A Fonsagrada Voyage Tips and guide

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A Fonsagrada is a village in Galicia, Spain. It has 1,100 inhabitants (2023) and lies on the Original Way of St. James (Camino Primitivo). Coming from Oviedo on the Camino Primitivo, A Fonsagrada has albergues (hostels), ATMs and grocery stores.

The "primitive way" to Santiago refers to a stretch between Oviedo and Palas de Rei. It enters Galicia through Fonsagrada, among whose landmarks is the "New Royal Hospital of Santiago de Montouto", a half-ruined building, which was used by pilgrims. This hospital has its origin in the "Old Royal Hospital of Santiago de Montouto", founded by Pedro I "The cruel". The hospital gives its name to a local mountain range, the "Serra do Hospital".

The bus company Autocares Her-Vei stops in the town coming from Lugo.

From Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña take a bus to Lugo and then a bus to A Fonsagrada.

It can be easily explored on foot.

A Fonsagrada and its villages have a particular tradition of celebrating carnival or Antroido. During these festivals the lights are turned off and torches are turned on (locally called "fachas" in Galician), after which the people leave for a pilgrimage.

The Feria de Septiembre ("September Fair") is one of the largest and most traditional livestock festivals in the province of Lugo.

The Feria del emigrantes ("Fair of Emigrants") is held in early or mid-August and has become more important than the Feria de Septiembre. It is celebrated as a reunion with those that left and never came back, but returned to the area for vacations.

The Day of Galicia, 25 July, is held next to the "New Royal Hospital of Santiago de Montouto" in the parish of Padrón. It is held in a chapel that was built for a procession in honour of St. James.

The biggest supermarket is Día. There are other small grocery stores.

• 43.1261-7.06821 Restaurante Cantábrico, Av. Galicia, 9, ☏ +34 982 34 01 35. Tu-Sa 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-23:00, Su 12:00-16:00. Menu of the day €16. (updated May 2025)
• 43.1289-7.06712 Pulpería Candal, Rúa Rois de la Peña, 21, ☏ +34 982 34 00 61. Tu-Sa 08:00-23:00, Su 10:00-23:00. Known for its octopus, a specialty of both the house and the area. (updated May 2025)

Pilgrims can sleep in all of the albergues.

• 43.1248-7.0681 Pórtico, Rúa Maior, 20, ☏ +34 630 34 72 24. One-star hotel. Twin room €60. (updated May 2025)
• 43.1256-7.06722 Cantábrico Fonsagrada, Rúa Ron, 5, ☏ +34 669 74 75 60. Albergue and pension. Albergue bed €10. (updated May 2025)

To Lugo in the direction of Santiago de Compostela.