Palas de Rei: a crossroads of Jacobean routes in the heart of Galicia

A place with a medieval soul

Located between Portomarín and Arzúa, the town of Palas de Rei is one of the most emblematic stops on the French Way. Its name, which means “King’s Palace”, evokes its lordly and legendary past, linked —according to tradition— to the Visigoth king Witiza, who is said to have lived here in the 8th century.

Today, Palas de Rei preserves its medieval spirit among quiet streets, small squares and stone houses covered with ivy. It is a place where the pilgrim finds rest, history and hospitality in equal measure.

➤ Crossroads of routes and cultures

For centuries, Palas de Rei has been a true Jacobean hub, a meeting point between secondary paths and the main route of the French Way. Kings, knights, merchants and pilgrims from all corners of Europe have passed along its paths.

• Confluence of ancient royal roads and medieval routes.
• Hospitality tradition since the 12th century.
• Rural routes towards the Pambre River and nearby villages.

This “crossroads” character is still felt today in its bars, hostels and squares, where languages from around the world can be heard and each story becomes part of the Camino.

➤ Historical and architectural heritage

Palas de Rei holds a valuable medieval legacy that delights lovers of history and art. Its church of San Tirso preserves a Romanesque doorway from the 12th century with an engraved cross, a symbol of the first pilgrims arriving from Europe.

• Pambre Castle: 14th-century fortress, one of the few that resisted the irmandiña revolt. Its keep dominates the valley with an impressive view.
• Church of Vilar de Donas: located a few kilometers from the center, it was a temple of the Order of Santiago and a jewel of Galician Romanesque, declared a National Monument.
• Rural routes: paths among oak forests, mills and stone villages that show the most authentic Galicia.

These places tell the living history of a town that has managed to preserve its essence over the centuries.

➤ Galician hospitality and pilgrim rest

Besides its historical legacy, Palas de Rei is known for its welcoming atmosphere. The accommodations, guesthouses and rural houses receive hundreds of walkers every day who seek to regain strength before continuing their journey to Arzúa.

• Wide range of restaurants with traditional Galician cuisine.
• Local products: cheese, cold cuts and honey from the region.
• Quiet atmosphere, perfect for strolling and enjoying the sunset.

In the terraces of the center or by the square, pilgrims share stories, advice and laughter. Palas de Rei is that point where the Camino becomes a community and where tiredness blends with the joy of moving forward.

➤ Nature, rest and traditions

The surroundings of Palas de Rei invite exploration. The river paths, centuries-old oak forests and small rivers that cross the municipality create an ideal environment to enjoy Galician calm. In spring and autumn, the colors of the landscape are a natural spectacle that accompanies the pilgrim along the route.

The local festivities, such as the Festa de San Tirso or the Festa dos Maiores, keep Galician traditions alive and show the cheerful and welcoming character of its people.

➤ A stop that leaves a mark

Palas de Rei is more than an intermediate stage: it is a place where the history and soul of the Camino meet. Here, pilgrims rest, contemplate the landscape and feel that each step brings them closer to Santiago, but also to themselves.

Those who stop in Palas de Rei understand why Galicia preserves its magic in every corner: the stone, the mist, the sounds of the countryside and the smiles of its people make this town remain a spiritual refuge on the Camino.

Take a break in Palas de Rei and feel the living history of the Camino de Santiago among fortresses, legends and Galician hospitality.

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