레데실라 델 카미노 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

Rest area for pilgrims in Viloria de Rioja, the birthplace of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, with benches and tables, shade, and a drinking fountain.

Here in the fields you are welcomed in Castile: on a small hill with information boards and wonderful views

Large mapboard at side of the dusty path denoting the boundary between La Rioja and Castilla-León regions. The map shows almost the entire route of the camino in both directions, with major cities and towns marked. There is a smaller map to the side showing the way through the Burgos province.

This church in Viloria de Rioja is remarkable. Not only that Santo Domingo was baptized there, but above all the architectural styles that were probably mixed here through additions. Brickwork, half-timbering, castle-like, then house-like again, only one window seemingly randomly installed, a small side door, with a squat church tower, but mighty bells for such a building and a polygonal wooden roof at the end of the building. I was really amazed.

So many churches and each one is somehow different. Unbelievable.

On the Way of St. James, these huge signs were rather intimidating and humbling, as we realized how many kilometers there were still to the finish.

Saint John the Baptist (San JUAN BAUTISTA) is - like Saint Joseph - a man on the threshold of the Old and New Testaments. His parents are Zacharias and Elizabeth. After the announcement of the Incarnation of God through them, the Mother of God visits her relative Elizabeth, who will give birth to a son in her old age, namely John the Baptist. He is half a year older than Jesus and is considered his forerunner/pioneer. He lives in the desert, preaches repentance from sins to the Jewish population and baptizes them in the Jordan. Jesus also comes there to be baptized, and is filled with the Holy Spirit who descends upon him from heaven. The memorial day of San Juan Bautista in the calendar of saints is June 24th, exactly half a year before 'Christmas Eve'.

Castle with towers at the corners of the structure. The ancient Roman road that connected Italy to Spain passes through here. Information table on site.