2022 Friday, Oct 14

Arcade to Pontevedra

The walk from Arcade to Pontevedra was not expected to take all day so we looked forward to time to visit some sites in Pontevedra.

9.2 miles 9:17 am to 1:38 pm; 738 ft elevation gain. 12.7 total miles for the day.

2022   Spain   Camino Portuguese

Click the link to view the video for today: https://www.relive.cc/view/v1Ow9WXD9Eq

bridge over the Río Verdugo
Leaving Arcade over the Pontesampaio. This bridge over the Río Verdugo was built in 1795 over earlier foundations. Napoleon’s groups suffered a defeat from local militia on this bridge in the War of Independence.
pedestrians and cars share the bridge
Today pedestrians and one lane of traffic share the same bridge.
stone figures on cross
We see more stone crosses as we head north. Now we not only see the crucified Jesus, but usually several other characters share the space.
hilly neighborhood
We have some big hills today, started in city neighborhoods.
rough woodland path
The woodland path is rough and slow going.
countdown 75.5 km to Santiago
It’s hard to read but the countdown to Santiago now shows 75.5 kilometers.

This bagpiper was beside the woodland trail. We heard him from quite a distance and Richard was anxious to record his music. Click to enjoy!

pathway creek on the way to Pontevedra
The last pathway into Pontevedra followed a creek, allowing us to bypass the highway.
Peregrino Chapel - Pontevedra
The Peregrino Chapel in Pontevedra was designed with the footprint of a shell. Items throughout continue the motif.
altar of Peregrino Chapel - Pontevedra
More of the Peregrino Chapel.
Peregrino Chapel - Pontevedra
The outside of the Peregrino Chapel.
Basilica de Santa Maria A Grande - Pontevedra
The 16th century Basilica de Santa Maria A Grande gives intricate stories in stone.
Basilica de Santa Maria A Grande - Pontevedra
Basilica de Santa Maria A Grande - Pontevedra
Inside, it’s a more joyous Mary than is usually pictured.

Comments:

Ann Prazza: A bagpiper! Was he serenading the pilgrims going by? 2022/10/16

Reply He was serenading us (with a tip jar, of course). The best part was hearing him from afar not knowing exactly where he was, and then getting closer and closer. He was quite talented and had quite a repertoire.2022/10/16

Wanda Penner: The stones in the road seem rather large. Were they built this way so they would not wash out? Great view of bridges and overpasses, artwork. I am curious of the history of the pilgrimage. I will have to do some research. 2022/10/15

Reply Richard and I have a bit conflicting opinions on the stones. He thinks they’re placed, but I think it’s a rocky part of the hill and they may be shuffled but not brought in. It certainly doesn’t look like the Roman roads. Who knows?
I haven’t researched as much as I could. Last night (Saturday) we stayed where the parish church is dedicated to Thomas Becket who made his Camino three years before his assassination. There have been lots of people who have gone! .2022/10/16