CF22 - Mansilla de las Mulas - León - 18,4 km

Stages of the Camino de Santiago: From Mansilla de las Mulas to León

The Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that takes us through landscapes and towns rich in history. In this stage, we depart from Mansilla de las Mulas and journey along a route that connects us to the heart of León.

Departure from Mansilla de las Mulas

The journey begins by crossing the famous medieval bridge over the Esla River, which leads us to the N-601. Less than a kilometre later, we take a turn to the right, leaving the national road to follow a dirt path parallel to it. A few metres further on, to the left, is the turnoff towards Mansilla la Mayor and the Monastery of Sandoval.

Lancia and Villamoros de Mansilla

About 2 kilometres on, we cross a long hill where the ruins of Lancia are located, an important historical site on the Camino de Santiago. We continue to Villamoros de Mansilla, where we cross the road several times before following a dirt path similar to the one we had been on since leaving Mansilla.

Crossing the Bridge over the Porma

Approximately 2 kilometres later, we cross the historic bridge over the Porma River. After crossing it, we pass by the site of the former Hospital of Pilgrims, on the banks of the N-601. A few kilometres further, at kilometre 316.5, we leave the road by a path on the right that crosses the Porma Canal, passing near a fountain and a washhouse.

Valdelafuente and the Alto del Portillo

From here, we continue along the path to Valdelafuente, and after passing a petrol station, we return to the N-601. From this point, we begin the ascent to Alto del Portillo, where, for the first time, we can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the city of León.

Entering León

The descent along the old road takes us to the Puente Castro neighbourhood, where we cross the Torío River to enter the city. We leave to the left the Santa Isabel Psychiatric Sanatorium and continue through the traditional and picturesque Santa Ana District.

End of the Stage: Towards León Cathedral

Continuing along the Camino de Santiago route, we pass through Plaza del Mercado, Calle de la Rúa, Plaza de San Marcelo, and Calle Ancha, which takes us directly to Plaza de la Regla or Plaza de la Catedral. From here, we can visit the majestic León Cathedral and continue to the Basilica of San Isidoro, a place of great significance on the Jacobean route.