Tucked between the dusty trails and sun-drenched vineyards of northern Spain lies one of the Camino de Santiago’s most surprising (and beloved) stops: the Wine Fountain of Irache. Yes, you read that right, a literal fountain of free wine, flowing for pilgrims who pass through the region on the Camino Francés.
You’ll find the Cruz de Ferro perched at a lofty 1,504 meters (4,934 feet), making it the highest point* on the Camino Francés. It’s located between the villages of Foncebadón and Manjarín, in the province of León, just before the descent into El Bierzo.
Where did the Camino scallop shell originate? Like much of the Camino itself, the answer is a beautiful blend of fact, folklore, and faith.
Walk a few days through Galicia, and you’ll start to notice them, one or two at first...and suddenly they are everywhere!
Here’s where things get spooky.
When the water level of the reservoir drops during dry seasons, something surreal happens, the ghost of old Portomarín reappears. Stone foundations, ancient stairways, and sections of the old Roman bridge rise from the deep, like ruins of Atlantis whispering to those who care to look.
(often called cruceiros in Galician or cruceros de piedra) As you make your way along the Camino de Santiago, you’ll likely come across cru...
