Albergue de S. Pedro de Rates closes today

[Via Lusitana]

It is with regret that we inform all pilgrims that the Albergue de S. Pedro de Rates in the Portuguese Camino has closed.

After 7 years of exemplary effort and volunteer work, this that was the first albergue on the Camino Portugues, has closed its doors.

Let us pilgrims join in protest and demand explanation to the local entities that allowed such thing to happen.

We would like to thank all that have devoted their time as volunteers at this albergue over the years for giving us pilgrims the true spirit of the Camino!!

Helena Bernardo

 

[Via Lusitana]

More information: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Alberguederates

 

[sulu]

That is an awful shame. I suspect that many people did not give a donativo, it was certainly the impression I got when I was there. It was a most interesting albergue.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi Helena,
This is very bad news, and I wonder if you know anything about why it was closed. If Sulu's right, maybe there's a chance that imposing a charge would make it possible to re-open.

I don't know if you saw that government owned albergues turisticos have closed on the Via de la Plata, also, and I assume the causes are similar. camino-mozarabe-and-via-de-la-plata/topic12562.html

As always, thanks for all the work of the Via Lusitana -- I heard from a pilgrim who walked in January that you guys were out painting arrows again between Lisbon and Porto. You are tireless!

Bom caminho, Laurie

 

[Portia1]

Truly a shame as we stayed here and enjoyed this alberque. Wonderful showers and it was nice to have smaller sleeping rooms rather than a huge dorm. If someone were there to ensure contributions, it would probably help a lot. We left our money in the box but there was no way of knowing if anyone else did or did not. We also cleaned the kitchen which had been left rather dirty and messy. This was a very nice mid-way stop for tired, hot pilgrims who did not have the energy to make it to Barcelos. Please let us know how we can support making this alberque again available.