The Via de la Plata
The Via de la Plata, also known as the Camino Mozárabe, spans Spain from South to North and is the longest Camino route at over 1000 km. Originally a Roman trade route connecting northern and southern Spain, it later became a pilgrimage path under Moorish rule, used by North African Christians travelling to Santiago de Compostela.
The route largely follows the ancient Roman road, with archaeological evidence found along the way. Remarkably, some sections of these roads have remained untouched by modern development.
During the Roman Empire, the Via de la Plata transported gold and copper from the vast mines of Las Médulas and Rio Tinto. Walking this route today feels like stepping back in time!
Our itinerary highlights the most beautiful section of the Via de la Plata in Galicia. To earn your Compostela certificate, you’ll need to walk the final 100 km from Ourense. These last stages are renowned for their stunning scenery and diverse landscapes and are considered the most spectacular of all the Camino routes. As you journey from Ourense to Santiago, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views and rolling hills, making this section truly unforgettable.
The Via de la Plata is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic Camino experience. Despite its rich history and breathtaking beauty, it remains less well-known than other popular routes, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in true Galician culture. Along this hidden gem, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals, savour traditional dishes, and marvel at the untouched natural landscapes, making your journey truly memorable.
Suggested Routes
Highlights of The Via de la Plata
- Challenge yourself in the breathtaking Serra Seca mountains.
- Discover the unique local heritage, including Hórreos, which has been used as a granary for centuries.
- Walk through the serene hills of rural Galicia, starting from Ourense.
- Savour the refreshing and flavourful Monterrei and Ribeiro wines.
- Celebrate your accomplishment and receive your Compostela at Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral.
Camino Ways Route Planner
For over 1000 years, pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino Ways across Europe in their quest for spirituality. Making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, they encountered a variety of people, cultures and beliefs, leading to friendship and new experiences. This continues today with the Camino de Santiago being the most well-known and well-loved walk in the world. More than just a walk, the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable and unique journey for the body, mind and soul.
When To Go On The Via de la Plata
Summer brings clear skies and intense heat, ideal for some walkers. Others may prefer the milder temperatures of spring and autumn.
These are the most popular times on the trail. The Camino in autumn is especially popular with bird-watching enthusiasts. However, availability is limited in winter, as many hotels close during this season.
The Terrain On The Via de la Plata
The Via de la Plata in Galicia is a true blend of walking conditions, but there will be no major ascents during the last 100km of the route. From Ourense, you will leave the mountains behind and travel through the charming, lush Galician countryside. The last 100km to Santiago de Compostela will be gentle, allowing you to complete long distances daily.
What To Bring On The Via de la Plata?
Our Camino packing guide ebook is free to download. This will help you decide what to bring on your Camino.
History of the Via de la Plata
The Camino, established in early Christian times, followed older roads, reflecting Roman practicality. During the early Middle Ages, it remained active, initially under the Visigoths and later during Islamic rule.
The term “Vía de la Plata” originates from the Arabic word “Bal’latta,” used by Muslims to describe a wide, stone-paved road. This sturdy public route led north to Christian territories.
The infantry of Córdoba used the Vía de la Plata during Almanzor’s military expedition against Santiago in August 997. Despite its name, the term Vía de la Plata does not refer to the precious metal silver.
In the late Middle Ages, Andalusian Mozarabs re-Christianised the route, finding the pilgrimage to Santiago safer after Ferdinand III’s conquest of Seville and Córdoba.
The story of returning the bells to Santiago Cathedral is tied to the Vía de la Plata. After 1250, pilgrims from Andalucía and Extremadura began using this route. Some continued to Astorga to join the Camino Francés, while others opted for the shorter, more direct path via Puebla de Sanabria, A Gudiña, Laza, Verín, Ourense, and finally Santiago. The Laza route is 214 km long, while the Verín route spans 233 km. This marked a new era for the pilgrimage route between Córdoba and Santiago.
A third option leads pilgrims through Northeast Portugal toward Bragança or Chaves, entering Galicia in the south, heading towards Verín, and continuing on to Laza or Xinzo de Limia. All these paths converge in Ourense and then proceed to San Cristovo de Cea. Many pilgrims stayed at the Oseira Monastery, while others hurried to Dozón. From there, they continued to Lalín, Silleda, Ponte Ulla, and finally Santiago de Compostela.
One of the key military orders protecting the Way was the Order of Saint James, particularly on the Laza-Xunqueira-Ourense route. The Santiago commandery of Barra safeguarded the section from Codesedo, at Monte Talariho’s base, where a roadside shrine stands, to Vilar de Gumareites.
The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (later the Order of Malta) established a priory in 1170, tasked with protecting the Vilanova Bridge and the route at the town’s outskirts. The Romanesque church from the late 12th century still stands, along with the medieval bridge, forming a historic monument group. The Knights Templar, based in Santa Marina de Augas Santas, began constructing a church near the ‘Forno da Santa’ shortly before their suppression.