Vilalba
Camino del Norte
Vilalba is a major traffic hub that can feel like a shock after the quiet Galician countryside. Despite its size, there's little to see — the Iglesia de Santa María is the main stop.
The Torre de los Andrade is the most recognizable building — the last remaining tower of the Andrade family castle, now absorbed into the Parador hotel chain. The rest of the castle was destroyed during the Irmandiña revolts.
Services available throughout. Mind the arrows — the streets are usually packed with cars and trucks, and waymarks can be hard to spot.
The Festa dos Pepes is held on the 19th of March on the feast of San José. Market days are on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Torre de los Andrade survived (barely) the Irmandiña revolts of the 15th century — a peasant uprising across Galicia that targeted noble fortifications. Over 130 castles were destroyed as serfs and the emerging bourgeoisie rose against a nobility attempting to reassert feudal rights during a period of economic crisis. The nobles fled to Castile, returned with reinforcements, and took revenge on the Brotherhood's leaders — but few castles were ever rebuilt.
Mind the arrows through Vilalba. The streets here are usually jam packed with cars and trucks and they can be hard to see at times. The center of town is a jumble of roads heading in every direction. Eventually you will pick up on the natural flow of the streets and before long near the end of town. The camino winds its way around a few buildings and in the distance a Repsol gas station comes into view. Shortly before the Repsol station it leaves the road to the right. This is the end of Vilalba and it is gently rolling hills from here to San Xoan. Just before getting there you cross over the A-8 and return to the N-634.
Accommodation in Vilalba.
| Albergue de peregrinos de Vilalba 10€ 42 |
| Albergue Turístico Castelos 15€ 46 |
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| Albergue As Pedreiras 14€ 27 Booking.com |
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