CF10 - Nájera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - 21 km
Itinerary
The Way of Saint James leaves Nájera through Costanilla Street. When you reach a village called Azofra, you will find the “Calle Mayor o Real” (Main or Royal Street) and the “Calle del Sol” (Sun Street), are part of the way. Presiding over the main altarpiece of the church you will see an image of Santiago dressed as a pilgrim. As you leave Azofra, you can stop to get some water in the “Fuente de Los Romeros”.
After this, you will pass by Cirueña and its splendid pasture with Pyrenean oaks, and a dirt road leading to the place in which the remains of Santo Domingo de la Calzada are buried.
A pillory (“rollo jurisdiccional”) greets the pilgrim. A touching story explains the foundation of the city. A hermit called Domingo decided to dedicate his life to help the pilgrims on their way to Santiago. First, he built a bridge over the River Oja; then, he opened a safe path across the woods; and, finally, he built a hospital and a temple to offer material and spiritual assistance to the pilgrims. Saint Domingo’s work didn’t stop with his death since nowadays we have the “Cofradía de Santo Domingo de la Calzada” (Santo Domingo de la Calzada Brotherhood). The Saint’s house is a hostel managed by the brotherhood, a place you definitely should visit.
In the old centre you will find the medieval road structure with the Main Street as a backbone. The Saint’s Square is the heart of the old city and its perimeter is demarcated by a chapel, the cathedral, its slender Barroque tower and the old pilgrims’ hospital, reconverted in a luxurious in a National Tourism Parador. The cathedral is a marvelous model of pro-gothic architecture.
However, the focus of attention here might be the henhouse, where there are always a white rooster and a white hen, reminding the miracle of the hanged pilgrim.
The village festivities are declared as National Tourism Interest, showing an exciting re-enactment of the Saint’s life, from April 25th to May 13th.
External info sources about this route and recommended websites:
Federación Española de Asociaciones del Camino de Santiago
Very useful guide: Camino de Santiago. National Geographic
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