Pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
For the final four days, we’ll embark on a mini pilgrimage along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Way. Walk at your own pace and distance, or remain at the retreat center for a creative pilgrimage if you can not walk. All participants will spend the final two nights at our sacred destination - the awe - inspiring Valley of Silence.
A place of great awe and wonder our alternative pilgrimage ending will be the Valley of Silence in the village of Peñalba - considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is nestled within the “Tebaida of León” mountains named from the Tebaida region in Egypt, where the early Desert Mothers and Fathers lived a life in contemplation. These sacred mountains and this valley in particular has drawn hermits and monks since the 4th century.
Peñalba houses a stunning 10th-century Mozarabic church with petroglyphs and solstitial alignments. This beautiful example of sacred architecture is infused with the contemplative spirit. The village is near a cave once inhabited by a hermit, which gave the Valley of Silence its name.
Itinerary
Flores del Camino ~ Rabanal - Pilgrimage Day 1
(14km - average walking time 3h - 250m / 800ft up)
As you leave Flores and pass through the lovely villages of Santa Catalina and El Ganso, you’ll be accompanied by Camino symbols, the labyrinth and the goose. You will cross a threshold, from a flat landscape to a gentle climb. Your destination for the day is the charming village of Rabanal, with more than a thousand years of history linked to the Visigoths and Templars. In the evening, you will experience the pilgrims’ blessings & vespers, still chanted by the monks in the atmospheric 12th century Romanesque church.
We will walk each day in sacred silence. In the evenings, there will be opportunity for gentle community refection for those who are interested.
Rabanal ~ El Acebo - Pilgrimage Day 2
(17km - average walking time 3h30 - 400m / 1,300ft up then 400m / 1,300ft down)
At this meaningful point on your journey, you will reach the highest point on the Camino: Cruz del Ferro, a gentle place of letting go for pilgrims. Here, you are invited to participate in the tradition of symbolically leaving a stone from home. As you pass the mountains of León, you will discover breath-taking views over the Bierzo region. Your destination of the day is the charming mountain hamlet of El Acebo with its distinctive architectural style. The day will end at dusk as you watch the sunset over the the extensive Bierzo plain from a purposeful viewing point in the village.
El Acebo ~ Molinaseca - Pilgrimage Day 3
(8km - average walking time 1h45 - 550m / 1,800ft down)
You will descend the mountain to reach the charming village of Molinaseca situated by a tranquil river. After having lunch there, we will make our way by car to the nearby Peñalba de Santiago. Nested within the breathtaking Valley of Silence, Peñalba is our highly symbolic pilgrimage destination. It is known for its exquisite 10th century Mozarabic church with solstitial alignments.
Peñalba de Santiago - The Valley of Silence - Pilgrimage Day 4
The valley gained its name because a hermit lived there in silent contemplation. At sunrise you will make the circular journey around the Valley to and from the hermit’s cave. For the rest of the day we will end our time in purposeful reflection on your personal pilgrimage and preparations for your return home.
The next morning, departure by taxi. Drop off at Madrid Airport at 1pm (under normal traffic circumstances)
