Day 20, The place of the pilgrim's saint

More Rioja vineyards
see all photos »

Day 20, June 6^th

Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

586km from Santiago, 366km from start

Distance: 21km

The Cathedral in Santo Domingo
see all photos »

Today was our first truly sunny day and very pleasant. We were still in Rioja country so most of it was through vineyards and on the red clay paths that border them. Several very nice little villages and the trails were smooth. Toward the end, we came upon a private golf course and a planned golf community. It was very high-tone and the course was nicely set, but the homes looked almost soviet, and it was out in the middle of nowhere. The money was definitely flowing in though.

We got into Santo Domingo de la Calzada a little after noon. Santo Domingo was a shepherd who dedicated his life to improving the pilgrimage in this area. He built bridges, hospitals, churches, and refuges. Many miracles were attributed to his influence and the town became one of the more noted on the Camino. Today it’s a very popular tourist town with several interesting old buildings, good restaurants, and . .  of course . .  bars.

On the trail
see all photos »

We felt very fresh, enjoyed lunch in the sun, chilled out, and when things opened up again around five visited the cathedral. One of the miracles attributed to Santo Domingo involved a rooster and hen. It’d take way too long to explain it, but a live white rooster and hen are kept in a position of high honor near the altar.

Today was fine. We hit the hay early because the next three days promised to be long and tough.

Village: Najera, Azofra, Ciruena, Santo Domingo de la Calzada