Day 17. Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino
Friday 24th May 2013
26 km - 6.5 hrs
| It was quite cold as I left Hontanas early in the morning - only 3 degrees centigrade at 6-30 a.m., but after my previous experience I was prepared. I reached Casterojerez at 8-00 a.m., walking for part of the way with Davide (Pisa, Italy). We had breakfast together in Casterojerez, but from there he went ahead as he had a tight schedule to follow and some long days of walking. |
Leaving Hontanas at 6-30 a.m.
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Just outside, Castrojeriz on what was formerly the palace and the garden of King Pedro I of Castile, are the ruins of the ancient monastery of San Antón, run by the Hospital Brothers of St. Anthony, who were dedicated to caring for the sick who came along the Camino de Santiago, especially those with the disease called St. Anthony's fire, sacred fire, fire of sick. Currently only the arch that formed a tunnel, through which pilgrims came and went, is left standing.
This monastery was under royal protection, that is why there are royal crests on the front of the church and on the keys of the vaults. It was founded by Alfonso VII in the twelfth century (1146), and was known as the royal xenodoquio of San Antonio Abad.[7] The present ruins are from the fourteenth century. The hospital was very important, because it was the headquarters of the General Commandery of the Order of San Antonio in the various realms of the Crown of Castile and Portugal, with over twenty dependent encomiendas (house-monastery-hospital). The ceremonies that the Anthonian monks held to bless various objects were famous, to which many adherences came.
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Ruinas del Convento de San Anton
Approaching Casterojerez
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The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Manzano or Iglesia de Santa María del Manzano is a Catholic church located in the town of Castrojeriz, in the province of Burgos. Construction of the current building was begun in 1214, through the will of Queen Berengaria of Castile, daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and mother of Ferdinand III of Castile. It is located at the foot of the hill on which the Castle of Castrojeriz stands. It previously held the rank of collegiate church. |
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Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Manzano
Juan (Belgium) leading the way towards Alto de Mostelares 910 m
Alto de Mostelares 910 m
The rest hut, Alto de Mostelares. Is that Digby and Jane I see resting out if the sun, with Gary
doing his leg stretching exercises?
The distances are huge across the Meseta. Juan and Gary leading the way.
Another rest area
The gang resting... Katie, Gary, Juan and Bart
Food and drink for sale on a "donativo" basis
San Nicolas de Puentetitero Hospital de Peregrinos
Medieval bridge over the Rio Pisuerga
And into the Province of Palencia
Still more Meseta
The Church in Boadilla del Camino
Inside the church
Unusual and highly decorated font
Storks nesting on the roof of the church
Accommodation Notes
| When coming into Boadilla del Camino your instinct tells you to stop at the first albergue on the outskirts of the town, Albergue Putzu. However if you go further to the church and the adjacent pillar you will be outside a delightful albergue, Albergue En El Camino. Not only is it a relaxing place with a delightful garden, the hospitalero could not be more kind and helpful. The sleeping quarters are in a small converted barn, with two major rooms. In the evening the albergue overs a very good peregrinos meal. |
Entrance to Albergue En El next to the church and the historic cross
The converted barn, with the church in the background
The left hand bunk room
The right hand bunk room with additional single beds in the eaves
The sitting area
The gardens
Looking towards the albergue main building
Mick looking a bit sunburnt and unshaven
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