VP22 - Montamarta - Granja de Moreruela - 22,7 km

Camino de Santiago: Stage towards Granja de Moreruela

Route from Montamarta: Crossing towards Granja de Moreruela
Upon leaving Montamarta, we cross the Ricobayo reservoir, passing by the Virgen del Castillo Hermitage. We continue towards the N-525 road, following a path almost parallel to the N-630, circling another arm of the reservoir. Along the way, we head towards the ruins of the Castle of Castrotorafe, which was once the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of Santiago. From here, we continue to Fontanillas de Castro, cross the village, and, a few kilometers later, reach Riego del Camino, a small village we pass through on our way to the final destination of this stage: Granja de Moreruela.

The Camino to Santiago: From the Vía de la Plata to the Sanabrés Camino
Granja de Moreruela is a significant crossroads on the Camino de Santiago. From here, pilgrims follow the road to Astorga, where they join the Camino Francés. Later, turning northwest, they continue along the Sanabrés Camino, which will take them to Santiago de Compostela, passing through the lands of Orense. Only 4 kilometers from Granja de Moreruela is the impressive Moreruela Monastery, the first Cistercian monastery in Spain, founded at the end of the 11th century.

Granja de Moreruela: A Historic Point on the Camino

History of Granja de Moreruela
Granja de Moreruela originated as a farm associated with the Moreruela Monastery, located about 3.5 km from the village. Pilgrims following the route pass near this ancient abbey, whose imposing apse is still standing. The monastery, which was an important spiritual center in northern Zamora province since the 12th century, lies in ruins, but its apse and facilities still give an idea of the size it once had.

Granja de Moreruela is divided into two parts by the road, and from here begins the section of the Vía de la Plata known as the Camino Mozárabe-Sanabrés, which leads pilgrims towards Galicia through the lands of Orense.

What to See in Granja de Moreruela

Church of San Juan Bautista
The Church of San Juan Bautista, built in the mid-19th century, stands out for its architecture of ashlar stone sourced from the Monastery of Santa María de Moreruela. Inside, there are several images also from this monastery. It is a place of interest for those walking the Camino de Santiago during this stage.

Ruins of the Monastery of Santa María de Moreruela
On the banks of the Esla River, the impressive ruins of the Monastery of Santa María de Moreruela can be found. What was once an important religious center is now an awe-inspiring site, especially its apse, which retains five semicircular apses. The monastery lies in a small, fertile valley drained by the Cistercian monks, making it a picturesque and historically rich place.

Puente Quintos
The Puente Quintos, built in stone in 1920, is notable for its elegant design and harmonious forms. It is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the surrounding landscape on the route to Granja de Moreruela.