It was a pity that the rain yesterday, deterred people from visiting Padron, as it is such a historic place in the context of the Camino.Legend has it that St James began his ministry here and also it is the place to where his remains were brought, after his martyrdom in Rome. There is much to discover about the Camino, here, not to mention the famous Padron Peppers.
The Camino bisected the hotel car park and we were quickly under way, under fairer skies and it was not long before we were removing outer layers as the sun broke through.
Quite a variety of sections, today, the usual woods of Eucalyptus, Pine and Oak, small pueblos and the interesting church:- details from a local guide.
“The Sanctuary of A Escravitude is only 5 km from Padrón’s historic quarter, on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The church began to be built in the 16th century on the site of the so-called “Fonte Santa” (Holy Fountain), financed by donations of worshippers who visited the place due to the water’s healing properties. Its main elements are the central stairway, under which the fountain is housed, and the two large towers that border the central nave and date from the 19th century.
There is an interesting account about a miracle related to the Fonte Santa that may explain the sanctuary’s origin. According to the legend, a sick man that was doing the Way of St. James to cure his dropsy stopped there for a drink, and 72 hours later he had been cured without any medical help. On seeing that he had been healed, the man exclaimed: “Grazas, Virxe, que me libraches da escravitude do meu mal” (“Thanks, Virgin, for releasing me from the slavery of my ailment”).”
There was a floral decoration in the church grounds, celebrating the recent feast of Corpus Christi.
We made the inevitable stop for coffee near Faramello, after passing a Galician fiesta of Scarecrows, which looked as it would get quite lively, later.
Rosie looks made up with her choice! Not all buildings are in good repair and we noticed abandoned houses in every village; some quite dramatic.
Could not write a Blog about a Camino through Galicia, without including a photo of a” horreos- a traditional, free standing barn on stone pillars, where grain was stored to prevent spoilage by vermin.
S de C was on the horizon and soon through suburbs and Sunday deserted main roads, we came into the Cathedral square… 77 miles accomplished and everyone intact and just a little proud of themselves; quite rightly. They had reached the end of the Camino Portugues…hopefully, it’s impact will remain with them for a long time.
More on our time in Santiago to come.
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