The Way to Land's End

• Beginning Point: San Marcos
• Ending Point: Santiago
• Daily distance: 3.36 miles (5.4 km)
• Total distance: 470.86 miles (757.77 km)

As we hike out of San Marcos, the sun is just starting to peek over the mountains. It is a short distance to Monte del Gozo, or Mount Joy, where we get our first look at Santiago. Upon entering Monte del Gozo, we first stop in a small chapel dedicated to San Marcos and then view the monument dedicated to Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage. 

 

We then hike up a path to see Santiago and the pilgrim statues pointing the way. Tears of joy well in my eyes as I see the city. 

On our way down into Santiago, Laura and I recount our journey. We laugh about how much bread and French fries we ate, our experiences in push button and other weird showers, bunk beds, snorers and getting lost. Then, we share which were our favorite cities, churches, albergues and hiking trails. Our minds are boggled that we have walked for 39 days and nearly 500 miles. We actually did it! 

The entry into Santiago begins like most large cities with traffic and sidewalks. We slowly wind our way into the historic district. The yellow arrows continue pointing the way and we pick up a few other pilgrims along the way. 

Soon we hear the heart piercing echos of bagpipes. A young man is playing them in the tunnel we must go through. Upon exiting the tunnel, we are standing in the plaza of the Cathedral. We have made it to our destination. 

The exterior of the Cathedral is not particularly beautiful to behold. It has been undergoing restoration for years and it still has a few more years until it’s complete. Though some would be disappointed in this ending, I find it imperfectly perfect. 

Next, we enter the Cathedral and find a seat for the Pilgrim’s Mass. The altar shines brilliantly in tones of gold and silver. St James sits in the center. There is a passageway behind him where pilgrims enter and place their arms around him. Many arms embrace him while we wait for Mass to begin. 

After Mass, we go to the Pilgrim’s Office to present our pilgrim passport and receive our Compostela. 

We complete our day by having a delicious meal at a beautiful restaurant and then walking around to explore the city. 

There are still a few more days until we head home. Tomorrow we will take a day tour  to see the coastal towns of Muxia and Finnistre. We plan on touring the Cathedral and museums in more detail on Saturday.  Finally, on Sunday we will head to Muxia for one night to see the sunset before saying our goodbyes to Spain.