13th Stage: from Hontanas to Frómista

Having taken a good rest, pilgrims begin the 13th day of the journey along the Route to Santiago, which takes him first to San Antón, where are the ruins of the Antonianos´Convent, 14 C. Then the route continues towards Castrojeriz, an old Celtic town, which was repopulated by Sigericón at the end of the 7 C. In this historic town -at one time it contained seven hospitals- pilgrims can pray inside the Church of Santa María del Manzano and enjoy an polychrome wood image of the Virgin.

They can also visit the Parish Church of Santo Domingo, which houses a museum; San Juan´s Gothic Church; the remains of a Castle from the 14 C, and the plinthed walls from the Roman period.

After coming out of this village, the Route enters Palencia province, going through Itero de la Vega, whose inhabitants, in the High Middle Ages had the power to elect their own lord. San Pedro´s Church was built in the 16 C over the remains of a former one from the 12 C. Piedad´s Chapel, which dates back to the 13 C, contains a carving of the Apostle Santiago. The municipality also treasures several funerary sculptures and monuments. There is such a variety of sights that the City Hall has opened a refuge for pilgrims that want to spend the night here. (Tel.: 988 151 826)

Later on, the Route arrives at Boadilla del Camino, where the Bishop Antonio de Rojas founded his first hospital in the 16 C, when the Church of Asunción was also built. In its interior there is a Renaissance retable with paintings by Juan de Villoldo and a Romanesque font.

Pilgrims finally reach Frómista, which contains a number of monuments that reflect the importance of this halt along the Route. Of all the hospitals the town had, only the Palmeros Hospital still remains, which today is used as hostel. The Romanesque San Martín´s Church, which was part of the Benedictine Monastery founded by Doña Mayor, houses interesting sculptures. The Renaissance San Pedro´s Church (15 C ) and the Church of Santa María del Castillo (16 C) are also worth a visit.