After leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, we drove 30 minutes to O Cebreiro, a one-road village on the Camino de Santiago. There are a couple parking areas.
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In addition to hikers, you'll find bicyclists on the Camino. This group stopped to take a picture of a bronze statue of a female pilgrim.
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Stop at the Royal St. Mary's Church to get your official Camino stamp. Founded in 836, this is supposedly the oldest church on the French Camino.
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Step inside to check out the sparse interior.
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In the chapel to the right of the main altar, you'll find a 12th century chalice and reliquary. A peasant from a nearby village had braved the weather to arrive at the church for the Eucharist. The wine turned into the blood of Christ
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The town has 1 road. There are several places serving meals and several hostals. You'll also find several gift shops.
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A decorated pilgrim.
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The town is known for pallozas, stone buildings with thatch roofs. There are just nine remaining today and one of them serves as a museum. It's free to visit but you'll need to track down the caretaker. There are no chimneys. The smoke seeps through the thatched roof.
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Continue through the end of town and you'll find the yellow signs pointing the way to the Camino.
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Just outside of town, you'll find a statue of a wind-swept pilgrim.
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2021 09 08
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