After a short walk on a narrow, cobbled street, I arrived at the wonderful bridge for which Hospital de Órbigo was famous. Really, I had no understanding how magnificent it would be. The bridge had an amazing nineteen arches with the RÃo Órbigo flowing through only three. Similar to recent bridges, most of the span was over parkland. It was the width of a car but reserved for pedestrians only. The bridge itself was longer than many of the hamlets on the Camino… From Page 136, Camino De Santiago In 20 Days. Ever since I had seen a photo of the bridge before I left home, I couldn’t wait until the day I would arrive. I approached the bridge with great anticipation, and it was times such as these when I felt so fortunate.
Now, I’ll continue with my journey on the Camino de Santiago in Hospital de Órbigo, Castilla y León. Even if you don’t have my book, you can still enjoy this post, and learn more about walking the French Way or Camino Francés (map from Wikipedia Commons).
I left my last post, On The Camino de Santiago In Spain, Villar de Mazarife To Hospital de Órbigo, as I approached Hospital de Órbigo with the water tower in the distance.
After I passed the water tower, my eyes fixated on the church to the right.
Not only did the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Purification have three giant stork nests on its bell tower, there was one on the roof of the adjacent or adjoining building. I was impressed that there was a stork at each nest.
Approaching the bridge.
 This sign was next to the entrance to the…
amazing bridge at Hospital de Órbigo, La Puente del Passo Honroso.
If you’re walking the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, please don’t miss this incredible site. I don’t think my photo accurately represents what you’ll see.
I also wrote, “The only problem, at least for viewing, was the scaffolding for a major restoration was required on the sides while a large part of the surface was being rebuilt. Photos that didn’t show signs of the restoration proved difficult so I accepted the bridge as it was. Maintenance is a necessity for the longevity of these old bridges.”
The RÃo Órbigo.
 This was truly one of the highlights of my Camino.
Looking back.
The town of Hospital de Órbigo.
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.
Finally, I had to stop, and sat at the bench in front of this home. I wrote on page 137, “I had enough food for the day and didn’t stop until the far edge of the town. My heel was in considerable pain, so I took off the boot and sock to find the blister had completely split. I re-bandaged the blister and cursed myself for not fixing it earlier.”
I’ll leave this post here, at the sign pointing the way to Astorga. It was late in the day, but I still had over 15 kilometers left to walk. It proved to be a challenge, as I continued toward Astorga, hoping to get there before dark. Please join me on my next post, On The Camino de Santiago In Spain, Hospital de Orbigo To Astorga.
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About Randall St. Germain
Randall St. Germain, author of Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, is a middle-aged Canadian Boy who is passionate about nature, photography, hiking, music, and self-improvement. After the death of his mother, he chose to walk the famous pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, across the north of Spain, despite knowing little about it. He certainly didn’t plan to write a book until the latter days of his Camino. Similar to walking the Camino, writing and publishing a book was a learning experience. It was also very rewarding, and part of his ongoing journey. Please join him as he takes you along on his journey in Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, and on his blog Camino My Way.
Love your photos!
Thanks Gloria. Love you stopping by Camino My Way