Stage 20: Mansilla de las Mulas - León

Mansilla was a Roman settlement and city located on the banks of the Esla River. Pilgrims coming from the French Way and the Vadinian Way meet in this town.

Mansilla de las Mulas quickly became known for its cattle and horse markets in the 10th century, shortly after it was recovered from the Moors and repopulated.

If you decide to spend a day of rest in Mansilla, the best-preserved red Mozarabic monastery in Spain is nearby, about 10 km to the north.

It is believed that Alfonso III built the monastery for monks fleeing persecution, however, a plaque in Latin on the building suggests that monks built the monastery.

The French Way enters the city through the Castle Gate, while the route of the Roman Road enters through the eastern gate, the Arch of the Conception. The latter is the only entrance to the city that is preserved with an intact arch. Much of the original city walls are also intact, and offer great views if you walk along them.

The road leaves Mansilla and passes over a bridge that crosses the Elsa River. From there, it follows a dirt track that runs alongside the N-120 road.

The route runs along the N-120 to León. Today's hike is easy, with only a short climb and descent between the villages of Arcahueja and León.

As the day goes on, it will become evident that we are approaching another great city, the last one until Santiago. This city is León, and it is one of the most beautiful in Spain. In the next few days we will also pass through Ponferrada, another outstanding town on the Camino.

Although the pilgrims' road no longer enters directly into Arcahueja, there is still a marked trail leading to the village.

This road is only about 200 meters long. After passing through Valdefuente, you will come across an industrial area. From there, you have to pass underneath and go around the highway to finally reach Puente Castro, which is the last village on the route.

León is only 2 km from Puente Castro.