The Project
The aim of the project is to build a very special pilgrim hostel and healing & active meditation center unique to the Camino and maybe the world. Pilgrims can spend the night in a real castle on the way of Santiago adding a very special experience to their journey.
Guests in Private or VIP rooms can enjoy the spirit of the Camino while sharing time with pilgrims or other guests from all over the world. They can participate to the work in the castle or just reenergize themselves in this magical place.
They can also choose an active meditation while working and learning in the bio garden, or taking care of horses or other animals they choose. They can go for a hike in the beautiful mountains or learn and work medieval forging, coinage or stone carving. They will receive special advice suit to their needs to spend the most practical way they journey of recovery.
The Castle
Castillo de Sarracín is a castle-fortress located near the village of Vega de Valcarce in Spain, situated on the most ancient European pilgrimage route known as the way of Saint James.
The castle was built around the 9th Century and was used by the Knights Templars to protect the pilgrim routes. The castle has been used until the 16th century and has been abandoned ever since. It is situated on the top of a hill of the amazing landscape of the mountains of El Bizerzo.
The Camino
The way of Saint-James, or the “Camino”, is one of the most iconic Christian pilgrimages and has been so for nearly a thousand years. The traditional start of the route is in a small French village of Saint-Jean-Pied -de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees and it ends after 790 kilometres in Spain in the city of Santiago de Compostela where the tomb of Saint-James, Jesus' disciple is located.
Each year, three hundred thousand people from all over the world take up the challenge to cross this long distance mostly on foot, but also on horse-back or by bicycle. Old and young, religious and atheist, sportsman or adventurers choose to leave their home comfort and walk almost a month in the company of many other pilgrims.
Solidarity and human / Christian fraternity among the pilgrims is exceptional. The common goal, the pain and the joy, unites people and gives them the feeling of a strong community. Acquaintances built during the voyage turn often into strong ties and lasting friendships.
The Templars
The Templars were the most famous military order of the middle ages and the first international military organization known to be independent of sovereign states. Their courage in battle and their faith became legendary through the ages despite the fact that the order only existed for 200 years. (1119-1312)
The order consisted of warrior monks whose duties were to protect the Pilgrims in their voyage to Jerusalem and to Santiago. They are the ones who invented and instituted the banking system to make the long and dangerous journey safer.
Their mysticism and legends live on, and their chivalric code still inspires millions of people around the world. There are countless of Templar organizations worldwide who feel the need to keep the traditions and values of this legendary order.
Articles about the Project