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Wise Pilgrim APPThe Monastery of Samos is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spain, its documented history reaching back to the 6th century. The complex is enormous: two cloisters (the Claustro Grande is one of the largest in Spain), a Baroque church, and monastic buildings that sprawl across the valley floor.
A community of Benedictine monks still lives here, and the monastery offers guided tours. The Claustro Grande has a 16th-century cloister with a cypress garden. The smaller Claustro de las Nereidas is older and more intimate. The church has Baroque frescoes and a fine organ.
A devastating fire in 1951 destroyed much of the monastery, and the restoration took decades. What you see today is partly original, partly rebuilt — but the scale and atmosphere remain impressive.
A couple of albergues and bars serve the village. The monastery itself offers accommodation. The setting — in a narrow green valley surrounded by chestnut forest — is beautiful.
Founded in the 6th century, Samos is one of the oldest continuously occupied monasteries in the Western world. It reached its peak of power and influence in the medieval period, controlling vast territories. The 1951 fire was catastrophic but the community survived. The Benedictine order continues to maintain the monastery.
Pass Foxos, and in Teiguín the camino splits again.It is possible to stay on the road all the way to Sarria, but the connection to Aguiada is recommended. Along the road to Sarria is 8.8km, via Aguiada 12.6km
