We reached Sobrado dos Monxes in good time today, a walk of 25 km. We took a rest break a couple of times, at the places we found cafe-bars. As the internet here is being slow, there will be only one picture.
Point of information on the name of the town: the monastery here was founded in the tenth century as a pair of Benedictine monasteries. (One male and one female) About two centuries later, the Benedictine foundation apparently gone, the original donors' heirs offered the property to St. Bernard of Clairveaux for use as a Cistercian monastery. There were many ups and downs over the centuries and now there are about 20 Cistercian brothers living there. They welcome pilgrims in fulfillment of one of their long time customs.
The buildings were heavily damaged in the years after the Spanish kings confiscated all the male monasteries in Spain because not only were the brothers chased out, but the king's desire for funds led to sales of the properties seized. As a result the present church and cloister has needed much repair and almost of the previous furnishings remain.
Tomorrow we will walk to Arzua.
Ultreia.
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