The Pórtico da Gloria and Master Mateo
A close look at Master Mateo’s Pórtico da Gloria: its figures, medieval instruments, surviving color and ten-year restoration.
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THE ULTREYA TOURS JOURNAL
Camino History, Legends & Historic People
Meet the rulers, saints, builders and travelers who shaped the Camino, and examine the Roman roads, medieval institutions, legends and monuments found along its routes.
Alfonso IX, Sarria and Samos on the Medieval Camino
How Alfonso IX founded Vilanova de Sarria, promoted towns along the Camino and died at Sarria while traveling toward Santiago in 1230.
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Roland in Nájera: Ferragut and the Legends of Charlemagne
Discover why Nájera became the setting for Roland’s duel with Ferragut, and how the Camino carried Charlemagne legends far beyond the Chanson de Roland.
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Queen Urraca and Women Exercising Power Along the Camino
Meet Queen Urraca of León and Castile and other medieval women whose patronage, rule and religious authority shaped cities along the Camino.
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Santo Domingo de la Calzada: Engineer, Saint and the Chicken Miracle
The road builder behind Santo Domingo de la Calzada and the history of the famous pilgrim, gallows, rooster and hen legend.
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Hostal dos Reis Católicos: From Pilgrim Hospital to Parador
Explore the history of the great building on Praza do Obradoiro and its enduring connection to pilgrim hospitality.
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Music for the Way: From the Codex Calixtinus to Path of Miracles
An introduction to music connected with pilgrimage, Santiago, and the continuing imaginative life of the Camino.
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Astorga and Asturica Augusta: The Roman City Beneath the Camino
Explore Astorga’s Roman legacy, its role as a crossroads, its archaeology, and the monuments encountered by Camino Francés pilgrims.
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Santiago Matamoros: Understanding a Difficult Camino Image
A careful historical introduction to the martial image of Saint James and why it requires critical interpretation today.
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Santiago’s Medieval Wall and Seven Gates
Trace the vanished wall that once enclosed Santiago and discover how its gates still shape the old city.
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