Camino took me further west to the little town Hospital de Orbigo. Do not be confused by the name. In the past they used here the world “hospital” to name a hostel for the pilgrims, so the hospital was almost in every village on camino. Orbigo river cuts the town by two and there is a long, medieval stone bridge connecting both sides… It is 204 m long with 20 arches, if I remember well. On the west side in the sleepy streets you will find few contemporary “hospitals” and the old church of St John the Baptist. I like such an atmosphere…
Some 15 kms onward I stop to overnight in the big city of Astorga. Astorga remember Roman Emporium. It has huge cathedral (should I eat my lunch or pay the entry fee to see interior?) but opposite the cathedral you wil find something rare: the former bishop’s palace designed by Gaudi (yes, that one from Barcelona!) – see the palace on the picture to have your opinion about)… OK, today Astorga has six chocolate factories, but not – they do not offer tours with free tasting 🙂
I was lucky to be here on Tuesday – in the Plaza Mayor and around there were weekly market for food, vegies and other goods. Sorry – zero of the folklore on the market…
