Fuenterroble de Salvatierra
Via de la Plata
Fuenterroble is best known for its Albergue Parroquial de Santa Maria, one of the defining pilgrim experiences on the Via de la Plata. Father Blas Rodriguez, the parish priest, has been welcoming pilgrims here for decades and is one of the key figures in reviving the route. The albergue operates on a donativo basis, sometimes offers a communal meal and breakfast, and embodies the kind of hospitality that the word albergue was invented for.
The town itself is small — a few houses, a church, and the enormous white cross that marks the albergue. Basic services only.
Fuenterroble's name translates roughly to strong fountain of Salvatierra, a reference to the reliable water source that made this spot a logical rest point along the Roman road. The village grew up as a way station for travelers and drovers moving livestock along the cañadas reales between summer and winter pastures.
Between Fuenterroble and Morille the camino splits into two distinct routes. The split happens 11.7km from Fuenterroble at a place signposted as Dueña de Abajo.LEFT ROUTE - 31.8km (20.1km from split)This route is slightly longer but has the benefit of hosting a pair of albergues in San Pedro de Rozados. However, that is the only village with any services until Morille. The high point along the way is the Pico de la Dueña (14.4km) and beyond that is the private pig farm Calzadilla del Mendigos (6.8km).RIGHT ROUTE (THE ALTERNATE ROUTE) - 29.2km (17.5km from split)Slightly shorter but with two places to stop for a coffee, this is the preferred route if you are going through to Salamanca.
Accommodation in Fuenterroble de Salvatierra.
| Albergue parroquial Santa María Donativo€ 70 |
|
Comments