Sahagún

Sahagún isn't the prettiest town on the Francés, but it has a stubborn historical significance that rewards exploration. At its peak, it rivaled Burgos and León in importance — a claim that's hard to believe until you start counting the brick churches.

The Mudéjar architecture is the highlight. In a region where stone was scarce, medieval builders used brick to extraordinary effect. The Iglesia de San Tirso and the Iglesia de San Lorenzo both have Romanesque-Mudéjar towers that rank among the finest examples of the style in Spain. The combination of Romanesque structural forms with Islamic decorative brickwork is unique to this part of Castile.

The remains of the Monasterio de San Benito — once one of the most powerful Benedictine houses in Spain — are scattered around town. The Arco de San Benito (the monastery gateway) and the Torre del Reloj (clock tower) survive as fragments of former grandeur.

The Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina, on the way out of town, issues a 'half-way Compostela' — a certificate marking the midpoint of the Francés from SJPP. It's a bit off the camino proper, but the certificate makes a good souvenir.

Several albergues, bars, and restaurants serve the town. All basic services available.