The Finisterre Way: a walk towards the End of the World
When we talk about the Pilgrimage on the Camino, we must not forget about the Finisterre Way. This walk, that is starting to be very popular, has an ancient history that dates back from the XII century. Its main peculiarity is that, unlike the rest of the Jacobean routes, the final destination is not Santiago (but it is where it starts).
On route to Santiago, not forgetting the Finisterre Way
Every year, thousands of Pilgrims coming from all over the world, start a long route finishing in Santiago de Compostela. These are days for meditation, to find ourselves while we walk slowly -but steady- with the excitement of arriving on time to our final destination. The reward? Discovering the Sepulcher of the Apostle Santiago and Botafumeiro.
After a long walk to Santiago and paying due honor to it, many Pilgrims decide to keep walking a bit further to reach Finisterre, where, according to tradition, it was supposed to be the End of the World, and where the magic and the rituals begin. Apparently, in this place a perfect combination between the divine and the pagan world is stablished.
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From Santiago to Finisterre, an itinerary full of legends
Also known as the Jacobean Extension and the Epilogue of the Camino, this route to Finisterre is full of legends. This cape has been fascinating people for centuries, as it has been considered to be westernmost point in Europe for many years (even if that isn´t actually true); the place where the sun dies on the dark blue water of the sea.
Also, it is commonly said that this prolongation of the walk to Finisterre was done because Pilgrims wanted to burn their old clothes on the sun, as a symbol of purification and personal rebirth. Muxía is another destination for Pilgrims, which has a couple of legends about Marian apparitions, and also about the magical properties of the stones.
The Finisterre way has the following itinerary: departing from Santiago de Compostela, the main stops are Negreira, Olveira, Cee and finally Finisterre. For those who wish to continue, there are two more walking days: from Finisterre to Lires, and finally Muxía.
It is quite easy to follow the signs indicating the way. Around the cathedral in Santiago, it is possible to see a couple of yellow arrows, but after leaving Santiago you will see the typical mojón, just as in the other Jacobean routes (stone signals showing the shell and the distance to the final destination). Once you see the mojón in Carballeira de San Lorenzo, there will be a lot of them until you reach Finisterre and Muxia.
Just as in any other route finishing in Santiago, there is a Pilgrim Passport to collect the stamps on each of the stops, in order to prove that the walk has been completed. Once in Finisterre it is possible to get the “Finisterrana” and the ”Muxiana” (same certificate as the Compostela in Santiago).
Pilgrims will find many places to sleep along the way, to have a shower, eat, get some rest a be ready for the next day. Free time on these places is normally spent in meeting other fellow Pilgrims, particularly solo travelers (which is very usual on the Camino).
This route is really well set up in terms of accommodation, it won’t be difficult to find a nice and comfortable place to stay. No wonder why, it is the best way to put an end to a memorable experience, that anyone should try at least once in their life.
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