Stage 33: Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela

O Pedrouzo, located in the parish of Arca, is the capital of the municipality of O Pino. In recent years, O Pedrouzo has established itself, in addition to Monte do Gozo, as the last stopping place for hikers before their eventual arrival in Santiago.

Monte de Gozo is the first place from which the Cathedral of Santiago can be seen. Tradition dictates that the first pilgrim in your group to reach the top of the mount is crowned "king of the pilgrimage" and recognized as such. However, the stage is not particularly picturesque towards the end, as the rural landscape begins to give way to the urban once you get closer to Santiago.

The Monastery of San Martin Pinario is also an option for visitors. This Benedictine monastery was built in the late 16th century and is the second largest in Spain. It is quite impressive in size and style, although it has undergone some renovations over the years. It is currently home to seminarians.

You can attend the pilgrim's mass at noon leaving early in the morning and after arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago. You can also follow the rest of the tradition by visiting the crypt, the relics of the Apostle, going up to the Camarín and embracing the Apostle. This is something pilgrims usually do at the end of their pilgrimage.

The most prepared pilgrims, eager to reach their final goal in Santiago, usually get through this stage fairly quickly. Others, sad to see their time on the Camino come to an end, may choose to take it easy on the leaf-covered paths.