A day that for most means the end of the meseta, although it actually is at Astorga where the pilgrims finally sees the high plains of Spain behind them and another chapter of the Camino Francés in front of them.
Puente sobre el Río Porma in Puente Villarente.
What it does mean, is that the pilgrims will arrive in León, another milestone on the Camino. We will talk about that city when we get there, but at first the walk from the quiet Mansilla de las Mulas, which from every report I had heard before did not boast a very good reputation.
A scallop on a wall.
And looking at the map, the straight line of the route towards Puente Villarente might provide the best indication of that. Leaving the old city walls of Mansilla de las Mulas, walking over the Puente Medieval sobre el Río Esla, I have acres on one side and a relatively busy road at my other side.
On the Camino towards León, not the most enticing of the days.
Puente Villarente is interesting for the fact that the pilgrims must use the Pasarela Peatonal sobre el Río Porma bridge instead of the old medieval bridge when crossing over the Río Porma river. The medieval bridge is reserved for the modern age carriages. However, that provides the walkers a better view of the bridge.
And then, my name on an overpass :).
The bad reputation precedes the walk from Puente Villarente to León, and although some parts of it goes on a dusty gravel track, it is never far away from a road and industrial areas. There are nicer views in the distance.
Santa María de Regla de León Cathedral.
On an overpass someone has written my name in stones. I know that both Torsten, Alessandra and Martina are ahead of me, they are the primary suspects. The sight warms my heart.
Market on the Plaza Mayor in León.
History repeats itself when walking into León, where pilgrims walk over the Puente Peatonal sobre el Río Torío bridge while cars drive over the old Puente de Puente Castro bridge.
The ceiling of the Catedral de León with its stained-glass windows.
León is one of the biggest cities that the Camino Francés passes through, alongside Pamplona, Logroño and Burgos. With everything there is to see in its old town, this is a candidate for where to have a zero day on the Camino. We stay at the albergue in an old convent in the centre of the city.
A gargoyle roof gutter on a building.
Central in the city lies the cathedral, Santa María de Regla de León Cathedral. A must see when in León. Its prominent gothic style is overshadowed by its many medieval stained-glass windows, which covers nearly 1800 square meters.
Plaza del Grano.
Alessandra had unfortunately reported to the albergue that she believed had got bedbugs on the way and then had received the full treatment. Meaning that every clothes and equipment she carried was instantly fumigated and washed at 60 degrees. She had got some clothes to borrow, but did not want to walk out in the city in them so had stayed at the albergue.
Interior of the Catedral de León.
A boring walk from Mansilla de las Mulas, but thankfully it is a short distance so that more time could be spent in the wonderful city of León.
<- Mansilla de las MulasLeón ->
No comments:
Post a Comment