Caminhos Santiago de Compostela

Since Via Veteris was used in the Middle Ages as a way to reach Compostela, it will only be in the Modern Period that the Portuguese Pilgrimage Way to the city of Santiago, where the remains of the Holy Apostle lie, will become more prominent.
Thousands of pilgrims currently circulate along this path who, moved in different ways - on foot, on horseback, by bicycle or even by boat, follow the "yellow arrows" without looking back. Perhaps some monarchs also passed through Esposendense paths: D. Afonso II, Queen Santa Isabel and King D. Manuel I, having crossed the Cávado by Barca (Gemeses - Fonte Boa) towards Santiago.

It is not by chance that the marks of devotion and evocation of this spirit of pilgrimage can still be seen in quantity, evident in churches, alminhas and cruises, all over the county, in its 20km, from Apúlia to Antas (S. Paio ). Names like "Estrada Real", "Estrada dos Cavaleiros" or "Estrada Velha" (Karraria Antiqua or Via Veteris) are still very present and always indicate the same meaning!

Esposende is equipped with a hostel for pilgrims, in addition to a wide range of accommodation, catering services and other facilities, to spend the night and relax.

If today the paths are a little different from those used in other times, due a little to the changing desires of man and the distinct and characteristic rhythms of evolution of the landscape, however, the spirit remains the same, of man before his Faith and the achievement of a goal, be it personal or collective.

However, if your destination is Santiago de Compostela, take the opportunity to enjoy your visit to Esposende; observing and feeling what nature has provided us in these places when contemplating the Natural Park of the North Coast, our coast and beaches, the rivers Cávado and Neiva and, when passing over the hills that belong to Arriba Fóssil, also admire the marks of the man in these lands, evident in the many monuments that will mark and color this section of the Way. Feel the friendliness of the people and our hospitality and, of course, never fail to taste our gastronomy!
Certainly, if you complete this mosaic - characteristic of this land - you will arrive in Santiago and say that you also stopped in Esposende and enjoyed the Way, because "Esposende, is a privilege of nature"!

Source: https://www.visitesposende.com/