VP24 - Benavente - Alija del Infantado - 22,1 km

Camino de Santiago: Stage from Benavente to Alija del Infantado

Route from Benavente to Alija del Infantado
The stage begins in Benavente, following the road towards Manganeses de la Polvorosa. One and a half kilometers from this village, we leave the road to take a short path that leads us first under the railway tracks, then under the highway, and again under the railway lines, until we reach Villabrázaro. From here, we continue towards the next village, Maire de Castroponce, by road. From Maire de Castroponce, we follow the yellow arrows towards the Puente de la Vizana, crossing the Órbigo River. This crossing takes us into the province of León, from where we continue to Alija del Infantado.

Alija del Infantado: A Village with History

History and Tourist Attraction
Alija del Infantado is a historic village that has played an important role in the past. Today, it is a place of great tourist attraction thanks to its festivals and traditions. Its original name, Alixa, of Greek origin, means "point of contact between peoples." From the 10th to the 13th centuries, Alija witnessed significant activity and has traces from Roman times. Its popular architecture is one of the main attractions for those walking the Camino de Santiago in this stage.

What to See in Alija del Infantado

Feudal District and Main Monuments
In the feudal district, several places of interest stand out:

• Town Hall and Plaza Mayor: The heart of the village, which preserves its medieval structure.
• Church of San Verísimo: This church, documented in the second half of the 12th century, has a Renaissance façade and choir. Its powerful lateral buttresses are notable, one of which houses an embedded Roman capital.

Castle Palace of the Pimentel
This imposing castle, documented since the 10th century, is a walled fortress of great historical value. It retains remains from different periods, from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

Jewish Quarter and Church of San Esteban
In the Jewish quarter, the Church of San Esteban, of Templar origin, houses a beautiful Mudéjar ceiling from the 16th century. This temple blends various architectural styles and is a gem for history lovers.

The Jewish Quarter and the Medieval Settlement
The Jewish Quarter of Alija was an important center in the Middle Ages. Today, in Plaza Mayor, a representation of a typical medieval settlement has been erected, with the castle as a backdrop, offering a unique view of the history of the place.