Sarria, an essential stop on the Camino de Santiago

 

Sarria is a Jacobean town located 31 kilometres south of Lugo. Kilometre zero for many pilgrims who decide to take the Camino de Santiago French Way. The reason for this town in the province of Lugo being the starting point is that from Sarria, you can arrive in Santiago de Compostela travelling the last 100 kilometres (minimum number of kilometres required to obtain the Compostela) of the Camino de Santiago French Way in a week. This makes it the perfect place to start the Camino de Santiago. 

Land of pilgrims, Galician gastronomy and Jacobean tradition. Sit back and let us tell you all about what you need to do in Sarria!

What to see in Sarria

  • Monasterio de la Madalena. The Monastery dates back to the thirteenth century. Its church with its Plateresque façade and Gothic cloister is particularly noteworthy. The Camino de Santiago now passes in front of the monastery and part of its facilities serve as a hostel for pilgrims. 
  • Miradoiro da Cárcere. A viewpoint located close to the former prison of Sarria with beautiful views over the city. The former prison is now an exhibition centre. 
  • Fortaleza de Sarria. Just a stone's throw from Miradoiro da Cárcere, in the highest part of the town, is the old mediaeval military fortress dating back to the fifteenth century. The fortress was almost completely destroyed during the Irmandiña Revolt (1467-1469) and currently only its tower is visible, known as Torre del Batallón standing approximately 15 metres high.  
  • Iglesia de Santa Mariña de Sarria. Built in 1885 around an old Romanesque church dating back to the twelfth century. Inside are likenesses of the patron saints of the town: Santa Mariña and San Xoàn. 

The Camino de Santiago French Way in Sarria

The Camino de Santiago French Way was declared as the first stretch of the Camino de Santiago UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular routes taken by pilgrims from Europe via France. It runs through regions including Aragon, Navarre, La Rioja, Castile and Leon and Galicia, and can be started in Spain from Orreaga - Roncesvalles (Navarre) or from Somport (Aragón). The two points converge 800 kilometres later in the town of Puente de la Reina before setting off to Santiago de Compostela. 

Sarria has become one of the most popular starting points on the Camino de Santiago French Way for finishing the final 100 kilometres to obtain the Compostela. From this point, there are just five stages to be completed before reaching the Cathedral of Santiago: Portomarín, Palas del Rei, Arzúa, O Pedrouzo and Santiago de Compostela.  

How to travel to Sarria

The town of Sarria has a railway station served by Media Distancia (mid-distance), Larga Distancia (long distance) and AVE (high-speed) trains, connecting to A Coruña, Ourense, Lugo and other cities including Madrid. Travelling by train between Madrid and Galicia has never been easier. Hop on board and let us take you there! Consult our routes. 

Looking for a different experience? Then why not discover Galicia on board one of our tourist trains? They are the perfect option for those looking for a different tourism experience in which to soak up the best that Galicia has to offer. See them for yourself!

 

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