Santo Domingo de la Calzada

About

Situated on the banks of the Oja River, Santo Domingo de la Calzada marked an important and arduous point for pilgrims along the French Route to Santiago de Compostela. Committed to making it easier for them to cross this difficult terrain, Dominic de la Calzada first built a bridge across the river Oja to facilitate passage, followed by a hospital and a hotel. He also began construction of the town’s Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which now serves as his final resting place. After his death, his followers maintained the village which later took his name, and continued his work. Today, a large number of the inhabitants of Santo Domingo de la Calzada still live within the partially walled old quarter. Its narrow network of medieval streets make for the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll as you explore the history of this quaint, but significant, Spanish town.