Triacastela

Triacastela marks the bottom of the long descent from O Cebreiro and a natural stopping point. The village sits in a green valley, a dramatic contrast to the exposed mountain walking above. The name refers to three castles that once stood here — none survive.

The village has several albergues, bars, and restaurants. A small supermarket handles provisions. The atmosphere is relaxed and green after the mountain.

Historically, pilgrims quarried limestone from the hills around Triacastela and carried it to the kilns at Castañeda (further along the camino), where it was burned into the lime used in constructing Santiago's cathedral. It was a form of pilgrim labor — a practical contribution to the building of the destination they were walking toward.

The route splits here: one path goes directly to Sarria via San Xil (the shorter, hillier route), the other detours south through the Monastery of Samos before heading to Sarria. Both reach Sarria in roughly a day's walk.