So, continuing with the theme of the pilgrimage to Santiago, our journey now takes us to Cape Finisterre , the destination of those pilgrims who, after visiting the St James’ tomb, continued their way along the route marked out for them overhead by the Milky Way until they could go no further.

Finisterre was considered during the period of Classical Antiquity to be the end of the known world. In fact, its geographical location and impressive sunsets led Decimus Junius Brutus (the Roman general who conquered Galicia) to believe that this was indeed the place where the sun died at dusk. The area surrounding this headland has been considered a magical place since the earliest times, and legend has it that the Phoenicians set up an altar, the Ara Solis, at which they worshipped the sun. So why not take time to discover this corner of our coast, where the magic of the place will guide your footsteps.

When you arrive in the town of Fisterra (Finisterre) your first stop should be the harbour, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go on a sea so calm that you wouldn’t believe you were on the untamed Costa da Morte (Coast of Death). Lose yourselves in the labyrinth of streets of this fishing village and pop into one of the many bars where you can listen to the old sea-dogs telling their stories while you enjoy a plateful of razor clams or any of a variety of tasty local seafoods.

Suitably refreshed, you should continue westwards to the lighthouse, stopping on your way at the Romanesque chapel dedicated to Santa María das Areas, home to the much-worshipped figure of Christ, known as the Cristo da Barba Dourada (literally, ‘Christ with the Golden Beard’). According to legend, it was thrown overboard from a boat in difficulties and was washed up on the beach in the town. Don’t miss the chance to see for yourselves whether what they say is true: that the figure’s hair and nails actually grow…On your way to the end of the world, another magical spot is well worth a visit: the ruins of the chapel of San Guillerme, a place that is imbued with magical powers relating to fertility. In fact, until quite recently childless couples would come here in search of the miracle that would allow them to conceive the child they were unable to have.

Continuing your journey, you’ll probably come across a pilgrim or two slowly making their way along the road whilst they enjoy the view out over the Ría de Corcubión, with Monte Pindo in the background.

For your information...
- Find out more at www.concellofisterra.com

And when you finally reach the lighthouse, the majestic sight of the cliffs overhanging the Atlantic Ocean, the sea battering against them and the feeling that there is nothing between this remote corner of Europe and the New World but this enormous mass of water, will leave their mark on you. After all, it’s not every day you get to see the sun go down at World’s End.

Arriba
Help us improve!