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Camino Frances 13 May 2024 - Rest day in Villafrance del Bierzo

 A Relaxing Rest Day in Villafranca Del Bierzo  

I spent the day resting.  Kim and Alison spent the day out so below is their day.

Alison:

Today was a rest day, and Louise decided to stay back at the hotel to recharge—sometimes a little downtime is exactly what you need. For the rest of us, it was a day of light sightseeing and exploring.  

Yesterday, after lunch, we made a quick stop at the Convento de San Nicolas. This beautiful Baroque-style convent is unfortunately closed to the public, but its exterior was still worth admiring.  

This morning, Kim and I headed out around 11:30 am to visit the Colegiata de Santa Maria. Sadly, it was closed—apparently, it’s Monday, and they’re working on the floors. But let me tell you a bit about it anyway. This historic church dates back to the 11th century but was significantly altered in 1784 after a fire, incorporating Baroque elements into its design. It’s a fascinating blend of styles, and even from the outside, you can sense its rich history.  

Right next to the church, we discovered the Parque de la Alameda, a charming botanical garden. We climbed a few steps and crossed the road to enter this serene space. The main feature? Stunning roses, meticulously placed between perfectly manicured hedges. We wandered through the maze-like paths, soaking in the beauty and tranquility.  

The markets are held here on Tuesdays, and we might catch a glimpse of them setting up when we leave tomorrow. After the gardens, we strolled down to the Rio Burbia, following the riverbank and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.  

By then, it was time to head back to the hotel to pick up Louise for lunch. We ventured through narrow, winding streets to Plaza Mayor, where we decided to try the *Menu del Día* at La Compostela. The rain started to fall, and in the cozy warmth of the restaurant, we completely forgot to walk around the corner to see Iglesia de San Nicolas la Real. (I do have a photo from yesterday, though!)


After a satisfying lunch, we made our way back to the hotel, escaping the rain for some well-earned rest. It’s been a day of gentle exploration, beautiful gardens, and quiet moments—a perfect way to recharge before continuing our journey.

Accommodation:  Hotel Las Donas Del Portazgo

Kim, Louise & Alison


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Location: 24500 Villafranca del Bierzo, León, Spain

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