12th stage: from Burgos to Hontanas

The route leaves Burgos and passes through Villalvia first and then Tarjados, an ancient pre-Christian village that at one time had a hospital near the Church of San Juan. Travellers can visit the Parish Church of La Asuncion, from the 13-18C, that contains a beautiful transept from the 18C, and the Convent of the Paules, which includes the remains of a doorway from the Santo Domingo Palace (16C). The route continues towards Rabé de las Calzadas, where pilgrims can see the Parish Church of Santa Marina, with a splendid doorway from the 13C.

Then they arrive at Hornillos del Campo, with its road-path, typical along the Route to Santiago. A disproportionate ogival church with three naves and a magnificent transept dominates the town, where also stand the remains of a Benedictine Monastery and San Lazaro´s Hospital, vestiges of its Medieval glory, when it had three hospitals. There are also two Medieval bridges.

Finally, the route reaches Hontanas, the last halt of this stage. Here stands the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, near the ruins of San Antón Convent -with a Gothic church from the 14 C- founded by Alfonso VII in 1146. Popular legends state that the Antonian monks cured pilgrims who suffered from the "fire of San Antón" -a disease similar to leprosy- by cutting off the infected members of the patients.