An additional stop we made on the way to Santiago de Compostela was at Villafranca del Beirzo, another village with a long name.  It is the final important town along El Camino before arriving in Santiago, and it has been a rest stop for pilgrims walking the Way of St. James since the 9^th century.  For pilgrims walking the entire 500 miles, they still have 116 miles to walk to Santiago, once they leave this village of 2,659 people. 

What an amazing commitment these pilgrims make to walk the entire Way of St. James!  Most of the pilgrims do not complete the entire walk, and there are many more (like our group) who only walk portions as part of a tour.  But for those who complete the entire walk, good on them!

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

Next up: SOUTHWEST FRANCE, NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL #17: SENSATIONAL SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA