The Castle
Castillo de Sarracin
Castillo de Sarracin
Castillo de Sarracín is a castle-fortress located near the village of Vega de Valcarce in Spain, 160
km from Santiago de Compostela. The first structure was built probably by the invading Moors
around the VIII. Century, but it is very possible that there is an even older structure underneath.
Due to its highly strategic location, it was used by the Knights Templars for more than a hundred
years to protect the pilgrim routes. Interesting to note regarding its strength, that in the XV.
Century, during the Irmandiña rebellion it was the only castle who resisted the constant siege, while
the other surrounding castles (Corrullón, Balboa and Cornatel) fell to the enemy invasion. The
fortress was used by several noble families, until the XVI. Century and has been abandoned ever
since. The forsaken castle ruin was donated to the Town Hall of Vega de Valcarce in 1973 and it's
under the protection of the Spanish Cultural Heritage (Patrimonio).
Most recently, the village of Vega de Valcarce has obtained financial support from local authorities in order to finish the historical excavation, reinforce the structure of the castle and rebuild some of the walls. Due to its elevated location, most of the stones remained inside the structure and can be used to rebuild the original state of the Castle. We have discovered that the main part of the Castle was probably built by the Moors while they were invading Spain. However, some walls show signs of dating back to the earlier period of the Celtic era, which makes the Castle even more interesting and unique.
Castillo de Sarracin
The Camino
Everybody who have walked says the same thing: This is the best time I ever had in my life. When they arrive in Santiago de Compostela, after walking 800 km (500 miles): they don't want to go back home. Even those who has beautiful families waiting for them. They want to stay, and continue the Magic...
But why?
You struggle for more than a month, walking thought forests, mountains, cities and villages. It's raining, it can be very cold or extremely hot. The bag pack is heavy: and that is all your possession for a month. But during that time, you will know who you really are. The Camino gives you a mirror, of your true being! And that person is way more stronger, courageous and happy that you ever thought.
The true magic lies about living behind your comfort zone. If you go on a vacation it will always be you, just in a different environment. The Camino will give you something out of that comfort zone, and that point the magic will start.
Our ancestors knew the trick: The more time you spend in the nature, the more healing you get.
Walking helps you to find the right balance between past and present. You get centred an anchored in the Present after walking for several days or weeks. And when you reach that: synchronicities are happening. You enter into to a very different world and dimension. You will perceive signs, events around you, because you are no longer distracted by your thoughts.
And when you go home you will see your home with a very different eye. You will realize how comfortable is your bed, how amazing is your home. How beautiful are small things you haven't noticed before. You will feel gratefulness for very small thing surrounding you. And you will have that amazing strength and energy you never had before. It’s like a rebirth! Discovering a person who you always were...somewhere hidden in your dreams.
The Camino is a must do in a lifetime!