O Cebreiro

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.

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.

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.

Step inside to check out the sparse interior.

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

The town has 1 road. There are several places serving meals and several hostals. You'll also find several gift shops.

A decorated pilgrim.

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.

Continue through the end of town and you'll find the yellow signs pointing the way to the Camino.

Just outside of town, you'll find a statue of a wind-swept pilgrim.

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