Detour to Vilar de Donas and La Iglesia de El Salvador

Camino Frances

Off Camino
4.50

Detour to Vilar de Donas and La Iglesia de El Salvador

‌Detour to Vilar de Donas and La Iglesia de El Salvador

After passing the bar of Portos, turn right along a gravel road. There is a fork at 500m, keep left and continue strait over the N-547. To the church and back is 4.5km.

Guided tours are offered by a local, and in some cases even when the church is otherwise closed. The official hours are:

Winter (November through March): 12-17:30  closed Mondays

Summer (April through October): 11-14 & 16-20  closed Mondays

The church was given to the Order of Santiago under the pretext that Galician members of the order be buried there. The frescoes in the apse depict the parable of the 10 virgins and is in remarkable condition given that it dates from the early 15th century.

City Map

Comments

20. September 2025 - 18:32

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Updated hours for Vilar Das Donas 9/9 to 30/9/2025

14:30 to 18:30

The church was closed during these hours today. A local directed us to the caretakers house and he opened the church and provided a lovely tour which is one of the highlights of our camino so far.

The caretaker lives in the white house with the red roof across from the cemetery. His name is Jesus and he is the most lovely man and a fantastic tour guide.

12. June 2025 - 18:13

All Caminos App User (not verified)

According to the sign posted at the church:

June 10 - September 30:
2 pm to 8 pm

Closed Mondays

Mass on the first Sunday of the month at 11 am.

5. September 2024 - 17:31

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The church is open from 2 PM to 6 PM. If you enjoy medieval architecture, an additional hour-long walk is definitely worth it.

16. January 2019 - 15:34

Camino de Sant…

The detour to Vilar De Donas is worth it if you plan on seeing the church and its inside. This requires you to reach out to one of the villagers. Opposite to the church and a little uphill lives a very friendly elderly man, who has the key to the church and is very happy to give you a tour. Be aware, he only speaks Spanish. I hardly speak any Spanish, but his excitement for the symbols in the architecture is contagious and thanks to communication by „foot and hand“ I understood a few things. Either way, it’s a nice trip and a special stamp to have. See link below for more information:
http://www.en.viviendoexperiencias.com/la-iglesia-de-vilar-de-donas/