Astorga

Today was a long walking day. The Way included passing over a bridge with a story. Located in Hospital de Orbitz, and built by the Romans, it became known as the "Paso Honoroso" in the 15th Century. A knight refused in marriage, decided to defend his honor when faced with this slight by defending it against any knight attempting to cross. After a month of success, he declared his honor restored.

I also like the Gaudi building here in Astorga. It was built as a residence for a bishop but never used. Astorga is also considered the official end of the meseta and I enter new terrain tomorrow.

Three Weeks on the Way - Villar de Mazarife

It was nice to leave the city and be on the Way again. The path followed streets and roads out of town before becoming a cross - country walk. The weather was cool and sunny.

The number of people walking seems to have increased. There are some people I met today who began their walk in Leon. It is their first day. I also met up with people I have seen before at different Albergues.

Leon City Highlights

Part of today was spent visiting the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Leon. The interior stained glass windows are colorful and I enjoyed looking at them in the morning sun. My focus was on the interior and to be honest is was difficult to take a picture that would do the exterior - or interior - justice.

I have included some interesting elements including a picture of a statue of a pregnant Virgin Mary and an up close one of a panel featuring the Golden Fleece legend. It turns out that the 13th Century builders included elements of Roman and Greek mythology in their decoration. The attitude to allow this changed. Some was later removed during renovations and little remains.

I also visited the Plaza San Marcos. The main building here houses an upscale hotel but it also has served as a pilgrim hostel and the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of Santiago who protected the pilgrims along the Way. The church at one end has many scallop shells that symbolize the pilgrimage as part of the decoration on the walls.

Leon

Today was another rural to urban transfer. I found the transition into Leon much nicer than the walk into Burgos. I have also now passed the halfway point in my walk. I should get to Santiago de Compostela within two weeks.

I will explore Leon tomorrow but my first impression is a nice one. The older part of the city retains much of its medieval character with narrow, winding streets. The city supposedly gets its name from being founded as the base for the Roman VIIth Legion. There is a picture of a fountain attached. The fountain was originally constructed in honor of the Legion. My walks over the past few days have followed some of the still existing Roman roads built in the region.

Mansilla de las Mulas

This was the last stretch along the meseta. It was much the same as the previous day and followed the Real Camino Frances. Much the same means: flat, near a paved road, sunny and I was able to wear shorts. Attached is a photograph of a cafe I stopped at for coffee in the morning.

Bercianos del Real Camino

There was sun and blue sky again today. I wore shorts for the first time. The path followed the road but large stretches had shade trees along the side. I am currently on a section known as the Real Camino Frances. I will follow it tomorrow to Mantilla de las Mulas. From there the next stop is Leon.

Ledigos

A good part of the day's walk was along the Roman road known as the Via Aquitana. It has been covered with gravel but the foundation has survived.

There were some trees along this road and the shade was nice. The weather has been sunny and warm.

I also passed a field in this area where 40,000 soldiers under the command of Charlemagne died in battle with a Muslim army. Legend has it that trees sprouted from the lances of the Christian soldiers left on the field.