Yesterday’s stage, whether it was the first, or just one more on your tour, will not have left us very fatigued, since it was a fairly simple tour. Today the stage is even simpler, this is going to be a stroll.
Let’s continue on La Via de la Plata!
Through the greenest and most rural of Galicia, we will cross several parishes to reach the nearby Casarellos. Many guides propose this stage by extending it to Laxe, but we are great lovers of the Camino de Santiago and we know that the real magic is on the route. We are in no hurry to arrive and propose dividing the route into several stages.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Ourense, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Cea – Casarellos
Today’s route is the shortest on the Via de la Plata, following this guide. The walk from Cea to Casarellos will take us just about two hours, just over 8 kilometres of travel. We will move forward on a surface in good condition and paths with few slopes.
Cea (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: From Cea, there are two variants that converge in Castro Donzon. One is the route that goes through Oseira, passing by its monastery. This is 4.4 kilometres longer and to complete it you have to stay overnight in Oseira or Castro Donzon. The other, the traditional one, continues through Pinor and passes through Casarellos. The latter is the route we follow in this guide. Buen Camino!
We start the morning from the Plaza Mayor in Cea. From there, we head to the crossroads behind the Clock Tower and take the road on the left.
200 metres later, we turn right on the OU-406 road, which heads to Oseira. Following the route, we arrive at the village of Cotela.
In the centre we take the OU-402 road that goes to Pinor. We continue along the hard shoulder, and leave the road twice to take a shortcut. The first to the right and the second to the left. Finally, we enter Pinor (km. 3.5).
Piñor (km. 3,5).
Practical tips for this stretch: If you don’t want to stay overnight in Casarellos, you don’t need to take a diversion. The pilgrim path when it leaves for the N-525 road, at O Reino, continues straight on along a dirt road and shortly thereafter crosses the road that links the N-525 and AG-53 by a bridge. Buen Camino!
We cross the centre and following the same road, we reach the centres of Fontelo and Arenteiro. On a path that starts on the right hand side (km. 6), we leave the road. We cross another and we run onto the N-525 road, in the vicinity of the centre of O Reino.
Following the hard shoulder of the national road, we immediately reach a roundabout. Here, we turn right, taking the first exit in the direction of OU-154 road. At the fork, we take the track on the left. 900 metres later we arrive at Casarellos (km. 8.1).
Casarellos (km. 8,1). End of stage.
Practical tips for this stretch: In the village you will not find many places to visit, but certainly in its surroundings. Since today you will complete the stage very early, you can take advantage of the rest of the day to explore nearby places or to visit the Monastery of Oseira. See you tomorrow!
Casarellos is a quiet villa, ideal for a quiet afternoon of chat. If you want to explore, we recommend you visit the Monastery of Oseiro or the town of O Carballino, almost 15 kilometres away.
Since you will complete the early stage today, you will have time to take public transport that will bring you closer to the place. Ask for information at your accommodation.
Comments stage Cea – Casarellos
Here are some tips for this short stage.
Precautions stage Cea – Casarellos
This stage is a very easy one. Its short tour is but a way to avoid the marathon route posed by other guides. Therefore, it is a simple day that our legs will appreciate during the following stages.
Pilgrims wishing to take the alternative route that passes through Oseira, at the crossroads of roads from which the stage departs in Cea, must continue in front, going up a street towards the football ground.
Food on the stage Cea – Casarellos
During today’s route you can enjoy dishes such as the ones we recommend below.
- Octopus
- Beef
- Empanadas
- Honey
- Galician Liqueurs
- Eucaliptine, a liqueur made by the monks of the Monastery of Oseira
What to do on stage Cea – Casarellos
Here is some information about Casarellos and the Oseira Monastery.
Casarellos
Casarellos is a village in the parish of Carballeda. The layout of its streets and its traditional architecture, with a strong presence of the use of stone, are a living example of rural Galicia. The town does not have a rich heritage, but is located very close to attractions, such as the Monastery of Oseira.
Monasterio de Oseira
The Monastery of Oseira is one of the most significant monuments in the entire Galician community, also known as the Escorial Gallego. Its origins date back to the 12th century.
During the 12th and 13th centuries the cenobio lived its time of splendour. From the 14th century it began to decline, although it later experienced a resurgence, with an artistic renewal.
However, the Mendizabal confiscations caused the abandonment of the religious centre, deteriorating its architecture. In the 20th century the monastery was again occupied by the monks and a restoration was carried out, in order to resume monastic life there.
The monastery consists of a Romanesque church, three cloisters of various periods and styles; and a nice chapter room. The temple has a Latin cross plant and consists of three naves, divided by pillars with columns.
The central nave is covered by a cannon vault. Inside the church, the presbytery stands out.
Of the three cloisters, the Processional Cloister stands out. Inside, in the arches, you can find images of historical faces.
The other two cloisters are called the Claustro de la Porteria y Claustro de los Pinaculos.The Chapter Hall dates back to the 15th century and is covered by starred vaults.
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