The best traffic-free bike rides around San Tirso De Abres

Mondoñedo Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, is one of Galicia's most important monuments, both for its historical and artistic value. Construction began in 1219 and was completed in the 14th century.

Mondoñedo Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, is an impressive cathedral located in the town of Mondoñedo, in Galicia, Spain. This cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, and its main construction took place between 1219 and 1243. The façade was remodeled in the 18th century, and the towers that give it its current appearance were added.

Buen Camino, always inspiring 🤙

A good way to find inspiration at the start of a cycle touring trip is to cycle unhurriedly following the universal yellow arrows of the Camino de Santiago. In Ribadeo begins the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route and it is also the entrance to Galicia of the Camino del Norte or Camino de la Costa from Asturias, in both ways it is known the Camino de Santiago that runs along the Cantabrian coast from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobean route leaves the Cantabrian coast and faces the first stage through the interior of Galicia, the landscape, the language and the cultural signs change but the faithful yellow arrows remain along with the inseparable Compostelan scallop shell along the Camiño Norte. The main purpose of including this variant in the trip is to connect with the Natural Route of San Rosendo and to discover the landscapes and villages that this ancient pilgrimage route travels between Mondoñedo and Foz. The connection point between the Camino de Santiago and the Natural Route is in Vilanova de Lourenzá, an ancient town of the Bridge from other times, when pilgrims sought asylum and protection in the hospitium of the Benedictine monastery of San Salvador. The meeting of the two routes is precisely at the medieval bridge over the Baos river, at the entrance to the town, and one could continue directly along the Natural Route of San Rosendo towards the coast, but the visit to the historic city of Mondoñedo is fundamental, former seat of courts, lordships and bishoprics, it has an old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site with arcades, cobbled streets and facades decorated with coats of arms and crests. The two routes coexist in the villages of the route until the Plaza de la Catedral de Mondoñedo, then you have to return along the same route and in Lourenzá undertake the descent towards the coast through the parishes of Casolga and Celeiro, in the mountains of the Masma river valley, the river collector that flows into the estuary of Foz. The landmarks of the Natural Route of San Rosendo pass through the basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, the ancient site of Mindumneto, refuge of the bishop of Braga, Sabarico, in the mid-9th century and seat of the diocese until the year 1112, it is the oldest preserved cathedral in Spain and the first raised in southern Europe, built in the 6th century. The signs of the Route continue through the forests that lead to the panoramic spot of the hermitage of Obispo Santo and finally descend to the coastal platform, connecting with the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route on the outskirts of Foz to finish the cycling stage by touring the coast of the Gulf of Masma to Cape Burela.

The two routes coexist in the villages on the way to the Mondoñedo Cathedral Square, then you have to return along the same route and in Lourenzá begin the descent towards the coast through the parishes of Casolga and Celeiro, in the mountains of the river valley. Masma, the river collector that flows into the Foz estuary. The milestones of the San Rosendo Natural Trail pass by the basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, the ancient place of Mindumneto, refuge of the bishop of Braga, Sabarico, in the mid-9th century and seat of the diocese until the year 1112, it is the cathedral oldest preserved in Spain and the first built in southern Europe, built in the 6th century. The signs of the Camino continue through the forests that lead to the panoramic spot of the Obispo Santo hermitage and finally go down to the coastal platform, connecting with the Natural Path of the Cantabrian Route on the outskirts of Foz to finish the cycling stage along the coast. from the Gulf of Masma to Cape Burela.

A very nice piece of trail on the Camino!

Quiet route with small lanes and gravel tracks on the Camino after Mondoñedo.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption of Mondoñedo is one of the episcopal sees of the diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol in Galicia. The temple, in the Romanesque style with later additions and reforms, also has contributions from the Baroque and Gothic styles. Although its construction dates back to the 13th century, the cathedral was not completed until the 14th century. Later, during the Middle Ages, a choir, the ambulatory and the sacristy were built, while the cloister with a square plan with semicircular arches and Doric columns dates from the 17th century.