On our way to Santiago de Compostela, we stopped to see a small village with another long name: Santa Colomba de Samoza.  Located in the historical and remote region of la Maragateria, Spain, the residents (“Maragatos”) are believed to be the last living descendants of the North African Berbers who arrived in Iberia in the eighth century. 

Honey production has been an important trade in this region, and there are around 1,000 beekeepers in León, about a one-hour drive from the village.  The honey that is produced is made into a sweet syrup, an ingredient in local desserts.

We met with a local beekeeper, Oscar, to learn about his bees and the process of collecting the honey from his hives.  Like many other villagers, his family had left the village for better opportunities in the cities.  Madrid had become their new home, and that is where Oscar was born.  As an adult, Oscar decided to return to his family’s empty village to join the effort in rebuilding its businesses.  There are only 30-40 people in the village that live there in the winter, and Oscar is one of them, trying to grow his honey business, “La Floritura.” He also speaks to schoolchildren about the importance of bees and beekeeping.

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

This little village was so full of character and quite photogenic. I was bringing up the rear shooting photos as we walked through the village to Casa Pepa, a 200-year-old traditional Maragato home where our group enjoyed lunch.  Now a small family-run hotel and restaurant, this place was oozing with charm!  It was love at first sight for me and Bruce.  From the front door to the lobby to the beautiful courtyard; it was fabulous!

In the past, the villagers in this community transported fish and other food by mules that were kept in the courtyards of their homes.  Out of economic necessity, many of these traditional homes have been converted into guesthouses for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela.  Casa Pepa is a successful example of this.

Next up: SOUTHWEST FRANCE, NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL #16: THE VILLAGE OF VILLAFRANCA DEL BEIRZO