At 7:30 it was 60F and an overcast sky, creating conditions that were perfect to finish Camino2026.
Starting from the front gate of Casa de Amancio, we walked on concrete or asphalt pavement all the way.Pilgrims initially were singles, in couples or in small groups.By the time we had walked a mile or two, several larger groups appeared behind us and soon passed us.
One large group of about 50 pilgrims of varying ages was from the Basque region of Spain with bright red shirts and a lead pilgrim carrying a big red Basque regional flag.
We were walking almost alone when we reached San Marcos. Our usual stop was closed with a sign indicating they were at the San Fermin festival (“Running of the bulls”) in Pamplona where we began Camino2026 some 45 days ago.
We stopped at an new (for us) bar and had our last Camino 2026 breakfast of cafe-con-leche and tostadas.
Without saying anything out loud, we both seemed to savor all of this morning’s walk. So we took our time with breakfast and continued on our way, observing our surroundings perhaps with a little more care and emotion than usual.
Walking by the huge sports complex and participant housing on the left.
We chatted, as we walked down the steep hill, with a couple from Bavaria in Germany, walking their first Camino and starting in Sarria.
With Santiago clearly visible ahead, we wove through the walkway that helped us and other pilgrims avoid the hazardous traffic of the expressway and train tracks around the city. We have witnessed this develop on our previous Caminos starting back in 2015.
We began the nearly 4 mile walk through Santiago, making our way to its historic center to the Catedral, which holds the earthly remains of James, the Greater, Apostle of Jesus Christ.
The next photos show the changing look of the scenery and buildings as we walked to the Catedral.
This area has relatively modern buildings, restaurants and specialty shops and wide sidewalks.Sidewalks get more narrow and dangerous.The Capilla de San Lázaro… located in the suburb of San Lázaro. Sadly, it’s always locked when we walk by… never seen inside.Sidewalks still somewhat narrow and more residential multi story buildings dominate.More residential buildings, dated. This section has wide sidewalks, mostly a walk-street with limited vehicle traffic for delivering products to a variety of stores, shops and businesses. We stopped for OJ and a visit to an ATM, before entering the old city,Here the sidewalks get narrow, limited traffic, one-way. Much older structures for shops and residences.Now we”re in the historical old city multi-centuries old.Along the way we passed the Capilla de Animas. Today was the first time it has been open when we walked by.The inside of Capilla de Animas (Chapel of Souls).Still walking, we passed “A Casa do Peregrino”, where we stayed for several days on our first two Caminos.Passing the North entrance of the Catedral.Linda made it! The Catedral de Santiago de Compostela on the Praza de Obradoiro.Jim made it!! The Catedral de Santiago de Compostela on the Praza de Obradoiro.The pilgrims office in Santiago de Compostela where we receive our Compostela.Our traditional Cola Cao toast to celebrate receiving our Compostelas.
We walked another mile to our hotel where we’ll spend tonight and tomorrow night. Thanks for being with us these past 45 days.
We’ll provide brief posts in the following days to document the rest if our stay and trip home plus reflections on Camino 2026.
Jimandi 