The French Way to Santiago is the best known and most popular for the number of accommodations and services it provides. In addition, its tradition and culture make it a tour full of interest for pilgrims who choose this part of the Jacobean route.
Captivating art goes hand in hand with the magic that surrounds the Camino de Santiago.
Partly thanks to the number of samples of architecture from different periods. Many of these works are still standing despite the reforms and reconstructions carried out over the years.
Most of these constructions are icons of the Camino recommended to visit during your pilgrimage.
Ponferrada Castle – León
It was a castle belonging to the Order of the Templars in the 12th century. Since the dissolution of the order it has passed through different owners, ranging from stately families to the crown itself. It is a classic pre-Romanesque style castle, which is a delight to the sight of its visitors.
Cathedral of San Pedro de Jaca – Huesca
In addition to its architectural appeal, the passage of time has been adding spaces motivated by the different stages that took its construction. Today, it is made up of different areas for the activities of the people who have served the place for several centuries.
Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada – La Rioja
It is one of the iconic stops on the Camino de Santiago, source of one of its best-known legends in the culture of the Jacobean route, it is home to a Romanesque church in homage to Santo Domingo.
It is a Romanesque church for pilgrims, but it has undergone several reforms that make it a mandatory stop for pilgrims on the French Way. It keeps different works commemorating the saint and the local tradition.
Santa María de los Arcos Church – Navarra
Its altarpieces and half-barrel vaults are only part of the attractions that this temple has for pilgrims. It is one of the most referenced monumental works in the province of Navarra.
The reforms to which it was subjected over the years cross styles that encompass a dominant Romanesque style, but as it was restored over time, it was coupled with styles such as the Baroque and the Renaissance.
San Martín Frómista – Castilla y León
Related to monuments such as the Cathedral of Jaca or the Cathedral of Santiago itself for its well-defined Romanesque style. It is recognized both in Spain and outside the territory.
Its beginnings go hand in hand with the foundation of Frómista, being a monastery where today only the church built in honor of San Martín remains. It was built in 1083, but it was not until much later that it was declared a National Monument.
We have only mentioned some of the icons you can find during your tour of the Camino Francés. Some are in plain sight during your pilgrimage, but for others you must make a detour. The advantage that this variant of the Jacobean route has is in being one of the best signposted and busy, so you have no excuse not to take a walk around the place.
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