End of the World

Finis Terrae. Considered the most westerly part of Europe in Roman times, though in fact Cabo da Rocha in Portugal beats it by16.5 kms. A notorious headland on the Costa de la Muerte where so many ships have floundered, and a point where various cults worshipped the sun, it is 98 kms west of Santiago, and many pilgrims, unable to return to "normal life" after weeks en camino continue their walk to here! 

With some time on our hands before our flight home, we travelled by local bus to overnight at Fisterre (the fishing town's Galician name) and to enjoy the end of the sunshine we had been experiencing for the previous few days.

A steep road and path lead up to the elegant lighthouse and viewing point beyond, shrouded in atmospheric mist when we finally reached the hallowed places

The downward trek was so much easier, and we were in time for a wonderful pilgrim mass in the C12 church of Santa Maria dos Areas (Our Lady of the Sands), whose 3-day fiesta we had just missed.

A fitting end to an amazing experience. 

Next morning we were greeted with torrential rain, much needed in an exceptionally dry Galicia, and were happy to catch the busy bus back to Santiago for two more nights before our return home