Camino Primitivo, Pilgrims' way in Oviedo and Galicia, Spain.
The Camino Primitivo is a pilgrims' way that stretches about 320 kilometers from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela through northern Spain. The route crosses through mountain landscapes, forests, and medieval towns, presenting walkers with varying difficulty levels and different elevations.
King Alfonso II established this original pilgrimage route in the 9th century when he traveled from Oviedo to visit the newly discovered tomb of Saint James. Over the centuries, the path was walked by thousands of travelers and developed into one of Europe's major pilgrimage routes.
The route passes through small villages and Romanesque churches where pilgrims encounter local traditions and northern Spanish food. These places along the way keep their medieval character and their connection to generations of travelers who have walked this path.
Walkers should bring a pilgrim passport to access the lodging facilities along the route, which range from basic hostels to standard hotels. It is wise to wear comfortable hiking shoes and check fitness levels based on the mountainous sections, especially if planning longer daily stages.
The route received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and is often overlooked by walkers who prefer the more famous southern routes. This makes it a quieter path with less crowding while offering equally authentic pilgrimage experiences.
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