Monasteries and Churches

[Polly Wanna Cracker]

I am interested in visiting monasteries and Iglesia/churches on my Camino Frances. I will be traveling from April 24-June 12. Does anyone have suggestions for more of the off the beaten path (first time walker so not too off) for me to visit. I do plan to detour to San Millan de la Cogolla to see Suso and Yuso monasteries. Yes, I realize they are off the beaten path. Thank you in advance.

 

[mspath]

I am interested in visiting monasteries and Iglesia/churches on my Camino Frances. I will be traveling from April 24-June 12. Does anyone have suggestions for more of the off the beaten path (first time walker so not too off) for me to visit. I do plan to detour to San Millan de la Cogolla to see Suso and Yuso monasteries. Yes, I realize they are off the beaten path. Thank you in advance.

Polly Wanna Cracker,
See this thread for much more re Mass and Monasteries along the Camino Frances.
Here is a list of CF monasteries, convents and chapter houses which host pilgrims; it was prepared in 2015 but is still quite valid. See also this thread with comments/ updates re the 2015 list.

Happy planning and Buen camino to you!

 

[timr]

@Polly Wanna Cracker Welcome to the Forum

I will just give you one personal favourite which is just a km or so from the path - you can see it from the path - the church at Eunate, before Obanos. It is roughly where the Aragonés route joins the Francés.
It is unusual and beautiful. Long ago there was a wonderful albergue there too but that is no longer in operation. I see today the church is quoted as 'closed' but I think that is for the winter.

This is an old post I found from when the albergue was still open.

Here is the 'official' website.

Buen Camino.

 

[MesaWalker]

The monastery at Samos is impressive in size and is a beautiful walk from the main CF. The mandatory tour we took in Fall 2021 was led by a remarkably uninformative brother within the small religious community there, but the architecture and history still made the trip worthwhile.

 

[AlwynWellington]

My suggestion does NOT meet your criteria of a short distance.

Monastery of San Miguel de Escalada at this link​

On leaving Mansilla de las Mulas, cross the river and turn right along the LE-5625. It is about 13 km (up to 3 hours). Built about 1142, practically complete and still in use for services.

Regrettably, I was unwell for a few days from Mansilla to Ponferada and chose not to divert. Next time I hope.