About the Camino San Salvador

While much of the attention on the Camino de Santiago focuses on pilgrimages along the Camino Frances, Camino Norte, Primitivo, and Camino Portuguese there are nonetheless a number of other routes to Santiago including the Camino San Salvador.

Historically the Camino San Salvador has a long, interesting, unique, and somewhat competitive relationship with the Cathedral in Santiago.

In the 7^th century King Alfonso II went on pilgrimage to Santiago from the capital of Spain which (at the time) was Oviedo.  At the time Spain was being invaded by Islamic forces and so King Alfonso had the holy relics in the nation moved to Oviedo to protect them from the conquering armies.  As a result of the movement of holy relics to Oviedo new pilgrimage routes began to develop.  Pathways throughout Europe and Spain soon focused on Oviedo rather than Santiago.  However when the Christian re-conquest of Spain took place the political and spiritual centers of the nation once again shifted southward.  With Leon becoming the national capital a renewal of pilgrimage to Santiago took place.

Despite the return of religious relics to Santiago the Cathedral in Oviedo kept possession of the Sudarium or Shroud of Oviedo which is purposed to have covered the face of Jesus at his crucifixion.  As a result the Cathedral of Oviedo has long maintained their importance as a site of pilgrimage in Spain.  Their motto being: 

 “He who goes to Santiago and not to San Salvador, visits the servant and not the Lord” 

Nature of San Salvador 

The Camino San Salvdor stretches a short 120 km from Leon (on the Camino Frances) to Oviedo (at the intersection of the Norte and Primitivo).  The route is considered one of the most rugged and mountainous camino routes and typically takes between 4-5 days, weather permitting and depending on one’s physical ability.

The Camino San Salvador traditionally begins in Leon in the courtyard, or Plaza de San Marcus, in front of the Parador de Leon at the iconic Pilgrim statue.  Here a plaque can be found denoting the path of the Camino Frances westward or the variation northward to Oviedo.

Given the location of the San Salvador route it combines well with any of the Camino Madrid, Camino Frances, Norte and Primitivo.

 

Despite the rising popularity of the Camino San Salvador it is not as frequently travelled by the numbers of pilgrims found on the Frances, Norte or Portuguese.  As a result there are likely to be long stretches on the pathway on one’s own or with a smaller group of pilgrims for the duration of one’s trek.  In addition, given the limited numbers of pilgrims on this route, amenities are further spread out and fewer in number.  Given this reality, reservations are highly advised to ensure that there is room, to ensure that the albergue is open, and to ensure that there are food options in the small communities you venture. 

Potential Itineraries

5 days:
Day 1: Leon – La Robla, 27 km
Day 2: La Robla – Poladura, 24km
Day 3: Poladura – Pajares, 14km
Day 4: Pajares – Pola de Lena, 26km
Day 5: Pola de Lena – Oviedo, 34km 

4 days:
Day 1: Leon – Buiza, 40km
Day 2: Buiza – Pajares, 28km
Day 3: Pajares – Pola de Lena, 26km
Day 4: Pola de Lena – Oviedo, 34km 

Walking the San Salvador 

Given the more remote and physically challenging nature of the San Salvador this route is likely not going to be anyone’s first hike or Camino.  With the geology and topography of the region this Camion involves longer days, daily climbs and steep grades going both up and downhill. As such, it is unsurprising that the majority of pilgrims that we met along the way had completed several Caminos before venturing from Leon to Oviedo.   In addition, given its remote and rugged nature, it is likely that you will trek this route alone for longer stretches.

Despite these challenges however the natural wonders and experiences on the Camino San Salvador and en route are amazing! 

Waymarking and Guides 

While fewer pilgrims trek the San Salvador route than the Frances, Norte or Primitivo it is nonetheless a very well maintained pathway which is clearly waymarked with both the familiar yellow Santiago arrows and San Salvadorian wooden signs.   

The clear regional signage in combination with Ender’s guide (available online in Spanish or English) makes this a challenging but manageable pilgrimage route to undertake. 

Credential and Certificate of Completion (Salvadorana) 

For those having knowledge of any of the other Camino de Santiago routes the Camino San Salvdaor utilizes a familiar – though unique – credential passport and stamp system.  The San Saldador credential can be purchased at the Albergue de Peregrinos Las Carbajalas in Leon and includes information on each of the towns along the route denoting resources, albergues, and elevation of the trail.

At the conclusion of the Camino San Salvador pilgrims are able to collected a personalized San Salvadorian certificate in the cathedral in Oviedo noting your date of arrival.