Location
The Retreat Centre
The Village / Treasures of the Region
For Pilgrims
The Retreat Centre.
Flores del Camino is situated around 250km east of Santiago de Compostela in the historic village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain. The Retreat Centre is a traditional Maragato stone house made up of beautiful renovated ensuite rooms nested around a charming courtyard shaded with a vine and fruit trees, with spaces for gatherings & creativity.
The Village of Castrillo.
Castrillo de los Polvazares is a heritage site dating back at to the 16th century, famous for its perfectly preserved traditional Maragato architecture. It is made up entirely of red & orange coloured stones which contrast to the old arched wooden doors painted green & blue. The village sparkles in the warm Spanish sunlight & the stones seem to catch fire & glow at dusk. You can see beautiful traditional “Maragato” dresses & dances at the annual "La Magdalena” festivities in July. We always make sure to schedule a retreat around this time so that you can experience the celebrations!
The Region & its Treasures.
We are deeply passionate about this region & sharing it with you! Just on our doorstep we have exquisite 5000 year old petroglyphs, dolmens, roman mosaics, visi-gothic, romanesque & gothic architectural treasures : Leon cathedral, the Valley of Silence, the monastery of San Miguel de Escalada, the La Olmeda Roman Villa, just to name a few. The surrounding landscape is breathtakingly beautiful - open & vast with lots of wonderful paths to explore. Featured in the Guardians travel tips of special places to visit in Spain.
Information for Pilgrims.
Hospitality for Pilgrims.
As well as running retreats, we also offer hospitality for pilgrims. You can either stay in a private ensuite room at Flores del Camino (depending on availability) @ 50 € or at the cosy village municipal pilgrims refuge which we also look after.
The albergue is made up of a dormitory of 8 beds @ 5 € with a pilgrim credencial. When possible we offer a healthy and nourishing communal evening meal / breakfast by donation for all pilgrims usually served at Flores del Camino. Alternatively the refuge kitchen is stocked up with basic food supplies to make a meal. Please note that there is no shop in our little village.
Castrillo - 1km Alternative Camino Route.
As with most alternative Camino routes, the one to Castrillo is well worth taking, especially at just 1km. It is documented that the village was on the Medieval Camino, housing a pilgrims hospital. Please make sure you avoid unnecessary road walking from Murias de Rechivaldo by following the directions below:
The Just before leaving Murias de Rechivaldo by the Camino, turn right on Calle Nueva towards Murias albergue municipal. At the albergue cross the main road & turn left past Casa Flor on the main road. After 200 meters take the path on the right that runs parallel with the road to avoid road walking. Castrillo is straight ahead. The keys & reception for the albergue are at Flores del Camino - on the main street Calle Real 36.