas).
More than just a journey
St. James's Way is more than a route. It is a pilgrimage which you share with others each step of the way or where your neighbour offers you a refreshing glass of water when you need it the most. But there are real architectural treasures hidden in villages that you probably would never discover if you didn't decide to put on some boots and backpack and go. The Monastery of Vadediós or that of Santa María de Oubona are only two examples. Crossing the Eo Estuary in boat, from Figueras or Castropol, as was done centuries ago when there were only a few bridges, is an added bonus.
San Salvador de Valdediós (Villaviciosa).
St. James's Way (Villaviciosa).
The other two routes are actually connections between the Primitive and the coastal Routes and between the Primitive and the French Routes. The route that connects the Primitive and the French Routes starts in León, goes into Asturias through Payares, traversing impressive mountainous landscapes, with a mandatory visit to the Pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena. It is divided into three sections (54.5 kilometres) before reaching Oviedo/Uviéu.
The Coastal and the Primitive Routes join together from Villaviciosa inland through Sariego, visiting the Santiago Church and Siero in two sections measuring 39 kilometers in total.
The Coastal and the Primitive Routes join together from Villaviciosa inland through Sariego, visiting the Santiago Church and Siero in two sections measuring 39 kilometers in total.
Pre-Romanesque Church of Santa Cristina de Lena.
The Principality can make up part of a larger journey or be a starting point.
If you choose Asturias as a starting point, you must fill in the document so you can receive the Pilgrim's Passport that you can get stamped as you go and will mean you can get the Compostela at the end of the journey, when you arrive in Compostela. It is important to plan beforehand. As well as organising stages, there are many other useful services worth taking into consideration.
Niembro Church (Llanes).
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