Santo Domingo de la Calzada walks

Santo Domingo de la Calzada was founded by the saint after whom it is named, with the aim of helping pilgrims on the Way of St James. It is a resting place on the Way of St James. Among other things, you must see its cathedral and stroll amongst the many churches, historic monuments and narrow streets, which can keep you occupied for half a day. I visited this town during the fifty-third stage of my Camino de Santiago.

Fifty-fourth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage marks the entry into Castile and León, just after passing the village of Grañón. The route leading to Belgrado requires following maintained tracks, a few metres from the busy Carretera (N-120), making the journey somewhat unpleasant but ensuring rapid progress.

The fifty-third stage of the Camino de Santiago. A simple, short stage with few inclines, through gently rolling countryside. The route mainly follows farm tracks, and the vineyards give way to cereal crops. You arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town that retains a beautiful medieval historic centre and was declared a Site of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1973. The town’s main heritage attraction is the cathedral.

Fifty-fifth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage towards Burgos takes you through several villages along a path that climbs imperceptibly, leading you first towards the Montes de Oca through wooded landscapes, and finally to the convent of San Juan de Ortega, a convent perched in the mountains, which appears like an oasis (remember to stock up on supplies before setting off).

This circular route starts and finishes in the small village of Quintana Martín Galíndez (Burgos). It links quiet villages, hilltop views at El Cotorrón and Altos del Portillo, the Ebro riverbanks, a Roman bridge, and the hamlet of Montejo de San Miguel.