We stayed last night in Azofra. A nice little town with a declining population of 250 residents. Like many of the smaller towns on the Camino it owes much of its existence to the pilgrims on the Camino. From 1168 Azofra has had a pilgrim hostel. In medieval times there were several pilgrim hospitals here and from the 12th century a pilgrim cemetery. Today there is a modern new albergue with double rooms. A nice stay over.

On our way. 15 k’s with one town between before we reach Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Mostly we walked over rocky paths through farm lands, vineyards and fields of green beans and swedes – I think. And in the middle of a long stretch over gently undulating hills, chairs.

On a hill just before reaching Santo Domingo de la Calzada there is a new monument to Santo Domingo. It reads 1019-2019. It is dedicated to the millennium anniversary of Saint Dominic who dedicated his life to helping the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela during the 11th century. Domingo García was born in 1019. He was illiterate and because of this he apparently was not accepted to his chosen calling as a monk. He still wanted to follow his calling so he built a pilgrim hospital and a church. His church has evolved to become the city’s Cathedral and his Spirit is still alive today in the albergue that bears his name. There are many stories and traditions associated with Santo Domingo and one of the traditions that still exists is the live cock in the cathedral’s cage. If you visit the cathedral you can still find a live cock in a cage but now you are unable to pluck one of its feathers for luck.

Turtle Dave decided to stop and take a few photos of the ceiling at the cathedral. Umm can you give me a bit of a push Turtle Dave asked.

Walking through the old town of Santo Domingo de la Calzda was fascinating. There was history everywhere.

We continued on to our destination of Grannon. On a hill before reaching Granon was the cross of la Cruz de los la Valientes. Local legend states that there was a dispute between Grañón and Santo Domingo over a piece of land which lay between the two towns. Instead of all out war each town chose one fighter each and the winner would claim the land for their town. Martin Garcia an ordinary man was chosen for Granon while Santo Domingo chose a professional fighter. By unconventional means Martin won. The place of the fight is commemorated by the cross on the hill.