Santa María la Real de Nieva
Camino de Madrid
After the long, largely service-free stretch from Segovia, Santa Maria la Real de Nieva arrives like a reward. The town's centrepiece is the Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real de Nieva, and specifically its 14th-century Gothic cloister — which is outstanding. The sculpted capitals depicting scenes of medieval life have been compared to those at Moissac in France. Take your time here.
The town has bars and restaurants. Accommodation in the town itself has historically been limited — check ahead for current options. This is an important resupply point. The next major town with reliable services is Coca, about 22 km ahead, and you'll pass through several villages where bars may or may not be open.
Market day and local fiestas — check locally for current schedules.
The monastery was founded in 1399 by Queen Catherine of Lancaster, who gifted it to the Dominican order. The cloister is a masterwork of late Gothic sculpture — the capitals depict everything from hunting scenes to fantastical beasts to daily life in medieval Castile. It's one of the most significant historical monuments on the entire Camino de Madrid.
Leaving town past the bullring, you enter the Tierra de Pinares — the "land of pines" that will provide welcome shade for the next several stretches. The path follows sandy tracks through pine forest, a pleasant change from the open fields. The sand can be tiring underfoot, and after rain it creates "mud-cake" layers on your shoes, but it's easy terrain.
Accommodation in Santa María la Real de Nieva.
| Albergue de peregrinos Fuente Santa 7€ 6 |