2023 Camino de Santiago - O'Pedrouzo to Santiago de Campostela - Stage 30

Stage 30: O'Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
The Final Triumphant Walk
With just twenty kilometers remaining, the culmination of our 755.3-kilometer pilgrimage from Saint Jean Pied de Port draws near. The memories of Navarre's forests, Rioja's vineyards, the vast Castilian plateau, and even the mystical O Cebreiro, all conquered just days ago, now seem distant yet cherished. Santiago, with its iconic Plaza del Obradoiro and the cathedral housing the apostle's tomb, beckons us forward.
Our journey began with some in Saint Jean Pied de Port, while others joined in Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Logroño, Pamplona, Burgos, or León. Many more came aboard in the final stages from Ponferrada or Sarria. Today, as we depart O'Pedrouzo after breakfast, a familiar threat of intermittent rain hangs in the air, but it cannot dampen our spirits.
Leaving from the church of De Santa Eulalia De Arca behind, we venture along a leaf-strewn dirt track into a refreshing eucalyptus forest. Soon, the quaint village of San Antón welcomes us, followed by the last grand oak grove of the Camino before Amenal, where a restaurant offers a comforting break.
From here, the toughest climb awaits. A 2-kilometer ascent through a lush forest tests our resolve, but the fence bordering the airport, a reminder of the Camino's altered path, guides us towards San Paio and Lavacolla, where ancient pilgrims cleansed themselves before entering the sacred city.
Crossing the Sionlla River, we tackle a challenging asphalt climb leading to Vilamaior. Passing a riding club and the charming hermitage of San Marcos, we finally turn left towards the legendary Monte do Gozo, a defining moment of the pilgrimage. From here, an emotional panorama unfolds: the Galician capital sprawls before us, the cathedral's towers beckoning like guiding stars.
Leaving the exhilaration of Monte do Gozo behind, we descend through peaceful parks and residential areas, crossing the highway and following the long route of San Lázaro until the iconic welcome sign to Santiago de Compostela fills our hearts with joy.
Continuing along the De San Pedro route, the persistent rain becomes our companion once more. Yet, even the heavens cannot dampen the joy as we enter the historic center through the Rúa das Casas Reais. This charming street leads us to the grand Plaza da Inmaculada, dominated by the San Martín Pinario monastery. Narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants become our final path before reaching the Arco del Palacio.
The sound of a bagpipe, heard blocks away, announces our arrival. And then, finally, we step into the majestic Plaza del Obradoiro, where our long-awaited goal, the awe-inspiring Santiago Cathedral, stands tall.
Moments of rest and cherished photographs capture this magnificent achievement. We collect our distance certificates and the coveted Compostela, a testament to our journey. Soon, we stand before the tomb of the apostle Santiago, participating in the pilgrim's mass and exploring the cathedral's hidden treasures.
This journey, shared with our friends, will forever be etched in our memories. As we conclude our 30 stages of the Camino de Santiago, we invite you to join us on our next adventure: exploring Finisterre and Muxía.
Buen Camino!