A small church like so many in Galicia (the 4 provinces of northwestern Iberia). Not hard to get to…read moreon winding roads from Santiago de Compostela, through Bertamiráns. The sanctuary's construction was authorized in mid-19th century. It was erected to house the body of the Roman child martyr, Saint Minia. The body of the young saint arrived at the barroque church after a long journey which is documented. IN 1781 the body was found in St. Calixto cemetery (catacomb of St. Inés) near Cádiz in southern Spain. It was eventually given to Luis Tobío, from Brión, who in 1848 reached Galicia with the urn. The church itself is simple, but the pilgrimage or romaría (romería in Spanish) celebrated in late September (26 and 27) is now traditional. It is always an experience to be present in a rural Galician village when one of these events takes place. The people, events and spaces are still tied to the 19th century or even earlier and each has its own personality because of the local cult and the legends and traditions that have sprung up around it. The surrounding area of Brión has other views of the scenery and a few historical spots one might also want to visit. Try: http://www.galiciaguide.com/Brion.html http://www.turgalicia.es/sit/ficha_datos.asp?ctre=121&crec=4970&cidi=G&menu=6&subMenu_1=1 http://noyaymuros.com/turismo-rural-galicia/brion/brion-lugares-de-interes/gmx-niv71-con16.htm In Galicia there will always be a church nestled somewhere, an old noble's residence, ruins of towers or similar type of construction, to go along with the landscape. New highways may threaten some of the serenity once more plentiful, but for those not enamored of big cities, this is an area the offers explorers much to see, even after they've been several times. The same site, such as this church, will seem very different depending on whether one visits during the day, during mass, at night, or during the pilgrimage period. Once hooked by the small, out-of-the-way places, you will continue to return...

Yelp won't allow me not to rate and still post my comment so I'm giving my stars based on…read morehospitality and potential. I did not stay the night, though I'm thinking I may have missed out on a unique experience and some good food. Some of these photos I came upon their Facebook page. I felt they captured something spirited about the place and an important perspective to share. As we entered the monastery gate we met Gerald who offered us tea and showed us around the property. It was once a monastery, now a Refugio for Peregrinos and a few semi-permanent residents living a rustic communal lifestyle with a collective purpose of preserving this important historical monastery. There is a forge, workshop, and a church next to it. https://susanstar.pixieset.com/sanmartino/ I like what they've got going on here, but it's not for everyone. As one pilgrim put it, "It is relaxing here, but at the same one feels a bit on the outside." It was beyond my travel partners comfort zone so we headed on to Muxia from Coiumbra. It made for a 22mile day

One word of advice: Get there early! They open at 8, so be sure to start queueing by 7, at latest…read more You'll be glad you did! Not only will you meet fantastic Peregrinos from all over the globe, you'll also get the chance of scoring a free lunch at the Parador if you're one of the first ten in line. I got one! The people manning desks were friendly, but be ready to answer questions about your journey and provide your documents. They mean serious business! After all was said and done, we got our certificates (with our names in Latin), received our final sello on our credenciales, and took some fantastic pics. Oh yeah, they also sell certificate scrolls so you can bring them home safely. It was a Buen Camino!

After hiking 11 days I arrived in Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon and decided to avoid the…read morerush and get my Compostela (finisher certificate) when they opened the next morning. Located a block below the cathedral, at 730am there was already a long line outside. I waited about 45 min but after that it went pretty fast. You go downstairs past the courtyard pictured and pull your number. Highly recommend downloading the QR reader to monitor when your number is approaching. This allows you to leave and do something else vs waiting there. It took about 2 hours for my number so I had breakfast and explored the village. Watch out that the volunteer spells your name correctly. They often times Latinize it i.e. Michael = Miguel.