The Camino Primitivo is just one of the trails of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Although the shortest, people say it's the most demanding. It is a route that starts in Oviedo and ends south, in Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Primitivo or 'The Original Way' is one of the many routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, a city of great history and importance to the Christian people. Today, people take these paths for various, not just religious reasons. Last July I had a chance to travel this wonderful place.
The pilgrimage route starts from the city of Oviedo in the Spanish province of Asturias, about 311 kilometers long and ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela, located in the Spanish province of Galicia. The city of Oviedo itself is home to the Cathedral of El Salvador, which has been an important pilgrimage destination for centuries.
The city of Lugo marks the halfway point of the Camino Primitiva. The city is known for its impressive ancient wall under the UNESCO list and as one of the best places to eat in Galicia.
After Luga, the Camino Primitivo takes pilgrims to the ancient Roman paved road, crossing quiet hamlets, forests and unique medieval bridges. Camino Primitivo joins the most famous Camino Road, Camino Francés, in the bustling market town of Melide.
This section belongs to the end of the French route, the most popular Camino route, in the bustling town of Melida, where one should try Galicia's most popular dish: pulp (octopus). If you are traveling in October, make sure you catch the traditional San Froilán Festival in Lugo.
This memorable journey was possible because of pilgrimage group I had joined recently. People are so warm and friendly. Sometimes I feel like I am already there, with them, because they so vividly indicate where to go, what to bring, how to dress, get dressed, where to rest, sleep, eat. The beauty of social networking is just that, when there is no imposition of one-liners, but a warm concern for those who are still strangers to each other.
Those who have already visited Santiago know that preparation is not easy. Buen Camino to all, those who are already there, those who are about to embark, and all of us who are currently walking through the preparations, both mental and physical.