The Primitive Way
The Primitive Way
The Primitive Way is considered the oldest of all the Caminos to Santiago, as it is the first historical route for which references have been preserved. It was the path taken in the 9th century by King Alfonso II the Chaste, considered the first pilgrim, to visit the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, which had been discovered only a few years earlier in Santiago de Compostela.
Today, the original layout of this route remains intact and gains more followers each year. The Primitive Way begins in the Asturian capital, Oviedo, at the foot of its San Salvador Cathedral, and passes through the central and southwestern regions of the Principality of Asturias, crossing the municipalities of Las Regueras, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, and Grandas de Salime.
In Oviedo, as the capital of Asturias, notable monuments include San Julián de los Prados, the Church of San Tirso, Monte Naranco, La Foncalada, the Cathedral, and the Holy Chamber.
The most formidable challenge is a steep climb before Grandas de Salime, the feared Puerto del Palo, with many kilometers of continuous ascents and descents on either side of the Puerto del Acebo, where the route enters Galicia through Fonsagrada, Lugo. These are the only moments when the exuberant nature surrounding the Primitive Way is hidden, though its lush greenery never fades.
Lugo is one of the key points of this Route in Galicia, offering pilgrims the chance to experience the heritage and history of this Roman-origin city. Pilgrims pass through the Roman wall of Lugo, located 100 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela (the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela, the popular pilgrimage certificate), before continuing westward along a road that passes through several small villages in the municipalities of Guntín and Friol.
With just over 300 kilometers, this Primitive Way, typically completed in 13 or 14 stages, connects with the French Way during its final three stages in Melide, becoming a unique route filled with unforgettable experiences for every pilgrim.
Since 2015, the Primitive Way was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Northern Way, further enhancing the historical, heritage, and cultural significance of the French Way.
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