Via de la Plata

Actually, the route already dates back to the Bronze Age and was used by hunters to follow wild animal crossings. The Phoenicians also used the road before the Romans, especially to transport precious metals. It was later fortified by the Romans after they conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the second century. They paved the road and established important cities, such as Seville, Mérida, and Salamanca. Shepherds would later drive their flocks from Castile to Southern Extremadura as soon as winter would set in, a tradition still followed today. Therefore, on the Vía de la Plata, you walk in the footsteps of a long history.

The Vía de la Plata runs through Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile and León to Galicia. After 700 kilometers/435 miles, pilgrims can either hike to Astorga in the north and follow the Camino Francés (French Way), or turn west and reach Santiago de Compostela via Ourense. The old Roman road would lead to Astorga, but nowadays both routes are part of the Vía de la Plata. Another name is Mozarabic Way, named after the Christians living in the Moorish and Islamic south who would make their way to Santiago in the Middle Ages and were called Mozarabs.

The Vía de la Plata attracts many experienced pilgrims who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Camino Francés and follow secluded paths. But more and more new pilgrims choose this route as well, which often results in an extremely exciting and inspiring atmosphere. This infrastructure of this route is not as developed as the one found on the Camino Francés, for example, but has everything ready for the weary pilgrim. In many places, it creates the authentic pilgrim atmosphere, valued so much by many people.