Church of Santa Lucia di Labacolla: at km. 759 of the journey)
A lovely Chapel of Santa Lucia, in the village of San Paio, belonging to the Parish of Labacolla, originally called 'Sabugueira'. This is probably the first parish church of Labacolla, before the current one was built. The cult is dedicated to Saint Lucia, whose feast is celebrated on May 1st, but the hamlet is dedicated to San Paio because the whole hamlet, in ancient times, was the monastery of 'Sanctus Pelagium of Circitellum'. San Pelagio - called Paio in Gallego - is a martyr of the 10th century of the Christian era, much venerated in Spain because he was an example of youthful virtue and purity, barbarously murdered and torn to pieces.
A ridiculous statue dominates the main altar, with the modern image of a saint dressed in nineteenth-century style...who knows why!
This is an evocative place because traditionally here the Pilgrims took off their sweaty, dirty and threadbare clothes, washed themselves completely and changed their clothes to arrive in Santiago with more dignity.
In this chapel during the months of pilgrimage, from March to November, the Guanellians offer the service of Confessions, also to remember the ancient rite of the 'Wash' which was carried out in this stop.