But this time, I will be writing about an end. Or the end rather. The end of the world.
I'll walk with you to the end of the world used to be a saying in our family. We have to come up with a new one, as we have already been there. How is that even possible, you may ask. That is a very good question, indeed. Spain has many things to offer, though.
Cape Finisterre (or Cabo Fisterra), as it is called, is a rock formation in Galicia. A rock formation with stunning views over the sea, might I add. In Roman times, it used to be believed to be the end of the world. Its name derives from Latin finis terrae, meaning the end of the earth.
What can you find there apart from breathtaking views?
A lighthouse, for a start. There is also a tiny hotel with just a few rooms and a tiny restaurant.
Not everyone knows that the Way of St James doesn't end in Santiago de Compostella. Yes, there is St. James' grave in Santiago. But many tourists keep going till they reach the ocean. On the way to Cape Finisterre you can still see the scallops marking the pilgrimage trail. On the rocks, just behind the lighthouse, there is a shoe (made of bronze? or something like that. I suck with naming materials), showing the point where pilgrimages end. To show the inner change caused by the pilgrimage, some pilgrims burn or throw into the ocean their clothes at that point (as a symbol of their past life) and change into new ones (as a symbol of their new life).
Ok, last few pictures. Take from a viewpoint just off the little village of Fisterra.
Wow, I didn't know that St James' Way didn't end in Santiago. My husband's uncle just finished the trek, but he "finished" it in Santiago. Now he wants to go to Israel to do the Jesus walk (or something like that).
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. I'm really impressed. I'm still wondering whether I'd have been able to do the trek. Most people in Santiago and there's nothing wrong about that :)
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