Capela de Peregrina. Chapel of the Pilgrims. Pontevedra, Spain.
On the morning of day nine, while walking the Camino Portuguese, we set out from Arcade. Our next scheduled stop was Pontevedra, just 7.5 miles (12 kms) away. No big deal, right?
Our Camino Portuguese
If you followed our Camino Portuguese walk you know that we walked 145 miles (233 kms) in 12 days. Compared to 350 miles (563 kms) on the Camino Francis, it was a cake walk. That is, aside from the four days we spent walking in torrential rain. Day nine, proved to be one of the worst weather days. Quite frankly, it was a bitch of a day.
Pontevedra
With set determination to make it to Pontevedra as quickly as possible, we did not stop to eat. We just walked, while trying not to drown. By the time we arrived (2:00 p.m.), checked in to our hotel and cleaned up, we were beyond hungry. Not the kind of hungry when you’ll eat just about anything, but rather the kind of hungry when you want a really good meal, because you’ve earned it. Il Piccolo was our salvation. An Italian restaurant, in a Spanish city, that offered gluten free pasta and bread. Priceless.
With full and deliciously happy stomachs, we found the energy to stroll the historic center of Pontevedra. After four days the rain had finally stopped.
Capela de Peregrina
It’s not often we come across a round(ish) church in our travels, but when we do they usually prove to be fantastic. Capela de Peregrina did not disappoint. Built in 1778 Capela de Peregrina sits right on the Camino route. The footprint of the building is in the shape of a scallop shell, the traditional symbol of the Camino.
All pilgrims who walk through Pontevedra, are gifted with the sight of this incredible church. Legend has it that pilgrims who step inside, are sure to have a successful Camino. I can attest to our successful Camino and I like to believe that our time spent inside the church, helped us along. After all it was literally a port in the storm. Our time spent inside Capela de Peregrina was a peacefully serene ending to a challenging day on the Camino Portuguese.
As always, my fear of heights kept me grounded, but I am in the picture. Can you see me?
- Tuesday Takes. Each post in the series focuses on one or two photos, or possibly a video, from our travels, as well as the background story behind the photo(s). Tuesday Takes are shared in random order with no rhyme or reason as to why. It will be a surprise for all of us.
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We both look forward to exploring Spain extensively. Loved the overhead shot in the chapel Patti. Yikes! In Leon, I loved spotting the bronze scallop shells during out walkabouts. I remember seeing your rainy FB posts. That kind of weather can break you. so glad to see you both pushed through it. hmmm I don’t see you at the Capela de Peregrina….
spanky recently posted…Travel Bloggers on their favorite hikes around the world
I’m sitting on a bench, looking down, (probably 1/2 asleep) and wearing a blue rain jacket. Now do you see me? 🙂
It’s fabulous! I’ll put it on my list of places to see for when I next take a driving trip through Spain. 🙂 I’ve always loved road trips and now, in this time of Covid-19, a slow drive seems to be the best way to travel for the foreseeable future.
Anita recently posted…Just Like Riding A Bike, A Little Procrastination And Leaving Lagos
It truly was special, Anita. When next you take a drive through Spain, I’ll recommend our favorite stops along the Camino Portuguese, which are easily accessed by car or local train. And, we completely agree about road trips and slow travel.
Patti, I remember how bad the weather was since we were also in Portugal at the time and following your journey, fantastic achievement to keep going. The Capela de Peregrina looks beautiful, It must have been a welcoming place to relax for a bit.
Yes, Gilda, you were caught in the same weather pattern which was really unfortunate given it was your first visit to Portugal. Hopefully, one day sooner than later our paths will cross in Portugal.