We hope that yesterday’s slopes have not dented your knees or ankles, because today we have a stage with a prolonged climb.
Gone are the plains of Asturias that served to give a respite to all those who started their journey in the Basque Country.
Let’s continue on the Camino del Norte!
Today’s stage is much lonelier than yesterday’s. On this day we will travel great distances without going through urban centres with services.
Early in the morning, after traveling just under 9 kilometres, we will arrive at Mondoñedo, one of the ancient capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia and a cultural gem.
Then, already on the ascent, from the port of Xesca we will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the valley.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella, 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 Lourenzá – Abadín
Today’s stage has a 25.7-kilometre route and faces a long but progressive climb.
After Mondoñedo the pilgrim will face a long climb, of almost two hours, that goes along an elevation of 460 metres. The effort will be compensated with lush forests and beautiful landscapes.
Lourenzá (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: Today’s stage faces continuous slopes; we recommend that you have an energizing breakfast before you leave. Buen Camino!
At 100 metres, to the right of the pilgrim’s hostel, we start the journey along a dirt track that starts on a steep climb. The slope gradually moderates until it ends up descending to the Parish of Arroxo (km. 2.4), where we meet the old N-634 road.
We follow the road to the right, crossing the viaducts of the A-8 motoway. At the height of the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, in the Parish of Carballal, we turn on the left side along a comfortable track. Afterwards, another detour on the left takes us on a path in worse condition.
The path leads us to a paved road, which we continue to the left. The town of Mondoñedo immediately appears in front of us, at the bottom of the valley.
We cross the Parish of San Pedro and return to the N-634 road, which we continue to the left. 1.3 kilometres later, we turn right, by Calle San Lázaro and continue straight ahead, on Calle Casas Novas to the old town of Mondoñedo (km. 8,2), where we are greeted by the cathedral.
Mondoñedo (km. 8,2).
Practical tips for this section: It is advisable to stop in Mondoñedo for two reasons. The first is that the town has a valuable heritage that is worth visiting.
The second is that, after Mondoñedo, a long journey awaits us without any services, so it is advisable to stock up here with what we may need, to deal with what is left of our route. Buen Camino!
After the visit to the cathedral, we turn left, passing next to the beautiful Fonte Velle. Next to this we take a street, on the right, on which we continue uphill. Next, we turn left by Calle Rigueira, which we continue to the end.
We leave on the local road and follow it to the left for 8 kilometres, to Lousada. The route on the asphalt starts on the ascent and with good views over the town of Mondoñedo, but then the slope lessens and the rest of the route is done on a flat or a gentle ascent, advancing through the Valiñadares Valley.
At the end of the valley and after about two hours of walking, we arrive at the small village of Lousada (km. 16.6).
Lousada (km. 16,6).
Practical tips for this section: Lousada has no services, but there is a water tap inside a private patio that is open to pilgrims. There is also a soft drinks machine. Buen Camino!
When leaving Lousada, we take a track on the left, which leads to Arroyo Carballo. We cross it and face a fairly pronounced ascent.
With some zigzag on the path, we reach the hill, going up from 40 metres up to 530 metres of altitude. At the top we find the A-8 motorway works.
We continue along a small road, on the right, leaving on our left the Chapel of San Cosme da Montaña. Soon we turn left, to continue along a dirt track to the Parish of Xesta, where we meet the national N-634 road.
We cross the road and continue straight ahead for 220 metres, then turn left, diverting along a dirt track. A little more than a kilometre later, we turn left again to take an asphalt track, which runs parallel to the national road, and is located on our left.
After two kilometres of travel, turn left to take a track that, descending, leads us to Gontán (km. 25,2). From the town we continue uphill for 500 metres and reach our destination today, Abadín (km. 25.7).
Abadín (km. 25,7). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: Abadín is a small town where you won’t find many places to visit.
If you get bored, you can take a walk through the neighbouring village of Gontán, located 500 metres away, or dedicate yourself to chatting with other pilgrims, so allowing your joints to recover, after two days of ascents and descents. See you tomorrow!
In Abadín you will find services and a quiet town where you can enjoy the company of locals or other pilgrims. If after the long climb of this stage, you have energy left to do some sightseeing you can visit the Church of Santa Maria or get close to the rest area of Gontán.
Comments stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Here are some comments about today’s route.
Precautions stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Today’s stage faces long climbs. The stretch between Mondoñedo and Lousada is completely in ascent. The climb is between Lousada and the Chapel of San Cosme da Montaña.
We advise people with reduced mobility and those who travel the Camino del Norte by bicycle, to make the eight-kilometre stretch, which separates Lourenzá and Mondoñedo following the route of the N-634 road. In this way, they will avoid narrow streets and unstable ground.
Food stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Here are some gastronomic suggestions for this stage.
- Octopus, Galician style
- Galician Stew
- Turnip tops
- Chorizo
- Abadín beef and its derivatives
- Tetilla and San Simón cheese
- Mondoñedo bread
- Mondoñedo tart
Services stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Get to know the main healthcare services, cafes, ATMs and restaurants that are located on this stage of the Camino del Norte.
Map stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Check the map with the route and locations that the stage runs through.
Profile stage Lourenzá – Abadín
Find out about the profile, altitude and degree of difficulty on each section.
What to see and do on the stage Lourenzá – Abadín
During today’s route you will pass several places of interest. Here’s some information about them.
Abadín
The municipality of Abadín is part of the region of Terra Chá in Lugo. The small town has just over 2,500 inhabitants. In the vicinity of the village, you can visit the Gotellon rest area and on its streets, the Church of Santa Maria.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is the main space in Mondoñedo, as above it stands its cathedral. In the square is where the sculpture of Don Alvaro Cunqueiro, who appears seated, admiring the majestic temple is located. Around the square, catering establishments and souvenir shops can be found.
Catedral de Mondoñedo
The Cathedral of Mondoñedo dates back to the 13th century. Its construction was carried out on an ancient temple and monastery.
According to some documents, its construction is attributed to Bishop Don Martín. In 1902, the temple was declared a National Monument and, in 1962, the Small Basilica.
The cathedral is located on a Latin cross floor and combines various architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. In its origins, the temple consisted of three naves, the central one being the tallest, and two circular base towers, located on either side of the façade.
However, this structure changed over the years, until the temple that can be seen today became a building. It should be noted that it was not until the 18th century that the cathedral acquired its current character.
The difference in heights between the central nave and the other two, was modified in the 14th century, with the aim of giving greater uniformity to the construction. For this purpose, the side naves are raised to the same height as the central one.
The last renovation of the cathedral was carried out in 1968. In this one the temple fence was removed, dating back to the Renaissance period, and the Plaza de España was lowered, with the aim of matching the height of the temple with that of the central one.
From the outside of the cathedral, there is a magnificent circular rose window, from the 13th century, which brings light to the interior. Inside the temple, stands out the Chapel of the Most Holy, formerly known as the Magdalena Chapel, located on the right side nave.
It houses an extraordinary altarpiece, an altar where a Christ and the Renaissance figure of the La Virgin Inglesa, from London, are accommodated.
The temple houses a chancel made of flamboyant Gothic-style wood, which replaced an earlier wooden one. It is largely located in the presbytery. On the right arm of the temple is the access to the cloister, which is formed by twenty half-point arches.
Also highlighted is the Sacristy and the Chapter Hall, both built during the 16th century renovations. The Reliquary and the Altar of San Rosendo, located behind the Main Altar are from the 17th century.
In front of it are four chapels dedicated to Ecce Homo, Santa Ana, San Francisco and Cristo de la Buena Muerte.
Today the cathedral houses the Museum of Sacred Art and the Cathedral Archive.
Practical information:
Mass times: From 1 July to 31 August, eves (20:00) and public holidays (12:00). From 1 September to 30 June, eve (19:00) and public holidays (12:00).
Fuente vieja y Palacio Episcopal
The Old Fountain and the Episcopal Palace are located in the very centre of Mondoñedo. The old fountain dates from the 16th century and was built by order of Diego de Soto. In its structure you can see the shields of the bishop and Charles V.
The Episcopal Palace is a building annexed to the cathedral and its construction dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, although the original construction has hardly any elements preserved. At the end of the 18th century part of the palace was rebuilt by Bishops Riomol and Quadrillero.
A century later, a fire swept through the building and the palace had to be restored, work carried out by Fray Antonio de Guevara and Bishops Muñoz and Sarmiento.
The building is composed of a chapel, in neo-Gothic style, a sacristy, five rooms and two interior courtyards. From the outside, its façade stands out on which you can see the shields of Bishops Riomol and Quiroga.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios y Alameda
The Alameda de los Remedios, in Mondoñedo, is one of the oldest in Spain and above it stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Os Remedios, from the 16th century. However, at that time, there was a small chapel and an old pilgrim’s hostel.
In the first half of the 17th century, this complex was the subject of several restorations and, finally, in the 18th century, the temple was built that can be seen today, raised by order of Bishop Sarmiento, whose remains rest inside the Sanctuary.
The interior of the temple also houses an altarpiece, in Baroque style, which houses the image of the Virgin of the Remedies.
On one side of the Alameda you can see a beautiful kiosk that served as the stage for the municipal band. The health centre, the former St. Paul’s Hospital and a nursing home are also located here.
The Alameda has always been the space that hosts great events in the town. Today it still fulfils this function and in it are held fairs or the most outstanding festivals in Mondoñedo.
Seminario de Santa Catalina
The Seminary of Santa Catalina is the largest building in Mondoñedo. The Seminar was founded, by decision of the City Regiment, at the end of the 16th century, with the aim of providing the town with a school.
Originally, the seminar was distributed in two houses in the town centre, but the lack of space made it necessary to build the construction that we can see today, in the 18th century.
It was at this time that the seminary experienced its most splendour, when King Charles III, in 1775, granted him the title of Royal Conciliar Seminary of Santa Catalina.
From the end of the 19th century to the 20th century, the building underwent various renovation projects. Finally, in 1992, a major remodelling was carried out, in which a residence for priests was created and several rooms were enabled to serve as housing.
Finally, in 2007 the halls of the cloister were remodelled, creating an exhibition hall and a screening hall.
Regarding its architecture, it is worth noting that it is built on dark slate. From its exterior, its façade, with a gable on which you can see the image of Santa Catalina stands out.
Inside the building houses a library of enormous historical value, in which there are more than 25,000 volumes, of which more than a hundred predate the printing. A 13th-century parchment is also preserved.
Área recreativa de Gotán
The Gothan rest area is an environment full of vegetation, where birch trees, oaks, willows, grow along with other species. In its vicinity is a river beach, suitable for bathing.
Iglesia de Santa María de Abadín
The Church of Santa Maria de Abadín is situated on a hill overlooking the growing area. It is a Romanesque temple dating from the 12th century.
Its structure has a rectangular floor plan and covered with slate and on four sides. Its walls are made of granite stonework. From its exterior, its façade with an arched door of half-point and huge keystones on which a rose window is located.
Inside there is a 16th-century Elizabethan Gothic main chapel. The sacristy, which was later added, is attached to it.
Practical information:
Mass times: From 1 July to 31 August, eve (20:00) and public holidays (12:00). Rest of the year, eve (19:00) and holidays (12:00).
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