The Way of St. James from Ponferrada to the destination in Santiago de Compostela, via Camino Francés III / III
Before I finish the Camino de Santiago in May 2026, I made a pilgrimage to Loyola, Spain as a day trip.
Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in the town of Loyola in Spain. During the Battle of Pamplona, his leg was shattered by a cannonball. From then on, he had to give up his adventurous and soldier's life. On his sickbed, he began to read about the lives of saints and the Bible. He found God and, living as a beggar, he journeyed from Spain all the way to Jerusalem.
He is the founder of the Society of Jesus and authored valuable writings and books on spiritual exercises. Pope Gregory XV canonized him in 1622.
For me, a special saint because he had to deal with a deep setback in life and, above all, health.
The place Loyola in Spain between San Sebastián and Bilbao
Panoramic view in town: Loyola
Distant view of the beautiful baroque basilica
View of the front of the basilica with the birthplace (museum)
Sculpture with the Stretcher of Ignatius of Loyola
Altar area with the tabernacle in the background.
Mary statue inside the church
View of the imposing and beautiful dome ceiling of the basilica
The rear part (exit) of the church, looking towards the organ.
Jesus statue in the side part of the basilica
Weekday masses, among others, are held in the chapel of the basilica. I was able to attend the eucharistic celebration starting at 11:00 AM. It's always nice to experience a Holy Mass in another country with a different language.
The painting behind the altar will be of the founder of the Jesuit Order – Ignatius of Loyola. The chapel was very cozy and quiet.
The musical fanfare for the final sprint from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela in May 2026 (200 km).
From Ponferrada (Spain) to the destination – Santiago de Compostela (200km).
The first Camino was in 2008 (started in Trier, Germany). Now my dream is coming true: entering Compostela – 18 years later!
Approximately 3,000 km were then run!
The first real milestone towards Ponferrada – only 198.5 km to go!
Vineyards at dawn around 7:00 AM -> It's spring ❤️ on the Camino de Santiago
Is this a sign? 😂
...beautiful, isn't it? My new favorite photo from the Camino de Santiago!
The Tor the Forgiveness
From here, sick pilgrims who can no longer continue the journey can receive the same indulgence as in Santiago de Compostela! It is in Villafranca del Bierzo and dates back to the 12th century. (By the way: The church was explained to me by a French companion (pilgrim) by chance 😉)
The madness! There's just so much in Christianity/Catholicism!
This is the Gate of Forgiveness inside the church (locked).
„Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with me.“ (Rev 3:20) [EU]
At the destination of your wishes, you will definitely miss one thing: Your journey to the goal.
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach