This church also known as St John's was built in the 13th century in the Romanesque style and was rebuilt stone by stone on a different location after a newly built dam flooded the old town.
Depending on the season, when the Minho river runs low you will be able to see the ancient roman bridge right below the modern bridge that you will cross to enter Portomarín.
- 15.5 miles (25 km)
- 5-6 hours
Not a difficult stage. A long but easy climb around the Ligonde Sierra. Slopes downhill after that towards the end.
Description of the stage
After leaving Portomarín, a town that dates back to the Romans which was an important stop along the route in the Middle Ages, you will set out on foot for Palas de Rei. This stage will take you through the region of Monterroso and Palas de Rei, crossing renowned villages like Gonzar, Castromaior and Ligonde.
The first half of the stage goes right by the main road and the second over roads paved specifically for the pilgrims. Unlike the first day, this stage takes you mostly through paved roads rather than paths but it is equally impressive as far as the landscape goes. There is a long slope to climb (1000 ft) before reaching the Ligonde Sierra at the 13Km mark, but it is an easy climb except for a short section as you leave Castromaior. Once you reach the sierra, the profile gradually slopes down until you arrive at the end of the stage.