26th Stage: from Triacastela to Sarria

On the 26th day of the journey, pilgrims can visit Samos, located off the traditional French Itinerary, but whose Benedictine Monastery of San Xulián de Samos, from the 6-18 C, is worthy to be visited. This important monastery is situated on the valley by the Ouribio river, sorrounded by a scenery that enhances its beauty and provides a mysterious atmosphere.

Its impressive Neoclassical façade is worthy of note, as well as the huge cloisters. The cloister of Nereidas, from the 16 C contains a beautiful fountain. The Ciprés chapel, from the 10 C, is one of the oldest elements in the monastery.Back on the Route, pilgrims head towards Balsa, with the small chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. Then, the Route passes through a picturesque scene full of oaks and chestnut trees located in San Xil.

This village has a Romanesque church with a chalice in it dating back to the 15 C. The Route continues to Montán, where stands a church with a Romanesque nave and where pilgrims can drink water from the Fountain of Chafarico. Further on, pilgrims go through Furela, where stands a chapel dedicated to San Roque; then Pintín; Calvor, with many prehistorical sites; Aguiada; San Mamed del Camino; and San Pedro del Camino.

After leaving this village, the Route leads to Sarria, the staging post for today. In this town -where Alfonso IX died in 1230, while making the pilgrimage-, the old quarter retains a strong Medieval character. Travellers can also visit the church of Salvador, with a Romanesque ground plan and Gothic façade; the small chapel of San Lázaro; the hospital of San Antonio, which today houses a Court; and the remains of its old fortress, from the 14 C.