CF11 - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Belorado - 22,7 km

Start of the Camino: Cross of the Brave and the Grañón Hill

The Camino de Santiago begins by leaving the city over the Oja River bridge. Soon, pilgrims will come across a simple wooden cross known as the "Cross of the Brave," a symbol of the legend that evokes ancient battles between knights. This is just one of the many stories that make this route a unique experience.

As we proceed, the conical hill of Grañón, called "Mirabel," remains visible at all times. This hill, which watches over the region, was the site of a castle in the 10th century. Pilgrims enter the village through Santiago Street and reach the parish church of San Juan Bautista, where the main altarpiece is a true Renaissance gem.

Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrasquedo: Art and History

Just two kilometres from Grañón, we find the Hermitage of Our Lady of Carrasquedo, a 17th-century Baroque building. This hermitage houses the largest collection of votive paintings still preserved in La Rioja, an essential stop for history and art lovers on the Camino de Santiago.

Camino towards Redecilla del Camino: Landscapes and Mountains

Upon leaving Grañón, the pilgrim follows the route crossing the remains of an old wall and the Villar Medio River. After travelling halfway to Redecilla, a sign informs us that we are entering Castilla y León. To the south, the Ayago mountains rise, separated from the Sierra de la Demanda by the Tirón River. The landscape remains one of rolling dry fields, although the vineyards are no longer present.

Redecilla del Camino: Continuation of the Journey

Upon reaching Redecilla del Camino, the pilgrim must cross the road and pass by the information office before continuing along Calle Mayor. Leaving the village, we cross the Reláchigo River carefully and take a dirt path parallel to the road towards Castidelgado. From there, the route continues parallel to the N-120, crossing the San Julián River and ascending via the local road towards Viloria de Rioja, the birthplace of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Viloria de Rioja and Villamayor del Río: Link to the N-120

From Viloria de Rioja, a local path connects to the N-120. The Camino de Santiago continues along a footpath parallel to the road, crossing the streams of Acebasco and Villamor before arriving at Villamayor del Río. On this stretch, the pilgrim continues on their way to Belorado, passing through landscapes typical of the region.

Arrival at Belorado: The Camino and its Monuments

The Camino de Santiago continues alongside the N-120 road until the entrance to Belorado. At this point, the pilgrim takes a dirt path parallel to the Trambasaguas stream, passing by a pilgrims' shelter. As we move forward, the hill with the ruins of the castle is on the right. After crossing the stream, we reach the Church of Santa María in the lower part of the village.