It was great to find coolness in the deep, shady ravines under canopies of sweet chestnut and oak trees. Sometimes, it felt like walking through a cathedral of nature. In the villages, Mediterranean plants were growing – camellias, lemon trees, and passionflowers.
One of many hórreos
Camellia
Passion flower
At the village of Cornellana, I passed the Benedictine monastery San Salvador (11th century). As one of the most important monasteries in Asturia, it cared for the pilgrims for centuries. In the 19th century, it was closed and dissolved. Now it is renovated and functions as a monastery again. It houses also an albergue.
Benedictine monastery San Salvador
Like the millions of pilgrims before me, I enjoyed the ancient wells along the way. At the old stone bridge Ponte del Casazorrina, I took a rest. I had still 4 miles to go to Salas. Today, my legs felt tired.
Fuente Caliente
Ponte de Casazorrina
Salas is a picturesque little town with Medieval and Renaissance buildings. A nice and new albergue provided a very comfortable stay.
Fortification tower of Salas, 14th century
Colegiata Santa Maria la Mayor (1549)
Kitchen and eating room in the albergue
Sleeping room