Lubián
Via de la Plata
Camino Sanabrés
Lubian is the last village in Zamora province and the last settlement before the border with Galicia. It sits at around 1,000 m altitude in the Sierra de la Culebra, surrounded by mountains and chestnut forests. The albergue is not well marked but is one of the first buildings in town. The rest of the services -- bars, a small shop -- are along the main road.
This has always been a border village, caught between Castile and Galicia, between Spain and Portugal. The Alto Sanabria region has a character all its own -- the stone houses are built heavy against the mountain winters, and the landscape is more forest than field.
The Santuario de La Tuiza, just outside town on the route ahead, is dedicated to the local patron Virgin. It's a simple building but it marks the beginning of the final climb to the Portela de la Canda and the gateway to Galicia.
Romeria to the Santuario de La Tuiza -- check locally for dates.
Lubian and the Alto Sanabria region have been a borderland for centuries, caught between the kingdoms of Leon and Galicia, and later between Spain and Portugal. The Sierra de la Culebra, which surrounds the village, is one of the most important wildlife corridors in Western Europe and home to the highest concentration of Iberian wolves in Spain. The wolf has been a part of life here for as long as people have lived in these mountains.
The camino follows the secondary road out of Lubian, downhill from the main road. It turns right after a few twists in the road to follow the signs to the Santuario de La Tuiza. It descends to pass under the A-52 and passes by the Santuario. From here it climbs to the Portela de la Canda, the gateway to Galicia.
This is a serious mountain climb. The signage after La Tuiza can be sparse -- pay close attention to waymarks. Allow about three hours for the ascent from Lubian to the pass.
Accommodation in Lubián.
| Albergue de Lubián 3€ 16 |
|
| Casa Rural Val dos Pigarros |
Comments